Forum: Northern California Sprint Car (go)
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PRESS RELEASE, PLACERVILLE SPEEDWAY & THE FAMILY OF DAN RAMEY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, OCTOBER 19, 2008

MEDIA CONTACT: BILL SULLIVAN: [email protected]

Racing Community to unite this Saturday for Dan Ramey’s Celebration of Life

ELDORADO, CA – It was just over a month ago that the local racing community was stunned by the news that Dan Ramey Sr. of Cameron Park lost his life at just 52 years of age, suffering a massive heart attack while vacationing in Las Vegas, Nevada. Like they always do in times of need, the members of the auto racing community responded to the needs of Ramey’s family just days after the tragedy.

It was the collaboration of Placerville Speedway fans, drivers and the staff of John Padjen Motorsports that pulled together and raised several thousand dollars to assist with bringing Ramey back home and giving him a proper memorial service that he so rightfully deserves. Ramey was self employed and without extensive life insurance. The time has come for that memorial to take place.

On Saturday morning, October 25 the family and friends of Dan Ramey is requesting the attendance of those acquainted with him at a Celebration of Life ceremony at the El Dorado Community Hall located at

Dan Ramey was a person who nearly everyone could call a “true friend.” Not only did he contribute thousands of hours to the racing community through his business, DSR Graphics and Signs, Ramey was an advocate for community support when it came to the sport he loved in the town in which he lived. During the last decade Ramey worked closely with many drivers at the speedway as well as the track and it’s Director of Communications Bill Sullivan. Ramey was instrumental in supporting many public relations activities throughout the years and more importantly, he was a true friend to the community. Dan Ramey was known for his positive reflection of Placerville Speedway as well as his constructive criticism when it was appropriated, a trait was well respected.

“When you had a good idea or an idea that went well, Dan Ramey was always the first one to shake your hand or call you to share his enthusiasm,” said Sullivan. “And if you had a bad idea and you fell on your face, he would be the first to tell you that you screwed up; then he would help pick you up. Dan picked me up quite a few times through the years. I miss that support. He was one of my best friends, he was many people’s best friend and it’s still hard to believe he is gone. He was way too young to leave us like he did.”

Prior opening his sign business, Ramey was heavily involved with Placerville Speedway. In the late 1970’s and 80’s he was a competitor, driving a street stock for many years and even taking a hand at driving open wheel cars owned by legendry car owner Duke Foley. When he was forced to retire his helmet after injury, he pursued a dream of working in the racing industry and he made that dream reality with the birth of DSR Graphics and Signs that provided lettering to uncountable teams through the years.

Another dream that Ramey held close to his heart for much of his life was to visit Las Vegas. An avid card player and gambler who had his share of success in local card rooms, Ramey had never been to the city that never sleeps. Early in the racing season of 2008 he announced to many of his friends that he had saved enough money to take a real vacation, a trip to Las Vegas. Ramey talked about his planned vacation during the months prior to it, it was something he was truly excited about and looking forward to.

During his visit to Las Vegas, Ramey kept in touch with his closest friends and clients. After arriving to his hotel, he called his longtime friend and client John Taylor of Roseville to follow up on some business. Ramey’s last conversation with John will be one that will be long remembered as he stated that he “needed to find a sporting goods store because his room had an incredible view…it looked out on the pool.” Those few words sum up Dan Ramey really well, he was always keeping in touch with friends, taking care of business and having fun doing so. It was just one day after those words that Dan Ramey suffered a heart attack on the gaming floor and passed away. The one place that Dan Ramey dreamed of visiting became the surroundings of his final moments of life.

“I don’t like to say it because it doesn’t help those that you leave behind, but Dan Ramey died doing something he loved doing,” added Sullivan. “He loved playing cards and from what I know he was pretty damn good at it. Dan said farewell to life on earth at the place he dreamed of going. Now its time for those whom he left behind to say farewell with a Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 25 at 11 a.m. at the El Dorado Community Center, at 6139 Pleasant Valley Road, El Dorado, CA 95623. Following the memorial service that will remember Dan’s life will be a potluck reception at the community hall where friends and family can share their memories of the man that shared so much of his life to others.

The family of Dan Ramey is asking for participation in the potluck reception and any inquiries or questions can be addressed by contacting Dan Ramey Jr. at 530-774-6666 . In leu of flowers, rememberances can be sent to the Dan Ramey Memorial Fund at El Dorado Savings,