By Denny Adams
Public Address Announcer
The Ownership team, Management, Staff and Competitors alike of Anderson Speedway were stunned this week at the sudden passing of long-time owner of Anderson Speedway, John Hellis of Muncie, Indiana.
John, along with five others, purchased Sun Valley Speedway in a group known as “Trackside Associates” in the late 70’s. It was this group that transformed Sun Valley Speedway into Anderson Speedway and brought quality racing to the famed high banked quarter mile speedway. John had a love for racing and I was privileged to be asked to work for Trackside Associates as the announcer on the 4th of July show in 1980 when then announcer Dutch Hurst became ill.
I have had the honor to have many conversations with John, the most recent being at the Little 500 Hall of Fame Banquet in May. I admired him for his fairness, honesty and always letting us know where he stood. John Hellis was a good man, a racer at heart, a family man, a good husband and grandpa and someone that I personally will really miss seeing at the track.
Our sympathy goes to Pat, Vic and the entire Hellis Family. The calling and services are on Tuesday, July 5th at Meeks Mortuary in Muncie. God speed my Friend!
