RICHMOND, Va. – Ed Partridge, a veteran NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour team owner and the co-owner of New York’s Riverhead Raceway, unexpectedly died Friday evening at the age of 68.
Partridge, the owner of the No. 6 modified Ryan Preece drove to victory in Friday’s NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour event at Richmond Raceway, suffered a medical emergency after leaving Richmond Raceway. He later passed away.
Last night we won the race.
— Ryan Preece (@RyanPreece_) September 11, 2021
Last night I lost one of my best friends and modified owner.
Rest in Peace Big Eddie. I’m going to miss you. pic.twitter.com/krzu1SkAX7
Partridge has been one of the most successful NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour team owners in recent memory. He captured the 2011 tour championship with driver Ron Silk before partnering with Preece beginning with the 2014 season.
Since then Preece and Partridge combined to win 14 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour races, which includes Friday’s race at Richmond Raceway. Partridge won the 2017 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour owner championship with Preece as his driver. Jimmy Blewett also drove for Partridge, winning five times on the tour from 2005 to ’09.
He purchased Riverhead Raceway in 2015 alongside his wife, Connie.
“We are saddened to learn of the passing of championship car owner and track owner Eddie Partridge,” NASCAR officials said in a statement. “Eddie’s passion for racing was felt not just throughout the modified community, but also throughout grassroots racing as a whole. He fielded teams for some of the best drivers in the sport, and truly loved seeing his cars run up front. After taking on the task of running Riverhead Raceway, he then also proudly fielded a venue for those drivers to showcase their talent. It is only fitting that Eddie’s last race was a victory. A fierce competitor who fought for the good in short track racing, he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and teammates at this time.”