ROCKFORD, Ill. – Ron Leek, best known as the owner of Wisconsin’s Byron Dragway, died July 10. He was 80 years old.

Leek got his start in motorsports when he was 29 years old. He became the general manager and publicity director for the track, which he eventually purchased in the late 1960s. He ran the track for more than 40 years before selling the facility in 2011 to B.J. Vangsness.

He sanctioned many major events at Byron Dragway, including hosting major bracket racing events and the World Power Wheelstanding Championship.

In addition to his role as track owner and promoter, was a popular announcer at many facilities and events across the United States.