Toledo Speedway

(FLAT ROCK, Mich. - December 23, 2010) - Flat Rock Speedway and Toledo Speedway wish condolences to the family of Paul Zimmerman, longtime owner and promoter of Spartan Speedway in Lansing, Mich. and Springport Speedway in Springport, Mich. Zimmerman died at his home at the age of 86 on Monday, December 20.

"Poor Paul" was a long time Michigan Speedway Promoters Association member. His bio from the Michigan Motorsports Hall of Fame website is below:

Paul Zimmerman was born in Jackson on May 11, 1924, and resided there until he was 11. He then moved with his family to Aurelius in 1935. He worked on his father's farm after graduating from Mason High School. He also worked numerous second jobs during that period. He took over the farm in 1951 due the untimely death of his father. He added a job at a service station in 1960, but when the owner of the service station died, Paul sold the cows and bought the station.

Paul does all of the maintenance himself. Even at the age of 78, he still mows the grass with the seven Ford Tractors he owns. They represent the farming background that hasn't left Paul. He learned hard work as a farmer, and still maintains the pace today. Some of his friends call him the energizer bunny.

Paul has brought in many traveling groups including USAC, ARCA, AMRA, DARE, Tri-SAC, MARA, IMCA, ICAR, SOD, the Iceman Series, MMA, and NAMARS. He has had many national stars racing at his track including Bobby and Davey Allison, Michael Waltrip, Jeff Finley, and Tim Fedewa.. The 2002 schedule include a visit by Kyle Petty.

Paul was instrumental in the IMCA style modifieds coming to Michigan in 1985, and along with Mike Creed and Owosso Speedway helped form the Michigan Modified Association.

Paul was the 1985 Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club "Promoter of the Year" in 1985, was the regional "RPM Promoter of the Year" in 1996, was the 1997 Michigan Speedway Promoters Ass'n (MSPA) "Promoter of the Year", received an IMCA appreciation award in 1988 and has served on the board of directors of the MSPA and Michigan Modified Ass'n.

Over the years Paul has held many charitable fund raisers for the local charities, such as American Cancer Society, the Special Olympics and collections for special needs for local residents (children with medical needs and injured drivers).

Visitation has been scheduled for Tuesday, December 28 from 5-8 p.m. at the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home (621 S. Jefferson, Mason MI 48854 - (517) 676-2447). Services will be Wednesday, December 29 at the Aurelius Baptist Church in Aurelius, Mich. Visitation is from 10-11 a.m., with the funeral service at 11 a.m.