Marietta is Lockard Memorial Champion

Marietta is a winner

September 5, 2010
By LARRY LINDHOLM For Sun-Times Media
MORRIS -- The 29th annual Bob Lockard Memorial at the Grundy County Speedway started later than expected on Saturday.
There were several pileups in preliminary races leading up to the Lockard Memorial.
Then when the Lockard got the go-ahead to take off, there were two wrecks during the opening laps of the 30-lap Memorial feature.
When all the racing had concluded, however, Mario Marietta from Clinton, Ind., was the winner of the checkered flag.
It was the first time that Marietta had ever run in the Lockard Memorial.
The 13-year racing veteran has been running in the UMARA for the last three years.
Marietta, who gained the lead on the final lap, is the current point leader.
"This was a special night," Marietta said moments after grabbing checkered flag. "I love this track and enjoy running my cars here."
Marietta has been around the sport for a long time.
And, he would have it no other way.
"I have been around the sport all my life," he said. "My father was an auto driver and loved this as much as I do.
"I'm happy to win this race. Bob Lockard was a special person and beloved by many."
The Bob Lockard Memorial, first run in 1981 at Joliet Memorial Stadium, is in memory to a man who loved auto racing.
He spent countless hours trying to help numerous auto drivers along the way.
Lockard was well known for driving his No. 69 midget cars to much success during a brilliant racing career.