Back in 2019, I prepared for my annual RV trip from Mesa, AZ to ISW. The plan that year was to arrive at Gas City on Tuesday and set up the RV, then do a quick round trip with a friend by car, to Eldora for the Wednesday make-up date for the USAC/WoO race. After getting everything set up at Gas City, a car pulled up across from us and a gentleman got out and walked over to us. I fully expected it would a track employee who would tell us that we couldn't set up shop on Tuesday for a Thursday race. Instead, he introduced himself as Jerry Gappens, the promoter, and welcomed us to Gas City. He also presented me with a beautiful 60" X 34" I-69 Gas City Speedway flag, in recognition of us being the first RV there. He took a photo of us holding up the flag, which he later posted on Facebook, and later on returned with a speedway t-shirt for my friend. Over the next couple of day, he stopped by a few more times to see how we were doing, and to share racing stories.

That was one of the highlights of ISW for me that year, and I will not forget it. I was saddened to read about his passing yesterday. Until I read the obituary on Eldora's site yesterday, I had no idea of his illustrious career in motorsports over the years. My condolences to Jerry's family, co-workers and friends on their loss.