Linda Holdeman

Linda Holdeman passed away peacefully of natural causes on March 11, 2026 at the age of 81. She is now reunited with the friends and family who preceded her, most notably her beloved husband, Roger Holdeman, who passed 30 years earlier on February 26, 1996.

Born Linda Louise LaComb in Massena, NY, she attended Massena High School before moving to Syracuse, NY, where she married and raised three children. Although she always considered her children her greatest accomplishment, Linda also built a remarkable and trailblazing career in motorsports.

She began her professional life in public relations the late 1960’s with the Syracuse Blazers hockey team. She later joined Oswego Speedway, starting in PR at a time when women were not permitted in the pit area. Small but mighty, she refused to let barriers define her. Through persistence, creativity, and undeniable talent, she earned the position of track promoter (general manager) in 1985. She never missed an opportunity to turn an idea into a promotion that brought in major sponsorships and filled the grandstands. Rarely one to seek credit, she let the speedway’s success speak for itself. What mattered most to her were the relationships she built and the community she uplifted along the way.

Linda remarried on December 17, 1988 to the love of her life, Roger Holdeman. After her final season at Oswego Speedway in 1989, she began a new chapter with Roger at Winchester Speedway in Indiana, which he owned and operated. They built a home on the speedway grounds and became a powerhouse team of racetrack promoters—true partners in every aspect of life. They worked hard every day, yet often said they “just had fun” together.

Some of Linda’s most memorable promotions showcased her creativity and her instinct for what would delight fans. One of the most talked‑about was the “Wings and Things” exhibition race at Oswego, when Supermodifieds ran with wings on the track for the very first time. To the crowd’s delight, fan favorite Bentley Warren set a new track record that day—an achievement still fondly remembered.

At Winchester Speedway, her ingenuity showed up in unexpected ways. To have a restroom facility built in the infield, Linda convinced the Tidy Bowl Corporation to sponsor its construction. Many joked that she was the only promoter in racing history to “get the shitters sponsored,” a story that truly exemplifies her no-boundaries determination.

Philanthropy remained central to Linda’s work, and her charitable efforts were just as spirited. Through silent auctions, drivers volunteering to have their heads shaved, pie‑eating contests, and many more, she raised significant funds and endless laughter. For Linda, giving back was always an opportunity to bring people together and create joy.

Over the years, Linda was honored with numerous accolades, including the key to the City of Oswego, NY and USAC’s Diana Fell Gilmore Woman Behind the Scenes Award. She and Roger were inducted into the Dayton Auto Racing Fan Club Hall of Fame, received the key to the City of Winchester, IN, and in July 2025, she proudly attended and accepted their joint induction into the USAC Hall of Fame. She was also featured on the front page of USA Today’s sports section in an article titled “The Lady and Her Track,” published Thursday, August 31, 1989 in conjunction with her final Classic Weekend at Oswego Speedway.

Linda is survived by immediate family - children Tracy O’Brien, Kevin O’Brien, Kymberly Brantigan and their spouses, grandchildren Kevin O’Brien and Ashlyn Strupe, and sisters Sheila Ayotte and Barbara Caruso. Linda is also survived by many beloved members of her extended racing families in both Oswego and Winchester. The friendships she formed within those communities were among the greatest joys of her life.

Linda’s life was defined by determination, creativity, an unwavering belief in what was possible, and the love of her family. She broke barriers without fanfare, built community everywhere she went, and turned racetracks into places of connection, generosity, and pure fun. Her laughter, her grit, and her gift for making everyone feel welcome will continue to echo through the grandstands she once filled. Those who knew her—whether for a season or a lifetime—carry forward the joy she sparked and the legacy she built with her whole heart.

She has now crossed the finish line and will be missed by many.