New Page (2010)

 

 

 


Support Our Troops

Between 1951 and 1959 Landy served as the President of Badger Midget Auto Racing Association. During that time Landy initiated many changes in his attempt to preserve and enhance the reputation of the oldest racing organization in the country. Landy loved Badger and what it stood for. He applied a common sense approach with a mix of honesty to conquer the challenges that he faced. Landy believed and proved that any differences could be over come, if the parties could just sit down and talk honestly. Here are a few of the changes implemented by Landy during his tenure as the President of Badger.

 

- Obtained insurance for the drivers paying $1,000.00 for medical bills or
$1,000.00 life insurance. Prior to that, collections were taken and or BMARA money was used to help those injured or who died.

- Implemented awarding trophies for the Point Standing Champion, later adding additional trophies for the top five positions and beyond. (In previous years champions were not awarded trophies).

- Divided the nightly purse to pay all drivers instead of only the top six, helping teams on a small budget race more often.

- Formed the "Tri-State Agreement" between Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin to increase the number of cars at each race. Prior to this agreement high fees, charged by various organizations, made it cost prohibitive for drivers to race in other states, so most remained in their home state. Car count increased dramatically after the agreement.

- Initiated a rule change to require two signatures for any check written by the board of BMARA, insuring the money was spent more wisely. When Landy took office in 1951 there was $58.00 in the BMARA account. When he left office there was over $5,000.00.

- Implemented a dress code to promote a more uniform and professional appearance of the drivers, crew, and staff.

- Increased the number of local tracks to reduce travel time and cost, with a five track weekly circuit (Sun Prairie, Slinger, Cedarburg, Hales Corners and Milwaukee). Prior to the five track weekly schedule, drivers had to drive thousands of miles a week if they wanted to compete as a full time race driver.

- Negotiated with track owners to pay a flat fee (purse), plus a percentage of the gate. Prior to this agreement, track owners only paid a percentage of the gate causing conflict on the actual number in attendance. This arrangement increased purses for drivers.

- Implement a new rule which prohibited a driver from driving in a race within 72 hours of flipping a race car, without a doctor's waiver. Landy was one of the first drivers affected by his own rule when he tried to drive after flipping at Solider Field without a wavier from a doctor (he didn't drive).

 

Burbank, California