Dave Galvin

1948 - December 2020

The Galvin family has asked me to post on their behalf that it is with great sadness that they inform everyone of the passing of Dave Galvin. He was 72 years old. Dave had fought multiple illnesses the past couple years. His battle ended on Christmas afternoon. Dave raced in First Division on the ultra-competitive Southern California speedway circuit during the 1970s. He did this while also serving as a firefighter. He passed on his passion for speedway to his son, Bryan, who raced in the 1980s and served many years as referee at many tracks. He also sponsored and mentored three grandsons who raced speedway as well. Dave was a fixture at the Southern California race tracks and was a moderator and major contributor to the Speedway USA Facebook page that has served as a destination point for American speedway information. I apologize for the brevity of this but I will post more information if it does become available to me. At this time, the Galvin family would like for everyone to please respect their privacy.

Ryan Evans December 26, 2020

Billy Janniro
Dave was a great guy to talk to and he will be missed by many sorry to read this. Rip Dave.

Paul Flanders
Billy Janniro I know that Dave was a fan of yours. Well, he was a fan of every rider, too! RIP. Dave.

Bryan Bee
RIP Dave

Robert Mendoza
RIP Dave, You will be missed by the speedway community, prayers to the family.

Scott Lee Daloisio
So sad to hear. Such a nice guy. Thoughts and prayers to all of his friends.

William Sassa
So sorry to hear this. You'll be missed Dave!

Hayley Gudgel
So sorry to hear this. Condolences from the Perrault family. You will be missed Dave.

Nancy Dilkey
I am so Very saddened to hear of Dave's passing Ryan.
Prayers to the Galvin family.
Dave graciously helped me when we started the Nor-Cal site. We talked daily.
When I felt like giving up (on the site) he encouraged me and then he would post photos to Nor-Cal.
His passion, love and knowledge (of Speedway) was one in a million.
Rest in Peace Dave.

Steve Evans
Absolutely devastated to read that my good friend Dave Galvin passed away yesterday. A man who supported everything I did from day 1. 2020 absolutely effin sucks. All we can do is shed a tear and put on great racing that would make Dave and those others we lost this year proud. My condolences to his family and many friends. A huge asset for American speedway. He helped not only his grandkids but many other riders. RIP my friend.

Mike Lupo
Dave Galvin was an awesome guy and friend. He will be missed.

Jaleen Oxley
It’s is with a heavy heart that we learn of the passing of #10 Dave Galvin. As a rider he was smooth, smart and classy. His devotion to the sport of Speedway is commendable. He inspired generations of Galvin’s who elevated So Cal Speedway. Our thoughts are with them. God Speed Dave You will truly be missed..
Brad and Jaleen Oxley, Costa Mesa Speedway

Nancy Shaw-Fike
Grateful to know Mr. Galvin. I was asked to not post until the family was in order! Ron Galvin, Dave’s brother let me know yesterday that Dave went home to be with the Lord. RIP Dave.

Jim Costello
My sincere condolences to the Galvin Family. The Speedway Community has lost such a great guy. I really enjoyed the great conversations Dave and I would have about Speedway over the years. I will truly miss you Dave. R.I.P.

Ron Preston
R.I.P. Dave.

Bruce Schroeder
RIP

Tony Loader
Rest in peace, Dave. Sincere condolences to family and friends.

Jim Johnstone
Remembering a young Dave as one of my Bell Helmet racers. Polite, a gentleman always.
Godspeed to heaven, Dave.

Dorcey Alan Wingo
One of my closest Speedway friends and mentors, Dave was as forthright and honest a man as they come. He shared his knowledge and enthusiasm for the sport from dawn to dusk. A warrior in his own right, he faced one serious medical problem after another with resolve and true grit. I will miss this man.

Bob Tocco
R.I.P. Dave.. Very sad news...

Patty Arnold
May you R I P Dave.

Elaine Jones
Godspeed and may God wrap his arms around the family at this saddest of times.

Bert Harkins
RIP Dave, a really great guy.

Annie Richmond
R.I.P. Dave 😢 my thoughts and prayers are with Dave's family and friends around the world .Such heartbreaking news to read this morning.

David Allensworth
Rip

Nick Yeomans
RIP Dave, sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Nickname: "The Flyin' Fireman"
Rider Number: 10
Current Hometown: Eastvale, California - USA
Place of Birth: California - USA
Date of Birth: 1948
Occupation: Retired
Wife: Peggie Galvin
Children: Son Bryan
Relatives in Speedway: Son Bryan Galvin - Grandsons Dario Galvin, Braydan Galvin, Bryson Galvin, and Nathan Galvin
Facebook Page: Speedway USA
Date Started Speedway: 1969 - ~1980s
Reason to Race Speedway: Went to watch Speedway one night and just had to do it
Goals or Ambitions for Speedway: Make 1st Division, win and have fun doing it.
Photo by: Dennis Greene

Bike: Jawa

Tracks Ridden:
USA: Ascot - Bakersfield - Costa Mesa - Cal-Expo, Sacramento - Irwindale - Medford Oregon - Napa - San Bernardino - Ventura

Achievements:
Made 1st Division and won 16 main events.
1976 - League Champions - Team Racing - Bakersfield Bandits
Was chosen to go on the exhibition tour to Georgia and Daytona Beach. Got race against Barry Briggs, Ivan Mauger and Bert Harkins.
Digger Helm, Jeff Sexton, Dubbs Ferrell, Brian "Thumper Short", Donny Cullum and Bert Harkins

Sponsors
Vanland of Santa Ana
Viking Construction
Wilson's Auto Body
Coast Moto Select Vans
Bell Helmets
Peddle Power
Cook Bros

Bakersfield Bandits 1976
L-R Digger Helm, Jeff Sexton, Dubbs Ferrell, Brian "Thumper" Short
Donny Cullum, Dave Galvin, Bert Harkins and Steve Nutter