Seven-Time ASA Champion Mike Eddy, 72, Passes Away

Short-track racing legend Mike Eddy, 72, passed away on Thursday morning, May 29, his family confirmed on social media.

Eddy is best known as a seven-time champion on the American Speed Association (ASA) National Tour, an all-time record in the series. His 58 wins with the series place him second only to Bob Senneker, and no one holds more ASA championships than "The Polar Bear."

"This morning my dad took his final checkered flag," shared Mike's son, Travis, on Facebook. "You'll always be my best friend, thank you for teaching me everything I know about life. You're no longer suffering and I promise I'll see you again, dad."

The Michigan driver won several of short track racing's crown-jewel events during his impressive career. Eddy won the Winchester 400 in 1981 and 1983, making him one of just nine multi-time winners of the historic event. In that event alone, Eddy is credited with 1,859 laps led during his career.

Other marquee wins in his career include the 1981 Florida Governor's Cup, the 1985 World Crown 300 and the 1992 Redbud 400.

Eddy also won the Super Late Model championship at the 1977 World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway, with four wins in eight races that year. During the years when the Slinger Nationals consisted of a three-race mini-series each season, Eddy won two Nationals features and finished fourth in points in both 1983 and 1984.

The news of Eddy's passing started an outpouring of condolences and those sharing memories of Eddy's career. Mark Martin, a NASCAR Hall of Famer and fellow ASA champion, was among those who took to social media upon hearing the news.

"This is painful to hear," said Martin on X. "My thoughts are with his family right now. Mike Eddy RIP. The Polar Bear."

"The great, Mike Eddy has passed away," said Kenny Wallace on X. "I am shocked the Polar Bear is gone. My prayers to the family."

Eddy's career was marked not just by his incredible success but also by his impressive longevity. His first ASA victory came in 1974 at the Fairgrounds Motor Speedway in Louisville, Kentucky, the same year he won the first of his seven ASA championships. The last of his 58 wins came in 2004 at Berlin Raceway.

He earned his seven ASA championships in a span of nearly 20 years, with the first in 1974 and the last in 1992. The final one was one of the hardest-fought in series history, with Eddy securing the title by just two points over Johnny Benson, Jr.

Racing America offers its condolences to the Eddy family.

-Photo credit: Bobby Jones