Ex-Challenger Raceway owner dies at 86
Jack Lentz, who for 15 seasons successfully operated stock car competition at Challenger Raceway near Indiana, Pa., died Thursday at his Clarksburg, Pa., home. He was 86.
Lentz and his wife Donna first operated a motocross facility beginning 1986 and then added a 4/10-mile oval for stock cars in 1994. Challenger hosted several sanctioned and special Dirt Late Model events until its closure following the 2008 season, including the lucrative Fall Fest with winners including Davey Johnson, Rob Blair, Jimmy Mars, Billy Drake, Dick Barton and Chub Frank. Among other major Late Model winners at the track were Rick Eckert, Bob Wearing Jr., Rick Aukland, Lynn Geisler, Todd Andrews and Bob Close.
A U.S. Army veteran, Lentz was also a former racer and team owner, fielding cars for Late Model standout Blackie Watts. He operated Clarksburg Hose Company.
Lentz was inducted into the Pittsburgh Circle Track Club Hall of Fame in 1999, recognizing significant accomplishment and contributions to Pittsburgh-area auto racing. He was inducted into the Indiana County Sports Hall of Fame in 1999.
His wife of 53 years died in August 2014. Among survivors are three children, Randy L. Lentz (Michele), Jacqueline K. Lentz and Jerry R. Lentz along with three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Visitation is 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Tues., March 4, at Shoemaker Funeral Home in Blairsville, Pa.; the funeral is 11 a.m. Wednesday. Interment will be in the West View Cemetery in Avonmore, Pa. For a complete obituary, visit shoemakerfamilyservices.com.
