4/11/2026
Ransomville Speedway
Ransomville Speedway to Induct Ed Ortiz into Ring of Honor May 22nd
RANSOMVILLE, NY (April 11, 2026) Ransomville Speedway is proud to announce that Ed Ortiz is the inaugural inductee into the Ring of Honor, celebrating a legendary career that helped define stock car racing in Western New York and beyond.
“When the decision was made to establish the Ring of Honor Wall, our version of a Wall of Fame, the process of selecting the inaugural inductee was approached with thoughtful consideration,” said General Manager Tana Robinson. “Ultimately, Ed Ortiz emerged as a clear and deserving choice. His lasting contributions to motorsports, and in particular to Ransomville Speedway, are both significant and enduring. We look forward to welcoming his family to the track on May 22 as we honor his legacy and recognize the profound impact he made on our racing community.”
Ed Ortiz’s racing legacy began in the 1950s. As president of the Ransomville Slowpokes, Ortiz and eight others formed the Slowpokes and helped establish the original Ransomville Speedway behind Ortiz Garage. With a career spanning over 25 years, Ed claimed 199 career victories at more than 30 tracks throughout the Northeast, Southern Ontario, and the Eastern Seaboard. He captured track championships at Merrittville, Ransomville, Canandaigua, Lancaster, and Rolling Wheels, and was crowned the NASCAR New York State Sportsman Champion in 1962.
Known for his versatility on both dirt and pavement, Ed also earned recognition from the Friends of Auto Racing (FOAR SCORE) Fan Club Hall of Fame in 1987, and the Northeast Dirt Modified Hall of Fame in 1999.
Even after retiring, Ed returned to racing at age 66 to capture his 200th career win at Ransomville Speedway, proving his enduring talent and passion for the sport.
Beyond racing, Ed served his country during the Korean Conflict and dedicated decades to his community through his family’s garage. Fans and fellow racers alike remember Ed as a genuinely kind and helpful man, with a love for gardening, snowmobiling, and life in Ransomville.
The Ransomville Speedway Ring of Honor induction of Ed Ortiz is a celebration of a true pioneer of racing in Ransomville.
The induction ceremony will take place on Friday May 22 on Bailey Brothers Landscaping and Auto Value Night. The evening will feature a full card of racing featuring the Krown Undercoating 358 Modifieds, Stirling Lubricants DIRTcar Sportsman, KiPo Chevrolet Street Stocks, Sunflowers of Sanborn Mini Stocks, and the J&D Tires Novice Sportsman. The night will end with the popular demolition derby.
Article Credit: Steven Petty
Submitted By: Steven Petty
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