Thorold lost a legend Saturday when Jeno Begolo passed away.
Few race car drivers were as successful or as revered at Merrittville Speedway than Begolo.
During his career he won track championships at Merrittville, Ransomville, Lancaster, Humberstone and Hamilton Speedways.
His trademark red and black cars with his beloved cartoon logo, Bugs Bunny, running through his famous #16, were always fan favourites and he was respected as a fierce but fair and honest competitor.
He began racing in 1952 and was inducted into the Thorold Runway of Recognition in 2009. His induction citation noted that during his career he won eight track championships, an All Canadian Title, more than 150 feature races and 55 specialty races. He was inducted into the Merrittville Hall of Fame in 1991.
Begolo was also a long-time successful business owner in Thorold South, operating Begolo’s Body Shop for many years.
Jeno leaves behind his wife Shirley, son Jim, daughters Cindy (James) Dickson and Barb (Bill Scott). He also leaves grandchildren Brent (Kenidi), CJ (Kendra), Kelsey (Bill) and Candace and great-grandson Ty. He is survived by his brother Albert (Joan) and predeceased by sister Jean (the late Steve) Palmeri and a brother, John.
