Michael "Mike" Colsten (January 18, 1949 – January 3, 2020) was an American dirt modified racing driver, credited with over 150 career feature event wins, driving a Ford powered stock car in a sport dominated by Chevrolets.[3]
| Mike Colsten | |
|---|---|
| Born | Michael Francis Colsten, Sr. January 18, 1949 Binghamton, New York |
| Died | January 3, 2020 (aged 70)[1] |
| Retired | 2018 [2] |
| Debut season | 1969 |
| Modified racing | |
| Years active | 1976-2018 |
| Car number | 51 |
| Championships | 5 |
| Wins | 150+ |
| Previous series | |
| 1969-1975 Championships | Late model 9 |
Racing career
editMike Colsten began his racing career in 1969 in the Late Model division, winning class titles at Rolling Wheels Raceway in Elbridge NY, Weedsport Speedway NY, Herb Harvey Speedway PA, and Twin Valley Speedway NY. He moved up into the Modified ranks in 1976, winning his first feature event the following year at Weedsport, and ultimately claiming the track championships in 1988, 1990, 1991, 2013 and 2014 at the Five Mile Point Speedway in Binghamton, NY.[2][3][4]
Colsten was inducted into the New York State Stock Car Association Hall of Fame in 2013, and the Northeast Dirt Modified Hall of Fame in 2014.[3][5][6]
Personal life
editIn 2012, Mike Colsten was diagnosed with mesothelioma. During surgeries, treatment and recovery, he continued to compete, and claimed two of his five track championships at Five Mile Point Speedway.[3][4][7]
Colsten's son, Joey, began competing with and against his father in 2003, and has continued the racing tradition.[8]
References
edit- ^ "Michael Francis Colsten Sr. Obituary". Press & Sun-Bulletin. January 30, 2020. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
- ^ a b Rich, Samantha (July 10, 2023). "Five Mile Point Speedway to honor Mike Colsten with 51 lap race". WIVT News. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
- ^ a b c d "Dirt Modified Hall Of Famer Mike Colsten". Speed Sport. January 4, 2020. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
- ^ a b Mangan, Mike (July 3, 2014). "Binghamton's Mike Colston enjoys another trip to Victory Lane". Press & Sun-Bulletin. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
- ^ "NYSSCA hosts 45th annual awards banquet". The Leader Herald. February 9, 2014. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
- ^ Elkins, Doug (August 7, 2014). "Super DIRTcar Series coming to Weedsport with Hall of Fame 100". The Post-Standard. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
- ^ Elkins, Doug (June 3, 2013). "Pat Ward goes from operating table to victory at Fulton". The Post-Standard. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
- ^ Harrison, Courtney (July 18, 2012). "Father-Son Duos Racing to Keep It In the Family". WNEP-TV. Retrieved August 19, 2023.