Grandview Speedway, Bechtelsville, Pennsylvania, is mourning the passing of long-time race announcer and public-relations expert Ernie Saxton.

The track provided the following statement:

Saxton, who had retired from active announcing at Grandview following the 2013 race season and served as the track's public relations and marketing mainstay for more than 50 years from 1967 until his complete retirement in 2021, passed away on Sunday after a brief stay in the hospital last week.

Saxton worked at Grandview from the early years through the wildly exciting heyday decades of the '70s, '80s and '90s which included the track's involvement in the old Tri-Track Series, and into the current era of racing which includes the highly sophisticated technology of today.

Saxton was known for his unique style of announcing, which at times was very 'colorful', a style used to get the crowds going and keep them into the night's racing action.

He was also very well known for his marketing and public relations work, from which he formed his own company--Ernie Saxton Communications--serving not only Grandview but other clients as well.

Working at Grandview Speedway for more than 50 years, Saxton became a very close friend of track owners Bruce and Theresa Rogers and the entire Rogers Family, who continue to operate the speedway.

The entire Rogers Family and the staff of Grandview Speedway extend heartfelt condolences to Ernie's son Richard, his family and all friends of Ernie Saxton on his passing.

For more information, visit grandviewspeedway.com.

Image courtesy of Grandview Speedway