It is with great sadness that the Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame (MMHF) announces that Ernie McLean passed away today. McLean, 84, founder and former long-time President of the MMHF is known to many as the ‘godfather’ of Maritime motorsports.
He enjoyed an illustrious lifelong career in the sport he loved which spanned over six decades. His accomplishments were many and included building and, together with his wife Winona, operating River Glade Speedway from 1964 until 1994. He was instrumental in forming the MASCAR Tour in the 80s and in 1984 he was named the Canadian Promoter of the Year. In 2000, his contributions to Canadian motorsports were formally recognized when he was inducted to the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame and in 2010 he and Winona were inducted together into the Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame.
McLean is survived by his wife Winona, daughters Angie (Nicholson) and Teresa (Taylor-Hoxie), sons Gary and Billy, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Salisbury Funeral Home.