2/2/2023
Owosso Speedway
Super Dave Kennedy Owosso Speedway’s Resident Historian
Anyone who has been to the Owosso Speedway over the last several decades has undoubtedly seen “Super” Dave Kennedy. The “Round Mound of Sound,” so nicknamed for his proficiency at burning CDs in the early 00s for Michigan Motorsport Hall of Fame Announcer Ed Inloes, has been a staple at the track for almost his entire life, and has become an ambassador for the history of the Speedway, as well as an integral part of the personality of the track today.
“Dave is a very big part of the Owosso Speedway,” said Hall of Fame Flagman Rusty Daggett, “I can’t imagine any Speedway having a better person to represent them.”
Dave is not only a second generation fan of the Speedway, he can thank the track for his literal existence, his parents meeting at the Speedway. He became a regular at the Speedway at a young age.
“One of my first memories was when Harry Foote Sr. went off of turn four into the parking lot and smashed a car,” Kennedy said, recalling his years as a race fan.
Kennedy turned his fandom into an official role at the Speedway eventually, in 2004 becoming the operator of the tracks scoreboard, and would assist previous announcers with driver information. Dave also spent some time on the microphone announcing occasional races and doing interviews in victory lane. In 2023 he will transition into the role of Track Historian, helping to pass on his vast knowledge and deep archives to the fans that visit the Speedway as it transitions into changes under the Wheeler family ownership.
“I think it’s nice how the track is getting a much needed facelift,” said Kennedy. “I think Rex will have it like it used to be, with more race cars, more competitive racing and more fans in the grandstands.”
“He always made sure to come to every pit during the day and say hi to the entire pit area,” Valley Truck Center Modifieds driver Dale Spencer said. “And he loves his race track Jello Shots.”
When asked on social media to share stories and thoughts of Dave Kennedy, there was an outpouring of love.
“He’s our go-to person often when we are talking trivia. He remembers everything!” wrote track official Elaine Crosby.
“Super Dave is an amazing race fan. I wish we had more Super Dave’s,” said championship winning car owner Ray Musser.
“He is an amazing friend and person. [He is] always in a great mood at the track” said photographer Garrett Smith.
“He was super kind to me when I filled in for Ed a few years back. He took me around the pits and was proud to introduce me to all the drivers. He was a lot of help!” said incoming track co-announcer Roger Williams.
“Super Dave has been a mainstay of the Owosso Speedway for years and years. I have always taken the time to go up in the tower to visit him whenever there. He is a great guy and one that I have the utmost respect for,” said Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club Vice President Dave DeHem.
“He would do his absolute best to recruit drivers from other tracks to come to Owosso and race. He just loves it so much he wanted others to come and fall in love with the place as well. And when myself and others did try it, he made sure to come say hi and welcome us to His Home,” said former racer Cam Hiltz.
“There’s two iconic things about Owosso Speedway George Harris and Super Dave Kennedy. You could win 10,000 features, but you’ll never be as famous to Owosso as those two,” said former Pure Stock Champion Kyle Callahan.
“Super Dave is a wonderful, kind soul that has been at owosso since my very first day. He loves to talk racing, share memories of his hero’s and always asks about what my boys latest ventures in racing are. We want Dave to pass down his knowledge of the speedway this year as Owosso’s historian. It’s a special gift and quality he has, and we’re enthusiastic to share it with everyone,” Said track General Manager Jeff Parish
Over the years Dave has been a great friend to me as well. I’ve known him most of my life growing up at Owosso. Even after years of not seeing each other because of my move to other tracks, we still always caught up like no time had passed.
Owosso Speedway is just not Owosso Speedway without Super Dave.
Article Credit: Chris Fobbe
Submitted By: Chris Fobbe
