When Roger Holdeman purchased Indiana’s Winchester Speedway in 1970, the 1/2-mile, high-banked oval was already world famous for its breathtaking speed and incomparable competition.

But in the years to follow, Holdeman took the hallowed grounds to another level while hosting 123 races between USAC’s Sprint, Midget and Stock Car divisions, many of which featured unique double and tripleheader formats along with cornerstone events such as the Rich Vogler Classic, Sammy Sessions Memorial, Border Wars and Oldtimers Week-end.

It was also a perfect match. Born and raised in Winchester, Roger graduated in 1957 from Winchester High School where he served as class president. As caretaker of Winchester Speedway, he oversaw a complete reconstruction of the grandstands, multiple repaves, the creation of a tunnel and new track lights.

In 1988, Roger married Linda, who had served as the promoter at Oswego Speedway. By 1989, the two were managing the track’s day-to-day duties and even constructed their new home outside turn one. A year later, Roger and Linda were named USAC’s Race Organizers of the Year for 1990.

Roger passed away at age 58 in 1996. Later that year, Linda was the recipient of the Diana Fell Gilmore Woman Behind the Scenes award.