Legendary Motorsports And Hockey Journalist, Racing Promoter Russ Conway Dies

Russ Conway, one of the cornerstones of Northeast short track racing journalism and promotions for decades has passed away. 

Conway, the former executive sports editor of the Lawrence (Mass.) Eagle-Tribune, was 70 years old. Conway’s death was reported by the Eagle-Tribune, which confirmed that through his longtime friend and attorney Peter Caruso. 

Conway was known across the tracks of the Northeast as not only a journalist but also as race promoter and a one-time investor in Star Speedway in Epping, N.H. and Lee USA Speedway in Lee, N.H.

Conway had a deep affection for the Super Modifieds and he became well known as a promoter of Super Modified racing. He helped form the New England Super Modified Racing Assocation in 1965 along with Ken Smith and Charlie Elliott. 

The organization promoted events for the next 20 years up and down the East Coast. 

Conway was also part of the group that promoted NASCAR’s top stars in barnstorming events across tracks up and down the East Coast. When Dale Earnhardt Sr. competed at Stafford Speedway in 1985 it was part of Conway produced promotion.

Conway was inducted into the NEAR New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 2006. 

Conway was a fixture for decades at tracks throughout New England until his passing. He was in the pits last Wednesday at Thompson Speedway for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Budweiser King of Beers 150. 

Conway was considered a legend in the realm of hockey journalism and was awarded the Elmer Ferguson Memorial Award for Journalists in the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1999. 

Conway’s investigative journalism efforts beginning in the early 1990’s helped to bring down Alan Eagleson, the former corrupt leader of the National Hockey League Players’ Association. Conway’s stories led to an FBI investigation that ultimately brought 34 counts of fraud, racketeering and embezzlement against Eagleson. Conway was finalist for a 1992 Pulitzer Prize for the work. 

Along with racing, Conway remained deeply involved in hockey until his death. Conway helped to organize an event to honor former Bruins great Rick Middleton in Hampton, N.H. in late July. Middleton and Conway were both residents of Hampton, N.H.