THOROLD, Ontario – Jeno Begolo, a popular Western New York-Southern Ontario stock car racing giant and pioneer, died March 23. He was 91 years old.
Begolo’s career spanned three decades, from 1951 to 1974, and he was especially popular with the kids since his cars carried the Bugs Bunny cartoon figure on the sides. He was Lancaster Speedway’s very first champion in 1959.
Begolo also earned Modified titles at Merrittville (’58 and ’68) and Canada’s Speedway Park in 1966. After he retired from racing at the end of the 1974 season, his son Jim and grandson Brent followed in his fast footsteps.
He operated Begolo’s Body Service Ltd. for more than 40 years.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley, and children Jim, Cindy and Barb.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 26 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the Haine Funeral Home & Chapel at 26 Ormond Street South, Thorold, Ontario. A funeral service will be held in the chapel on Wednesday, March 27 at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family.