ASA Remembers ARTGO Creator John McKarns
McKarns Loses Battle With Cancer at Age 65
ASA PR Report
The American Speed Association passes along its condolences to the family of John McKarns. John passed away on Tuesday afternoon after a long illness.
McKarns was a well known promoter famed for created the popular ARTGO Challenge Series in the 70-90's. He was a major force behind the popular Oktoberfest Race Weekend at La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway.
Recently, he served as an advisor to the American Speed Association Midwest Tour.
"John will be truly missed in the racing industry," Dennis Huth, ASA President said. "He was a great promoter who knew how to put on a show for the fans. His ARTGO Challenge Series has become the blueprint of what many racing series use today for their shows."
"John has given me opportunities that I once dreamed of having," Kevin Ramsell, ASA Director of Public Relations said. "A few years ago, John asked me to assist with the advance promotion of Oktoberfest and from there we grew into a great friendship. From sharing e-mails, letters, phone calls, and working under his son Gregg at Rockford Speedway, I am very blessed that I got to know him, work for him and call him a friend. He will be missed greatly in the racing industry."
McKarns, John Russell, 65 of Tavares, Fl passed away on Tuesday, February 09, 2010 from complications of bladder cancer.
Mr. McKarns was born in Bryan, OH on November 29, 1944. He has lived in West Unity, OH; Evanston, Elmhurst and Libertyville, IL before retiring to Florida in 2001.
Mr. McKarns was predeceased by his parents, James Russell (Stubby) McKarns and Bernice Werder McKarns. Mr. McKarns was married to Susan Banks McKarns on July 27, 1968.
He is survived by his wife, Susan, and their two sons: Geoffrey Thomas McKarns (Jaclyn), Mundelein, IL and Greggrey Russell McKarns (Angela), Rockford, IL, his only brother, James Stephen McKarns, Los Altos, CA and three grandchildren: Gabrielle Marie, Alois Russell, Everly Betty. After graduating from Hilltop High School (class of 1962) in West Unity, Mr. McKarns attended Northwestern University (Evanston, IL) graduating with a mechanical engineering degree in 1967. He was employed with International Harvester, Inc. as a quality control engineer. In 1979 Mr. McKarns became interested in pursuing his hobby of auto racing as a full time endeavor. John and Sue were business partners in various auto racing promotions: ARTGO Racing Promotions, Inc., Short Track Auto Racing Services, Inc. (STARS), Midwest MotorSports Company and MotorSports Management Services, for the remainder of their 41 years of marriage.
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider donations to Rolling Hills Community Church (note: Garden of Prayer/McKarns) P.O. Box 250, Zellwood, FL 32798-0250; or the American Cancer Society, or the charity of their own choosing. Memorial services will be held on Friday, February 12, at 2:00 p.m. at Rolling Hills Community Church on Hwy. 441 just west of Zellwood Station. A reception to greet the family will follow the ceremony.
P.S. A "Memorial Moment" will be held during the Oktoberfest Race Weekend at LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway in Wisconsin at sunset during the Saturday night event.
