06/12/2026
A Legacy That Lives On
Racing has always been more than a sport in our family, it's part of who we are.
My grandfather, Art Atkinson, was one of the pioneers of stock car racing in Southern California. As a driver, promoter, NASCAR official, and track operator, he dedicated his life to helping grow the sport we all love today. Art raced jalopies throughout Southern California, helped bring NASCAR to California, operated local race tracks, and spent decades helping drivers, teams, and fans enjoy the excitement of racing.
That passion for racing was passed down to the next generation through my uncles, Bob Atkinson and Mike Atkinson.
Bob proudly carried on the family tradition as a racer, representing the Atkinson name on tracks throughout Southern California and continuing the competitive spirit that my grandfather helped established with Irwindale Speedway (Speedway 605) and Orange Show Speedway.
Michael A dedicated more than 20 years to the sport as Race Director at Irwindale Speedway. He was respected throughout the racing community for his fairness, professionalism, and commitment to racers and fans alike. His impact on Southern California short-track racing will never be forgotten.
Today, as I watch my son Mikey continue our family's racing tradition, I'm reminded that we aren't just racing for trophies, we're carrying forward a legacy built by generations before us.
The Atkinson name has been part of Southern California racing for decades—from the dirt tracks and jalopies of the 1940s and 1950s, to NASCAR's growth on the West Coast, to local short tracks across the region, to Irwindale Speedway, Orange Show Speedway and now to the next generation.
Thank you, Grandpa Art, Uncle Bob, and Uncle Mike, for the foundation you built, the lessons you taught, and the passion you passed down.
Your legacy continues every time we roll onto the racetrack.
🏁❤️
