Speedway GM takes final turn

Thursday, Jan. 30, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

Having spent most of his life around race cars and race car drivers, Ray Wilkings learned when the opportunity is there, you've got to make your move.

Wilkings made a sudden one Wednesday, tendering his resignation as Las Vegas Motor Speedway general manager.

The 43-year-old Wilkings was the No. 2 man in the LVMS chain of command, ranking just under track president Richie Clyne. A source said the pair clashed from time to time on speedway matters but Wilkings said he is parting on amicable terms.

"I'm just pursuing other interests in motor sports," Wilkings said. "I certainly love the project (LVMS). It's a great place to be and it's going to be something when they get everything up and running.

"I just need to move on. As they say, I'm citing personal reasons."

One of those reasons is to develop a new half-mile speedway in Irwindale, Calif., just outside of Los Angeles, that expects to break ground in April 1998. Wilkings said he also will be devoting more time to his family's Southern California concession business.

The company, Olympic Concessions of Los Angeles, supplies many major sporting arenas, including the Rose Bowl.

"I've got to spend some time doing that and in all fairness, I don't want to take that time at the expense of (LVMS)," he said.

Wilkings said Clyne was supportive of his decision. "He said he would support me if I stayed and support me if I didn't," Wilkings said.

Clyne could not be reached for comment regarding a replacement for Wilkings.

Although his sudden departure will leave LVMS in a temporary bind, Wilkings said it will be business as usual at the track.

"There's absolutely nothing stopping it," he said. "No one person is going to make it or break it. There's a good staff of people there and when it's all done, it's going to be the finest facility anywhere, no question.

"I learned an awful lot. Hopefully, everybody's happy with the job I did and I think they are."

Wilkings accepted the GM post last January. Prior to coming to Las Vegas, he operated Saugus Speedway in Santa Clarita, Calif., for 11 years.