Gardiner Leavitt

Competitor
CLASS OF 2017

While not a frequent winner, “The Geezer From Kezar” was everyone’s sentimental favorite. A popular driver with fans since he first began competing in 1951, Gardiner Leavitt called Beech Ridge Speedway his home track, where he racked up several wins including a 200 lapper.

He and his wife June later hit the road and took his familiar 1x car traveled throughout the northeast. Gardiner Leavitt competed full time on the old NASCAR North Late Model Tour for its entire existence from 1979-1985. He finished fourth in the 1979 championship standings. He also later competed on the ACT as well.

After retiring as a driver, he continued as a car owner, where the likes of Brad Leighton, Glenn Cusack and Steve Knowlton drove his 1x cars. He also visited victory lane at Seekonk Speedway in 1989 with Kelly Moore as his driver.

Leavitt has also been inducted into the Maine Motorsports Hall of Fame and the Beech Ridge Speedway Hall of Fame.

It wasn’t until health issues came about in 2017 that he finally stepped away from a lifelong dedication to short track racing. Gardiner Leavitt passed away peacefully on July 17, 2018 surrounded by his family. He was 83 years old.