From Gaerte Engines
It is with deep sorrow that we announce Earl Gaerte has passed away. As many of you may know, Earl was hospitalized in April and had been battling a serious infection.
In 1969, Earl Gaerte went from parts manager at the local Chevrolet dealer to building engines in the two car garage behind his house and Gaerte Engines was born. Earl took Gaerte Engines from that humble beginning and formed what would become one of the largest and most respected engine shops in short track racing.
Earl is considered to be a great innovator in sprint car and midget racing. He took pride in building engines for racers that are now household names like Jeff Gordon, Ryan Newman, Ken Schrader, Tony Stewart, Steve Kinser, Sammy Swindell and many, others. In 2007 Earl was inducted into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame.
Over the years Earl worked with many talented people and continued to work at the shop until being hospitalized. Earl had a passion for cars and engines and maintained a hard working staff that also includes his daughter Brenda, and son Joe, a former World of Outlaws racer and All Star series champion. Earl Gaerte was 67 years old.
Services will be held next week. Details will be announced soon.