Sadly Don Naman Has Passed

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family in this sad time. Don will be remembered by any one that called him friend. God Speed Don....

A nice article about Don from 4 years ago in the Knoxville News Sentinel. Focuses a good bit on his days at Smoky Mountain Raceway in Maryville, TN. R.I.P. Mr. Naman.

http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2007/jul/21/dirt-smoky-mountain/

From The Huntsville Times:

Don Naman, long-time Talladega Superspeedway executive, dies

Published: Monday, July 25, 2011, 7:12 PM Updated: Monday, July 25, 2011, 7:42 PM

By Mark McCarter, The Huntsville Times

TALLADEGA, Ala. -- Don Naman, an influential figure in the growth of Talladega Superspeedway, died Monday after an extended illness. He was 75. Namam was the first general manager at the speedway, in 1970, when it was still called Alabama International Motor Speedway. His PR skills and imagination helped gain attention for the speedway from fans and media alike. Naman later moved essentially across the hall after 18 years with the speedway to take over as director of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame on the Talladega Superspeedway grounds where he spent 12 years. Among the many honors Naman received, he was one of three men inaugurated in the first Hall of Honor of the Alabama Sports Writers Association, along with former Auburn sports information director and director of athletics David Housel and the late University of Alabama sports information director Charley Thornton. Naman was preceded in death by his wife, Joanne. Naman was born in Brooklyn, but when assigned to a military base near Knoxville, he decided to remain in the South, going to work at an East Tennessee speedway and beginning to work his way up the ladder in motorsports. Grant Lynch, Talladega Superspeedway general manager, issued a statement Monday evening. "Our thoughts and prayer are with the Naman family and friends as they mour the loss of Don. Don played a significant role in the growth of Talladega Superspeedway during his 18 years as general manager. "When Don transitioned to the executive director role at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and Museum, he poured his heart and soul into the facility. He was a wonderful man with a wealth of knowledge on all things racing. He will truly be missed."

Sorry to hear about Don, I had the pleasure of meeting him while shooting Talladega and pre race press conferences. He was a valuable asset to the sport that he loved and represented it well. Our hearts and prayers for the Naman family and all those associated with him and the speedway and HOF.

Another good one gone.A great man that never met a stranger a truegentleman. If anyone wants to read the newspaper obit it can be found in the Gadsden Alabama newspaper www.gadsdentimes.com on the header bar go to obits.

Now for Don as a race track guy he will never have a rain out, the stands will be full, and a always have a fullfield of cars. Rest in peace old friend.

Mike Ashley Rome GA