I am very sad to announce that Riverside Speedway in Groveton, New Hampshire, has lost a very close friend on Tuesday, April 17, 2007. Arnie Krupula Sr., 71, passed away in his sleep during the night from an apparent heart attack.

            Arnie, for the past two years, had meticulously taken care of the grounds maintenance at Riverside. You could find him mowing the lawns at 5am in the morning, or by using his headlights on the tractor at 9pm. He took great pride in keeping the grounds perfectly mowed, or pitching in on any jobs that would brighten up the appearance of the Speedway.

            Riverside Speedway General Manager, Dick Therrien stated, “Arnie was so proud of his work. He really appreciated all the positive comments that we would receive on the looks of the track. He had been an integral part of the rebirth of Riverside Speedway. He was a real handyman, and loved the challenge of any task you asked him to perform. He was a man of simple means and appreciated anything one would do for him. I would constantly have to tell him to slow down a little, but he would just reply that he was 70 years old and strong and fit as a horse. He stated those young punks don’t understand the word work! I can work circles around them, and that he could!”

            Arnie loved the sport of auto racing, and lived for Saturday nights. He had a tremendous passion for racecars, and helping his son Arnie Jr., work on his Street Stock. Arnie wasn’t going to be working at the track this summer as he and Arnie Jr. moved to Connecticut for some new work ventures, and some new racing adventures. Arnie had come back to Groveton for a couple of days to visit his other family members.

            Everyone at Riverside Speedway passes along our sincere condolences to a great man, and a great friend. Arnie, may you rest in peace up there in heaven, but I got a feeling you’ve already got a job brightening up the place.