Gene Angelillo

Car Owner
CLASS OF 2006

Gene Angelillo’s first win as a car owner came at Stafford Speedway in 1968. Racing sprint cars throughout the 1970’s, it was his driver Johnny Kay who convinced Angelillo to go midget racing in 1980. He was 45 years old at the time, which his wife Marylin suggested as the car number. His #45’s were affectionately called “Dumo’s Desire” in tribute to Gene’s father Domenic (knicknamed Dumo) who always wanted to, but was never was able to race midgets.

He would go on to become one of the most accomplished car owners in history. Angelillo won 14 Owner Championships with NEMA, 10 with Drew Fornoro as a driver (1983, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1996, 1998, 1999), 3 with Russ Stoehr (2000, 2001, 2002) and 2 with Joey Payne (2003, 2005). This included 6 straight (1998-2003) amongst all 3 drivers.

He was also the ARDC Owner Championship in 1984 with Nokie Fornoro as his driver.

He is credited with over 110 feature wins at tracks like Flemington Speedway, Pocono Raceway, Thompson Speedway, Waterford Speedbowl and Seekonk Speedway. Other wheelman who have piloted his cars include Ted Christopher, Russ Wood and Reggie Ruggiero.

Gene was also NEMA President for 7 seasons with his wife Marylin as the club secretary.

Gene Angelillo passed away on March 1, 2010. The following season, his daughter Laura Kibbe continued the #45 midget team operation, and with Russ Stoehr as their driver, they won another NEMA Championship.