Former Waterford Speedbowl Competitor |
Sadly, we received news today informing us that former Waterford Speedbowl competitor Ricky Taylor has passed-away. Obituary released by The Day is shown below. Our sincere condolences are offered to Ricky’s family & many friends on this somber occasion.
The following short glimpse of his career is culled from the Wednesday January 15, 2014 edition of Dave Dykes’ Racing Through Time at www.davedykesracingthroughtime.com “Here we have a classic Shany Lorenzent image (circa 1969), featuring Ricky Taylor, a standout competitor in the Speedbowl’s Daredevil division. Introduced in 1965 to shore-up a sagging car-count in a failing Bomber class, it was a slam-bang show with cars-aplenty. Even qualifying for the feature could be a supreme chore. Mostly populated by tri-five Chevys & Fords, they were essentially-stock vehicles with the only modifications made in the name of safety.
The popular Taylor won a boatload of features in the division’s rough n’ tumble early era. The owner of this ride was our friend Angie Cerease who later became the driver of the iconic L&M coupe, one of Waterford’s most fondly-recalled Modifieds.” (Shany Lorenzent Photo)
By Dave Dykes
Richard Warner "Ricky" Taylor |
 East Lyme - Richard "Ricky" Warner Taylor, 69, of Niantic died Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015, in Lawrence + Memorial Hospital.Mr. Taylor was born on Jan. 25, 1946, in New London, the son of the late Warner and Ann (Doucette) Taylor. He is predeceased by his wife, Sandra Taylor; and brother, Thomas Taylor. He was formerly employed by Gwenmore Marina in Mystic and Niantic Boat Valet. Ricky was a member of the Niantic American Legion and held many posts during his tenure. He was an avid sports fan, with particular interest in NASCAR. After many years of racing at area race tracks, Ricky loved to go to the Speedbowl to watch his son race and the whole Gada clan. His greatest joy was going to the sporting events of all of his grandchildren. Mr. Taylor is survived by his wife, Priscilla; sons Randy Taylor of Niantic, Todd Taylor (Alison) of Stonington and Chris Taylor (Jessica) of East Lyme; grandchildren Kristina, Kate, Kyle, Hannah, Sydney, Lydia and Leah Taylor and Trevor Batchelor. Stepchildren, Robin Patterson (Kent), Susan O'Brian (David), Letha Taylor and Jonathan Taylor. Calling hours will be held from 5 until 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23, 2015, in Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 13 Lake Ave., Niantic. A service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Monday in the funeral home. Please visit www.fultontherouxniantic.com for photos, tributes, directions and more service information. Published in The Day on Feb. 20, 2015 |