Anderson Speedway Mounds Loss of Driver

Anderson Speedway, its fans and competitors lost a great friend and competitor Saturday evening when driver and Ed Martin Autogroup SuperTruck points’ leader, Bob Lemen, 58, succumbed to an apparent heart attack immediately after the feature race. Lemen had just completed the 40 lap Supertruck feature and had pulled off the track in turn two to exit to the pits when his truck slowly clipped the corner of the 88 truck that was in line to exit. Lemen’s truck continued in a slow circle, reentering the track on turn one and again exited in turn two toward the infield. Track officials believed Lemen was encountering brake trouble and was waiting for the other trucks to clear before exiting. On the third trip around, Lemon’s truck collided at a slow speed with the front of a push truck which had been stationed in the infield for the Winged Sprint race. Track emergency personnel were immediately on the scene and administered aid to Lemen. With the assistance of Anderson Fire Department personnel, Lemen was extracted from his vehicle and transported to the St Johns Emergency room where he was pronounced dead.

“This is a terrible loss, not only to the Speedway, but to his multitude of friends, including myself” said Speedway President, Rick Dawson, upon learning of Bob’s death. “Bob was a true Champion in every since of the word, both on and off the track. He died doing what he loved best. I was told that Bob had been complaining of tightness in his chest all week but did not want to go to the Doctor in fear he would tell him he couldn’t race. We are continuously reminded to heed the warning signs and too often we ignore them. However, I am a firm believer in when it is your time to go there isn’t anything you can do and I know Bob is in a much better place now.” Dawson continued, “Bob really wanted to win a championship. Winning a Championship means you end up with more points than anyone else at the end of the season. Bob’s season ended Saturday and he was leading the points which means to me he left this world as a Champion of Anderson Speedway.”

Funeral arrangements are pending at Goodwin’s Funeral Home in Frankfort, Indiana. Further information on arrangements will be posted when they become available.