Port Henry auto race driver dies

PORT HENRY – Legendary Port Henry race car driver Anthony "A2Z" Adamowicz has died after a long battle with brain cancer. Adamowicz, 75, was considered one of the most accomplished and diverse racers of the last generation, his sister, Stephanie (Adamowicz) Porcelli, said. "Known for his driving skill, ready smile and engaging personality, Tony captured the hearts of fans throughout his career of over 50 years," she said. "Messages celebrating Tony's life have been pouring in to the family from all over the world." The internationally-renowned champion passed away on Monday, Oct. 10 in California. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5 at St. Patrick's Church in Port Henry. A reception in St. Patrick's Parish Hall will follow the burial service in the parish cemetery. Anthony Peter Adamowicz was born May 2, 1941 in Moriah, the son of Violet (Olbrych) and Walter Adamowicz. Raised in Port Henry, he graduated from Port Henry High School. Adamowicz is survived by his son, Anthony Quin Adamowicz; his sisters, Stephanie (Adamowicz) Porcelli of Shoreham, and Anne Marie Adamowicz of Port Henry; and his niece, Danielle Porcelli Bianchi. Porcelli said that during his service in the U.S. Army in the 1960s, Adamowicz decided to pursue a childhood dream – auto racing – on his days off. He began his racing career winning the Northeast SCCA Region B-Sedan Championship in 1965, she said. In 1968, he won the TransAm Under 2 Liter Championship, received the Ted Mayer Award for the most promising driver of the year, and was named Driver of the Year by Motor Age and County magazines. In 1969, he won the SCCA Continental Formula 5000 Championship in a Dan Gurney Eagle, the only American ever to have done so. He was co-founder and vice president of the Polish Racing Drivers of America. "Tony was always proud of his heritage," Porcelli said. In 2015, he was inducted into the Watkins Glen Drivers Walk of Fame, and in 2016 he was inducted into the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame. Adamowicz had returned to the sport in the early 2000s, driving in Vintage Sports Car races, and winning four U.S. Formula Revival Championships in his 1969 Eagle. "Tony lived his dream and inspired a countless number of people over the years with his skill and passion, his remarkable story-telling capabilities, and his true gentlemanly qualities," said Porcelli. "Tony showed what it meant to make a dream come true. As he did in his career, he fought valiantly to the end. He certainly earned the checkered flag."

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Port Henry auto race driver dies

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