Larry Burton. The Roseville Rocket - By Bobby Gerould - Rocklin, CA. July 4, 2007 - Larry Burton - one of the best racers to ever turn a wheel in Northern California, and Nevada passed away of cancer earlier this week at the age of 73. Burton won a Gold Cup, and five track championships at West Sacramento, CA's Capital Speedway. A born hustler, Burton had a quick-wit and an easy smile. You may have seen pictures of Burton representing the USA at races down under in Australia. He was among the first 'yanks' to make the trip during our winter months; traveling to the Sydney Showgrounds in January 1967. Burton also won a track title at Roseville, CA. in 1955. He was the Superior Racing Association champion in 1956, and the Auburn Speedway track champ in 1958.
# 86 Larry Burton. Roseville, CA. two wins. …I was lucky to see Larry Burton race when
I was a toddler sitting next to my Dad while he announced Capitol Speedway,
in West Sacramento, CA. Larry was nearing at the end of his fantastic career
when I entered the world in 1968. Certainly I don't remember much about
Burton's driving style. I only know that my Dad had a lot of respect for
his skill - and he must have been good because Burton won a Gold Cup, and
five track championships at the West Sacramento speed plant. I was there
in 1972 as Larry Burton won in a super modified on the dirt half-mile in
West Sac on September 24th. The race was the last Gold Cup to be run on
the half-mile track. I also saw Burton win on the quarter-mile on April
20, 1974. You may have seen pictures of Burton representing the USA at races
down under in Australia. He was among the first 'yanks' to make the trip
during our winter months; traveling to the Sydney Showgrounds in January
1967. Burton also won a track title at Roseville, CA. in 1955. He was the
Superior Racing Association champion in 1956, and the Auburn Speedway track
champ in 1958. …I also recall Burton being a race promoter in Roseville,
and Carson City, NV. My father worked Burton's Rose Classic 150 late-model
stock car race every spring at All-American Speedway. Post-race we would
gather at a pizza place run by a friend of Burton's. …The last I heard Larry
Burton was living in Carson City.
Larry Burton is the second guy going
left-to-right. He was known as the Roseville Rocket. (Scanned from the 40th
Gold Cup program)
The above picture is of Burton's super-modified
in Australia. Check out the cool website OldTimeSpeedway.com
for more!
