Mike Lippincott’s involvement with Colorado racing began as a fan, progressed to competitive driving,
transitioned to track photographer, and concluded as a track manager. He began racing at age 15 on
several regional drag strips, then moved to oval tracks, where he met with success quickly. Mike earned
Rookie of the Year honors in the ultra-competitive IMCA Modified division at Beacon Hill Speedway, an
award that he considered one of the highlights of his career. Mike raced Late Models thereafter,
finishing third in ASA Late Model points in 2003.
He moved out of the driver’s seat and into the I-25 Speedway infield after that season to serve as track
photographer for the next eight years. His knowledge of racing action served him well, as he always
seemed to know where to be when the action unfolded. His photographs were popular with the I-25
fans, and many of his images grace the walls of businesses and homes throughout southern Colorado.
In 2010, he accepted a position at I-25 Speedway as General Operations Manager for one season while
track operated under the American Speed Association sanctioning body. After a five-year hiatus, Mike
returned to the track in 2016 to again serve as General Manager, with the track now operating under
the NASCAR banner. In addition to the day to day commitments required in keeping the track up and
running, Mike spent countless hours building the track’s online visibility through social media
development and the website that is still in use today. As manager, he considered his single greatest
accomplishment was to oversee the increase in the track’s attendance and driver participation, as the
track built additional stands to allow for increased fan seating.
Sadly, Mike passed away in 2021 at age 67—an accomplished motorsports career ended far too soon.
His work touched the lives of many drivers, fans, and track officials, and the Jerry Van Dyke Award for
outstanding Individual contributions to Colorado Motorsports is a fitting tribute to Mike’s lifelong
dedication to the sport. We recognize Mike Lippincott’s efforts to promote and improve visibility of the
southern Colorado Racing community throughout his 45 year career with his 2022 induction into the
Colorado Motorsports Hall of Fame.
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