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California Speedway

Pat Linn

March 17, 1956 - April 26, 2018

After a long courageous battle of Leukemia and the side effects that followed, Pat passed away peacefully in the comfort of his own home with his family by his side.

Kim VanderMeeden - I was notified this morning by Randi Linn and with her permission it is with a heavy heart to say that her dad, Pat, passed away peacefully in his sleep last night. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Now he can Rest In Peace without any pain. Love you Pat. Pat Linn

Steve Martin - Wow I no idea he was sick. I remember spending the week with Pat and Paul Orlandi in 1984, I didn't have A place to stay during the qualifiers in SoCal, Pat and Paul graciously let me stay with them needless to say it was some great memories. RIP 97.

Jason Bonsignore - sorry to hear this!

Shawn D. Eldredge - One of my favorite speedway legends and friend sad day for speedway family.

Nikki Bast - I am so sad.. Sammy will be really sad. Prayers to the family during this time.

Robin Noblett Kelly - A real character around Speedway! Always entertaining on and off the track. Prayers for his family. Rest in peace Pat.

Greg Howell - Godspeed Pat.

Dennis Robinson - Pat was a class act! When he raced Napa Speedway he always went out of he’s way thank everyone for trying to put on the best show . RIP Pat.

Jody Canfield Hicks - RIP Lover Boy #97

Rick Shafer - Very sad news for his family and our speedway family, Pat was a great guy and competitor! RIP Pat #97.

Ken Kelly - Pat was a favorite of Tom Peterich. Pat brought his riding talent and a considerable personality to speedway. Ian Ferris and I visited Pat a few years back at his karting track in Chico. Great host and a good time. RIP Pat and thanks for the speedway memories.

Diane Holt - RIP Lover boy.

Rocky Robinson - I remember Rooney announcing him as he entered the track, "and here's Loverboy, Pat Linn!" Fun guy to be around. Always made you smile...

Roondog Mike Rooney - Sorry to hear. Great guy, great family.

David Joiner - Sad to hear. A Speedway icon and a fun loving family man who spent a life time working hard and living life to it's fullest extent. RIP LOVERBOY

Yvonne Navarro Martell - RIP!! Praying for u and the Family!!!Love and Hugs.

Bart Bast - Damn, so sad. Such a great guy. I was just telling some stories about us traveling to Baylands together last weekend. That dude was nuts!

PJ Byrne - One of my favorite riders growing up.

Gary Roberts - I am saddened by the news. My condolences to his family. Pat was one of the kindest and most fun people I have known. Who else would think of, and get away with smuggling a stripper into a hospital room, to perform for a dying friend?

Duane Yarrow - One of the good guys. A very sad day. RIP Pat.

Linda Hedden - So sad. Pat will always be remembered and be our hearts. He was always so much fun to be around at the races and will be missed very much. You will be in our hearts always. RIP Pat. We love you.

Jonathan Curry - Deepest condolences to the Lynn family. Loverboy you will be missed.

Mitch Martinez - RIP. Damn Pat was entertaining! I remember when he snapped the axle on that four cylinder monster in Vallejo. I’m pretty sure we were collecting cash to pay for his ambulance ride that night.

Pat Linn

Pat Linn
1999 Pat Linn - Joi McNeil Photo

Pat Linn


Nickname: "Lover Boy"
Rider Number: 97
Hometown: Auburn, California
Place of Birth:
Date of Birth: March 17, 1956
Occupation:Heavy Equipment Operator
Marital Status:
Children: Ray
Relatives in Speedway: Junior Speedway Rider Ray Linn
E-mail:
Web Site or Facebook Page:
Date Started Speedway:1978-1986 1994-1999
Reason to Race Speedway:
Goals or Ambitions for Speedway:
Photos by: Gary Roberts at the 1997 American Final, 2 more photos from Fast Fridays of Pat can be seen at: Fast Fridays Photos.

Note: I was fortunate to run into Pat Linn in the pits after the races in 1999. Pat confirmed that he has retired from Speedway. Pat's career started in 1978 and stopped in 1986 only to start again in 1994. Pat told me he was riding Speedway so long ago, it was in the days when it was possible to make a living from it! He rode 5 nights a week in both Northern and Southern California. He took credit for being the first Northern California based rider to win a main event in Southern California, when he won the Handicap Main at San Bernardino in 1985, collecting over $750 in prize money. Pat's many fans will miss his long hair trailing in the breeze behind him. A great rider and a really nice guy. Gary Roberts

Editors Note: I think that the best race Pat won was the 4th of July Championship in 1986. Racing against the best of Northern California this was a great championship event. The crowd was going crazy as Pat kept winning his heats in every round. A great night of racing! RC Jones

Bike: Godden and Jawa

Tracks Ridden:
USA: Bakersfield Speedway - Cycleland Speedway, Chico - Costa Mesa - Dixon - Fast Friday Speedway, Auburn - Victorville Speedway - Solano County Fairgrounds, Sports Arena, Vallejo - Cal Expo Sacramento, Ventura - Napa - Fremont

Achievements:
1999 - Fast Fridays Events May 7, May 21, May 28, Jun 4, Jun 11, Jun 18, Jun 25, Jul 2, Aug 6
1999 - Cal Expo Events May 15, May 22, Jun 12, Jun 19, Jun 26
1999 - Cycleland, Chico May 8, May 29
1998 - Fast Fridays Events May 15, 1998, May 22, 1998, Jun , 19985, Jun 12, 1998, Jun 19, 1998, Jun 26, 1998, Jul 3, 1998, Jul 10, 1998, Jul 17, 1998, Jul 24, 1998, Jul 31, 1998, Aug 7, 1998, Aug 14, 1998, Aug 28, 1998, Sep 4, 1998, Sep 25, 1998
1998 - Cal Expo Events Jun 20, Jun 27, Jul 11, Jul 18, Jul 25
1998 - Cycleland, Chico Oct 16
1998 - Red Bluff Event Jul 16
1997 - Costa Mesa Events Mar 22, 1997, Jun 14
1997 - Dixon Events Jul 26, Aug 2
1997 - Fast Fridays Events May 16, 1997, Jun 6, 1997, Jun 20, 1997, Jul 4, 1997, Jul 11, 1997, Jul 25, 1997, Aug 15, 1997, Aug 22, 1997, Aug 29, 1997
1996 - American Final - Fast Fridays May 18
1996 - California State Championship - Fast Fridays Sep 20
1996 - US National Speedway Championship - Costa Mesa Sep 28
1986 - 1st Place July 4th Championship at Auburn
1985 - 1st Place Handicap Main at San Bernardino

Pat Linn

SPONSORS

California Speedway

Recycle Autoglass
Mag Nuts
Carl Spotts Company of Auburn

Manuel Bros. In. Underground Fibre Optics

JKB Enterprises of Rescue, CA
Jack and Margaret Price
Peterich Cycle
Auburn Tattoo Company
Arai Helmets
Toy Racing
Frank Crane

 

 

In Memory
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