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LEO CLEARY
PASSES
by Phil Smith |
 Longtime
Modified racing legend Leo Cleary passed away on
Tuesday, January 31 in Florida. A giant of a man and
veteran of 44 years of competition in the Northeast
was 88 years old.
In his six decades of racing Cleary garnered 14
track championships in various divisions of racing.
This man didn't drive a Modified, he man-handled it
and squeezed every ounce of power and bite he could
out of his race car. Leo Cleary had the knack to out
drive his race machine and will it to perform above
and beyond. An insurance adjuster by trade, Leo
worked five days a week. He raced with a purpose as
he put his children through college with his race
winnings.
Leo's smile was just as much a trademark as his
capabilities in the driver's seat. During the 60’s
he was a vital part of the competition that made up
the circle of champions that raced at Stafford on
Friday nights, Norwood Arena on Saturday nights and
at Thompson on Sundays with the likes of Bugsy
Stevens, Fats Caruso, Fred DeSarro, Eddie Flemke and
Gene Bergin to name a few.
Those of us who witnessed his talent behind the
wheel feel fortunate. He was also an outstanding
body man as his work showed on many of the cars in
which he drove. He was also an innovator. When Eddie
Flemke invented the split spring front end Cleary
did him one better and applied the same idea to the
rear suspension.
During his career he drove many top notch cars
including those of Bernie Barrows, Sonny Koszela,
Bob Garbarino, Joe Brady, Art Barry, Tom Dunn and
Rollie Linblad to name a few. Behind the wheel he
was as tough as nails. If anyone messed with the big
guy they paid the price.
Cleary won a Pro Stock division championship at
Seekonk (Mass.) Speedway in 1986 at the age of 58
and followed that up with a Mini Modified
championship at the track the next season.
Cleary retired to Florida in 1988 and continued to
compete in the Sunshine State until 1993, finally
retiring at the age of 63. While in Florida Cleary
had the good fortune to win the Florida lottery for
$50 grand.
Cleary was inducted into the New England Auto Racing
Hall of Fame in 1999, as part of the second
induction class for the organization. Throughout his
retirement he was seen regularly at Seekonk and at
Thompson and shared many a story with him. He will
be missed!.
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Source:
Phil
Smith
Posted:
February 2, 2017 |
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