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Local racing icon Paniagua dies at 89
By Debbie Arrington - darrington@sacbee.com
Published 12:00 am PST Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C2
James "Penny" Paniagua, who gave NASCAR superstar Jeff Gordon his first taste of speed, died Saturday, a week after suffering a heart attack.
"He was at home, surrounded by all his family," said son Jimmy Paniagua of his father's passing.
James Paniagua, 89, introduced hundreds of youngsters – including a 4-year-old Gordon – to quarter-midget racing. An innovative designer and mechanic, he custom built more than 100 quarter-midget cars. Among his first models was one bought by John Bickford, Gordon's stepfather, for the racing prodigy.
Paniagua also was instrumental in the development of two local racetracks devoted to quarter-midget racing.
Almost 50 years ago, he and his children started racing at the dirt oval now known as Roy Hayer Memorial Speedway in their hometown of Rio Linda. In 1961, he helped the Hayer family rebuild that raceway, then called Crackerjack Track. Twenty years later, he co-founded the American Quarter Midget Association, which built the asphalt oval at the Prairie City recreational area.
"Racing dominated Penny's life," said Doug Wilson, vice president of the Capitol Quarter Midget Association. "Penny taught countless kids how to race, but most important, he taught many of us how to be great parents, grandparents and friends."
His wife of 65 years, Naomi, also has been in poor health. The couple have four children, all of whom have been active in the local auto racing community. Their grandson, Paul McMahan, is a veteran sprint-car racer in the World of Outlaws.
Coincidentally, Lillian Hayer – the widow of track founder and builder Roy Hayer – also died Saturday, at age 88. The two families were linked by marriage. The Paniaguas' daughter Janice was married to Travis Hayer, one of Roy and Lillian's sons.
Visitation for Paniagua will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Elk Grove Funeral Chapel, 9101 Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove. His memorial service is set for 11 a.m. Saturday at the United Methodist Church, 6th and M streets in Rio Linda.
About the writer:
- Call The Bee's Debbie Arrington, (916) 326-5514.
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