For over two
decades there has been no place in Michigan where Leo Pego has not made his
mark, whether it is by the paint brush and his “Chief” insignia, or his
unforgettable voice. Growing up a mere 4 miles from Mt. Pleasant Speedway
this 2005 MARFC “Tom Carnegie Award” recipient became enthralled with the
distant rumble that would fill the evening air on summer weekends at an
early age.
Somehow, it seems as though some are
destined to have a great passion for Motorsports. Leo’s father Maurice
“Smiley” Pego competed in a 1936 Plymouth back in the late 50’s and
understood Leo’s love for the sport. After recovering from an eye surgery in
1972, Leo’s only wish was to attend a stock car race. The 8-year-old was
hooked as soon as the first car took a lap around the fast Berlin Speedway,
and from that moment on there was no prying him away from the track or from
his neighbor Troy Courtney’s garage.
Courtney was a local racer and a sign
painter who easily fit the role of hero and mentor for Leo. Combining a love
for art that he inherited from his mother Jean and a passion for Motorsports,
Leo picked up a paintbrush at the age of 12. He practiced on everything he
could get his hands on, including a refrigerator that just happened to get
pinstriped while his mom was at work. Even though some of their appliances
were no longer conventional, Jean Pego always encouraged her son and simply
laughed at what she deemed to be “The best looking fridge on the
reservation”.
With his parents support and
Courtney’s assistance, Leo began lettering cars in 1977. By the Mid-80’s Leo
was not only lettering a great deal of cars, but had also begun to do sign
work for Merritt Speedways new owners Ed & Carmen VanDuinen.
In the spring of 1986 Merritt Speedways announcer made it known that he was
planning retiring, Ed mentioned to Leo taking over on the Mic. Leo
originally jumped at the idea, but soon butterflies set in and as VanDuinen
put it, “Every time the little brat would see my green truck that summer he
would hide”. Leo dodged the tower for the ’86 season, but a few weeks into
the ’87 season Ed drove up to the pit side fence, grabbed Leo around the
neck and asked point blank if he was going to announce or not. Leo fearfully
nodded his head and before he knew it he had the mic. in his hand.
Leo announced qualifying for the
first half of 1987 and worked as the assistant starter for the later half.
When the 1988 season rolled around Leo took the position of full-time
announcer both Merritt and Mt. Pleasant Speedways.
Nearly two decades later Leo remains
the well respected voice of Merritt & Mt. Pleasant Speedways. Over the past
19 years has also announced special events 13 speedways throughout the
state, many fans also recall hearing him announce 13 “Dealers Choice” events
alongside Mick Schuler, Gary Lindahl, and Mark Cowan.
Leo’s greatest memory in the sport
was announcing the “Race of Champions” at Mt. Pleasant Speedway in 1996 &
1997. The event was hosted by the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and featured
NASCAR legends and superstars. For Leo, being able to experience the gala
event and interview some of the most talented drivers in the nation was
“Simply awesome”. In May of 2006 Leo made another incredible memory. As the
recipient of the very prestigious MARFC (Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club) Tom
Carnegie Award for excellence in announcing, Leo had the honor of announcing
Indianapolis 500 qualifying alongside the unforgettable and legendary voice
of Indy.
In addition to the Tom Carnegie
award, Leo has also been honored with Michigan Racing Scenes Peoples Choice
“Announcer of the Year” award for the past 5 out of 6 years.
Leo said he feels as though he is
“The luckiest guy in the world”. For over 25 years he has been able to make
his passion in life his career and his hobby.
