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The Elsie Curtiss Memorial

On May 7, 2025, Elsie Curtiss, the wife of I-96 Speedway owner Larry Curtiss, was taken to the hospital after collapsing at their grandchildren's home in Lake Odessa. Sadly, she passed away the following day with her family by her side. This heartbreaking loss understandably impacted the I-96 Speedway team, but through a few phone calls and the dedication of staff and partners, the necessary personnel came together to ensure race night could continue in Larry’s absence.

The I-96 Speedway and Great Lakes Super Sprints teams encouraged Larry to focus on his family, assuring him they would take care of the track. That Friday night, Larry and his family attended not as owners or operators, but simply as race fans, seated in the grandstands together. In a touching tribute, Barry Marlow and Zach Hiser of Great Lakes Super Sprints, along with Mike Betts and members of management, organized a missing man formation during the four-wide Super Sprint salute to honor Elsie’s memory. Elsie was a familiar and beloved presence at the track, often spending evenings with her grandchildren on the playground or walking throughout the facility.

To ensure Elsie’s spirit and legacy live on at I-96 Speedway, the Elsie Curtiss Memorial was created. Elsie was known for her lighthearted remark whenever Larry shared updates about the track: “That damn racetrack.” This beloved phrase now serves as the official quote of the memorial.

Each year, the Elsie Curtiss Memorial is held on Mother’s Day weekend, which also coincides with I-96 Speedway’s annual 50/50 donation to breast cancer research. In an effort to grow the impact of this meaningful weekend, the event has evolved into a PINK OUT celebration.

In support of this cause, I-96 Speedway is currently offering PINK OUT shirts on pre-sale. A portion of every sale will be donated locally toward breast cancer research and awareness. Shirts can be ordered online at Memorial Pre-Sale for shipment in March or picked up at any active track event in April.

In a touching moment of foresight, just one month before her passing, Elsie met with the management team to share an idea she was passionate about — themed staff shirts for special awareness nights such as Breast Cancer Awareness, Autism Awareness, and Suicide Prevention. While not her first idea for the track, it was one she truly wanted brought to life. Today, that vision continues, honoring her creativity, compassion, and lasting influence on I-96 Speedway.

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