WEST, Texas—Former Heart O’ Texas Speedway owner/promoter Gene Adamcik passed away Friday, Jan. 22.

Adamcik and Richard Rogers acquired the facility located in Elm Mott, Texas, in 1981, and continued to be involved in the day-to-day activities at the 1/3-mile clay oval after selling the track in 2013.

The track has hosted four USMTS events since 2011, while three other scheduled events have been canceled by inclement weather.

Rodney Sanders claimed the win last June when the USMTS last invaded the Heart O' Texas Speedway. Prior to that, checkered flags have waved for Johnny Scott, Mike Sorensen and Ryan Gustin. Mother Nature has claimed three shows at the wicked oval outside of Waco.

The series retrurns to the Heart O' Texas Speedway Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 18-20, for the 7th Annual Day Motor Sports Texas Spring Nationals.

Obituary

Eugene "Gene" Henry Adamcik, age 68, of Waco, passed away Friday, January 22, 2016 in Waco. A rosary will be recited 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel, with visitation to follow until 8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery.

Gene was born Dec. 16, 1947 in Waco, the son of Frank J. and Mary Ann (Hlavaty) Adamcik. He was a 1966 graduate of West High School, a 1968 graduate of the first class at McLennan Community College and a 1970 Baylor University graduate with a degree in business management. Gene married Mary Catherine Plsek on Aug. 9, 1969 in West. The couple moved to Dallas where Gene began his career as a district sales manager for Pepperidge Farm, Incorporated. They returned to Waco in 1979 when he became an independent distributor for Pepperidge Farm Biscuit Products in Central Texas. Gene continued as an independent distributor for several cookie and cracker companies until 2011.

He had a passion for the sport of auto racing that began at an early age. Gene was a spectator, employee, and racer, before purchasing the Heart O' Texas Speedway with his life-long friend, Richard Rogers in 1981. His dedication and commitment to the speedway, competitors, fans and supporters as an owner/promoter for 32 years earned Gene respect throughout the racing community as a kind-hearted, hard-working, caring, and generous man; often placing the well-being of others before his own. He remained involved after selling the track in 2013, and spent his final day on earth at his favorite place.

Gene also served on the board of the Elm Mott Fire Department, assisting with several fund-raising events to purchase new equipment, and eventually a new fire station. He enjoyed visiting his children, spending time with friends and vacationing on Galveston Island. Gene especially loved cheering for his Baylor Bears, and most recently, connecting on FaceTime with his six month old granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by his father, Frank John Adamcik; mother, Mary (Hlavaty) Adamcik; and infant daughter, Tracy Layne Adamcik.

Gene leaves behind his loving wife of 46 years, Mary Adamcik of Waco; son, Andy Adamcik and wife Beth of Knoxville, Tenn.; daughter, D.D. Oberhelman and husband Don of Avila Beach, Calif.; brother, Bill Adamcik and wife Norma; sister-in-law, Helen Morris and husband Chuck; granddaughter, Layne Adamcik; his nieces, Karen Gates and husband Larry, Debbie Muir and husband Dave, Melissa Green and husband Brett, and Christina Longbine and husband Jerry; along with several great-nieces and nephews, and the Speedway family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Elm Mott Volunteer Fire and Rescue. Memorial guest book found at www.aderholdfuneralhome.com.