The man who helped continue Earl Baltes’ and Tony Stewart’s vision for the Eldora track is no more. In 2022, Tony Stewart, the owner of Eldora Speedway, announced veteran motorsports executive Jerry Gappens Jr. as the new GM of the track. Gappens described it as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”. Two years and a Promoter of the Year award later, Stewart penned a heartfelt note as Gappens passed away on Tuesday at the age of 63.
Gappens arrived at Eldora in April 2022 having served at Indiana’s Gas City I-69 Speedway. At Eldora he replaced Roger Slack and more than justified his selection by Stewart.
“Jerry’s presence was immeasurable,” Tony Stewart heaps praises on Gappens for his contributions to Eldora.
Jerry Gappens, who came to Eldora with years of experience and grassroots racing knowledge, started his motorsports career in northern New Jersey for National Speed Sports News under its late founder Chris Economaki during the early 1980s. Later he would join Speedway Motorsports and spend the majority of his career there before a final run with Eldora.
Celebrating Gappens’ life and legacy in a press release shared by Eldora Speedway, Tony Stewart said, “Jerry came to Eldora with a wealth of experience and an equal amount of humility. No job was too big or too small. His attention to detail was impressive, and he made sure the fan experience at Eldora was exceptional, always finding ways to make improvements with each and every event he oversaw.”
The former SHR driver went on to share his thoughts and prayers for his family in these tough times. “With Jerry at the helm, Eldora Speedway was in great hands, and I’m confident track founders Earl and Berneice Baltes would agree. The Eldora community prays for Jerry’s wife, Cheryl, their children Denny, Wes, Allison and Brad, and their family. Jerry’s presence was immeasurable, and he is sorely missed by all of us.” The cause of his death has not been revealed as of yet.
