Around the Bend Column

By Steve Zautke
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Updated: June 8, 2007

From Tony Johns, racingpress.com
Everyone,
Earl Ma, a friend to many of you here and one of my longtime collaborators in motorsports journalism, passed away this morning after a long battle with cancer. Earl had just returned from a working trip to Indianapolis, where he saw his good friend Phil Giebler start his first Indy 500, when his condition rapidly deteriorated. The end was apparently very sudden but thankfully was relatively painless. I will be getting information on funeral services and so forth ASAP and will post details at RacingPress.com when I know more.
Godspeed, Earl.

I met Earl Ma the first time about five years ago at an American Auto Racing Writer and Broadcasters Association (AARWBA) breakfast in Indianapolis just before the “500.” Earl was a nice man, very knowledgeable and an expert on Jerry Unser and the Unser family. Earl was from Hawaii, was an architect by trade. Jerry Unser had served in the military in Hawaii and raced there in the 1950’s. Thus, Earl’s interest in Jerry. Earl was instrumental in getting Jerry in the Hawaiian Sports Hall of Fame. I saw Earl for the last time last month at Indy, he was in wheelchair but still had that gleam in his eyes. Earl lived life on his terms and was determined to visit Indy. To be honest, I knew his condition had deteriorated and was surprised to see him. However, Earl was a driven, hard worker and when he set out to do something, he did it. I was glad he was there. Earl passed away in his sleep, I’m glad he didn’t suffer. Cancer is a cruel disease. I recommend going to www.theunions.com and http://racingpress.com/gallery/v/earlma/ and seeing who Earl was and some of his work. -Steve Zautke

Remembering Earl Ma: Post Your Thoughts

Steve Zautke

Steve Zautke, a Milwaukee, WI native, was raised in the sport of auto racing. His father, Bill, was a movie photographer that shot racing footage at tracks such as the Milwaukee Mile and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the 1960’s and 1970’s Steve’s first professional job in racing was as an Emergency Medical Technician at tracks such as Angell Park and Hales Corners Speedway (1988-1991). Steve has also worked for the Milwaukee Mile as videographer, in media relations and historian (1993-2011). Steve also has worked as a reporter for Racing Information Systems (RIS) and has written features for ‘Vintage Oval Racing’ and ‘Victory Lane’ magazines. Most recently, Steve has written a book on Road America for Arcadia Publishing. ( http://www.amazon.com/Road-America-Nascar-Library-Collection/dp/1467111457 ) Steve co-hosts “Sparky’s Final Inspection” a motorsports-based radio show with hosts, Steve “Sparky” Fifer and “NASCAR Girl” Summer Santana on Sports Radio 1250AM in Milwaukee and is also available on the internet at www.Sportradio1250.com. A member of the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame Induction Committee, Steve follows all types of racing from the dirt tracks to Formula One.

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