A Tribute to "Ray Martin"

    For those of us who started coming to OCFS in the '70's, Ray Martin's was the first voice we heard.  In the minutes before the action began on the track, Ray would read the weekly race results from other tracks in the area.  He'd list the winners from places like Reading, Dorney Park, Flemington, Nazareth, Fonda, East Windsor, Accord, and others.

    Reading, Dorney Park, Flemington, East Windsor, Nazareth… they're gone now.

    In addition to his skill in public relations, Ray was the author of "The Hard Clay in Orange County - Fifty Years of Speed."  I remember him saying the book was available, for the low price of $10.00 under the main grandstand.  Unfortunately, I was too busy wasting my youth to have any interest in reading anything about the history of the speedway.  I was focused on the here and now, and who cared about history?

    Fast forward to 2001.  Now, I'm back at the track after a long absence, with a degree in… history, and wondering where I can get a copy of "The Hard Clay." At that time, the OCFS website had a message board, so I posted a request for a copy in any condition.  A month went by.  Finally, someone was willing to LEND me a copy.  I was to meet this individual at the "31st Lap" on practice night a week before the season started.  That was good enough for me, so off I went. My search led me to "Dr. Dirt," who graciously loaned me his copy.  We had a conversation that lasted seven hours (neither of us even saw the track that night - we just talked about racing, and the old days), and… well, it was an interesting conversation! Doc and I became very good friends, and I wouldn’t trade that friendship for anything.

    I finally returned the book - four years later.  Thanks, Doc!

    At Eastern States Weekend in 2006, I sat next to a gentleman named Bill. He was a fan from the old days, and the conversation turned to “The Hard Clay.” I told him I was still looking for a copy of Ray’s book, and that I’d pay $100.00 for it. He asked me to write down my address, which I did. Lo and Behold— later that week, the book arrived. I sent Bill a check.

    In 2007, a copy of the book sold on eBay for $186.00. This tells me two things. One, that the book is still in great demand. And why not? It’s a great slice of American Life. And Two, there are individuals other than myself who are deeply fascinated with the history of this tough old speedway.

    Ray Martin was a consummate professional.  His deep voice and his low-key style still ring in my ears.

    Thanks Ray, for all the memories.

Ray with Bobby Bottcher

Ray with Betty Gessner
Bob Perran Photo

Buzzie Reutimann interviews Ray ???

Clipping of Ray with Bob Malzahn

Ray and the Beautiful '73 Buick Convertible Pace Car

Some of the photos on this page were loaned to me by Paul Martin, Ray's son, during the 2002 Eastern States Weekend.  Paul and I talked for quite a while about Ray, and I learned a great deal about this extraordinary individual.

Thanks, Paul, for providing us with these great shots of...