Eric Webster, a fixture as a crew member, racer and as part of management at the New London-Waterford Speedbowl for decades, is retiring from the facility.
Webster, who has served as race director at the facility in recent years, confirmed to RaceDayCT Sunday morning that he is stepping away from all roles at the track effective immediately.
“This is it,” Webster told RaceDayCT Sunday. “The sad thing is right now it feels like I just lifted a big burden off my shoulders, but I know it’s not that. I have so many fond memories of the place.”
The Speedbowl has been part of the 61-year old Webster’s life since birth. His late father Charlie raced at the track from 1951 to 1970 and sits seventh on the track’s all-time win list with 77 career victories.
Webster raced a Street Stock at Waterford from 1988 to 1996 before taking on an event management role at the track in 1997.
“It’s been a while for me there,” Webster said. “It’s been a long while.
“Last year I worked the first couple Wednesday night shows and I stepped away from that. And once we got past week two of not going it was easy. So that was kind of the catalyst for this. My wife has been with me in this whole run also. When you see a 23 event Saturday night schedule it’s like ‘Oh come on.’ But there’s no real rhyme or reason for my decision. No ill will toward anyone there. It’s just my time. I’m turning 62 in May and I’m getting ready to retire from my regular job too. So I’ve got to kind of chop the off one at a time. So that’s where I’m at in life I guess. Just trying to slow it down a little bit.”
Webster was hired as part of the track crew by former Speedbowl owner Terry Eames before the 1997 season. He spent many years overseeing the infield during events at the track before taking on the role as race director.
“In 1996 I had to have a back surgery, I had a little injury from work,” Webster said. “So I was all done. [Current Whelen Modified Tour crew chief] Ryan Stone, him and his buddy Pete came and bought all my equipment. That was it, I was out. Terry [Eames] called me that winter and said ‘You’ve got to come work for me.’ I was like ‘What do you mean?’ And that was it. I’ve been working there ever since. I had a lot of fun with Terry. Boy do I miss him. I had the pleasure of working with a whole bunch of good people over the years.”
Wishing you only the best in the future. You will definitely be missed by the competitors and patrons alike! Enjoy your retirement my friend
Good riddance!
I have worked with Webby since 2007 . Lots of good times. Good luck in and enjoy your retirement. Pace Car Dan
Seeing the mixed reaction to this news is kind of shocking.
While he might not have been the best race director, the amount of care and pride he had for the drivers won’t be matched.
Webby good luck !!! We met a time or 2 when my son raced the X car division!! What people don’t understand when you did your job it was not about being friends it was about being fair to everyone!! My opinion