Rockford Speedway Family Mourns Loss of Stan Burdick

By Eric Huenefeld, ROCKFORD SPEEDWAY

 Stan Burdick, one of the most recognizable figures ever at Rockford Speedway, passed away on Dec. 20 in his home at the age of 90. Burdick was honored in a special ceremony last April in Rockford.

Stan Burdick was inducted, as part of the fourth class of honorees, into the Illinois Stock Car Hall of Fame, Saturday, April 11 at Hoffman House /Holiday Inn on East State Street in Rockford. Burdick’s face has been a familiar one to every fan who has ever visited Rockford Speedway. During his tenure, which spans all 68 years the track has operated, Burdick has served as a race official and infield marshal. For several years, Burdick was the one to light the aerial bomb that started every race program, and was also in charge of the Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza at the track for several years.

Jim Ambruoso, Photo – www.myfinishlinephotos.com
Stan Burdick (center) was inducted into the Illinois Stock Car Hall of Fame on April 11. Also, shown in this file photo, John Fisher and Paul McKann.

Known for his pleasant personality and his blue-and-white 1955 Chevrolet pickup, Burdick has been easily one of the most recognizable personalities in the history of Rockford Speedway.

The Hall of Fame festivities began that Saturday afternoon with a reception at the Hall of Fame, which is located inside Historic Auto Attractions in Roscoe. This followed the Induction Ceremony and Hall of Fame Reception at Hoffman House.