Robert Walden, the long-time publicist at Volunteer Speedway, has passed away. The Johnson City, Tennessee native was 68 years old.
Walden had been associated with Volunteer Speedway for most of its 51 years of racing. He was someone that worked behind the scenes but played a prominent role in helping put the Bulls Gap, Tennessee track on the national map. Walden knew most people in the East Tennessee racing scene regardless of if they had an affiliation with Volunteer Speedway or not. Walden had been involved with public relations and writing columns for racing publications since the late 1970’s. He was given the Volunteer Speedway Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.
Walden was afflicted with Multiple Scleroses early in his adult years. He did not allow the disease to deter him from pursuing his passion for racing. Not only did he serve as publicist for Volunteer Speedway, but he also served as publicists for Kingsport Speedway and a number of drivers in the area. Walden loved Volunteer Speedway, but he also loved Bristol Motor Speedway and the East Tennessee State University sports teams. He attended many ETSU basketball games.
No arrangements were available at the time of this publication.
