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"SALUTE TO GEORGE AYERS"
Tonight we honor Chief Starter George Ayers on his retirement
from Saugus Speedway after twenty years of waving the flags.
George was a driver during 1960-61 and after the'61 season
promoter Tony Coldewey sent out a questionaire to all the drivers.
One of the questions asked was .... What would you like to be if you
were not driving a race car? George answered, "I think I'd like
to be a starter." A few weeks later, Tony phoned him and said,
"You're it, you are our new starter!" He served his apprenticeship
under Bob Pollard, then the chief starter and the years since have
proven that George was a wise choice. He has been on the other end
of waving flags at Riverside International Raceway, Ascot Park,
Orange Show Speedway, Craig Road Speedway, and Corona in addition
to his long tenure here at Saugus Speedway.
George handled the flags in a most-conscientious style and with
authority. Safety of the participants was his number one priority!
Being a starter is not an easy! It's similar to being an umpire in
a baseball game .... every decision made only satisfies part of the
fans leaving many to challenge your actions, and besides, in base-
ball the umpire wears a mask!
So, with the wave of the checkered flag to a real winner we say
adieu, George. May you always run with the green flag waving bright,
with never a yellow er red in sight. From all of us at Saugus, a
big thank you for a job well done!
"Lyn"
GEORGE AYERS WAVING ONE OF THE MANY CHECKERED FLAGS HE HANDLED DURING
LONG STINT AT SAUGUS SPEEDWAY. THIS ONE WAS FOR "ROAREN OREN" PR OSSER.