Herbert Walter Laing

Born in Carbondale, PA to James Laing and Margaret Romayne Allen, Herb grew up in Meridale, New York where his father owned a large dairy farm. He and his siblings; James, Mildred, Stewart and Allen resided there until Herb was 15 years old when his father had to sell the farm due to poor health.

At age 17, Herb joined the Air Force where he served for 21 years until he retired in 1973 as a Master Sergeant. During his service, Herb spent 3 years in Bermuda and 1.5 years in Vietnam where he was a Flight Engineer stationed in Vung Tau. His service also included time in 13 different countries. The rest of his time was served stateside.

From an early age, Herb was drawn to auto racing. He attended his first race at Shangri-La Raceway in New York, where he used to sneak into the track. He started his racing career at local tracks in Alamogordo, New Mexico and Las Cruces, New Mexico while he was stationed at Holloman Air Force Base (New Mexico 1953-1957). He won 2 championships during those days and raced with the likes of Bobby Unser.

It was during that time in New Mexico, he met and married the love of his life, Gloria Henley on June 18, 1955. Together they raised 3 children, Kim, Tim, and Dwayne.

Herb continued to balance family, serving his country, and racing. Upon returning from Vietnam, he moved into Late Models as of the 1970 season. His consistency on track led to track records at Globe Raceway, Fast Qualifier at Canyon Raceway, and many race wins at Manzanita Speedway (AZ), Corona Speedway (AZ), Firebird Raceway (AZ), Corona (CA), and Las Cruces (NM). He also raced in Colorado, Arkansas, Texas and Mexico.

His passion for automobiles led him to open his own machine shop Eastside Engine in Tucson, AZ in June of 1978. He was so proud that the Laing name became synonymous with Dirt Racing in the Southwest when his son Dwayne Laing started racing in 1975. The father-son team joined forces on track in 1979 and raced together with their Eastside Engine #87 and #88 Late Models until Herb retired in 1996.

Herb’s greatest accomplishment, and largest source of pride, was his family. He and Gloria were married for 41 years. He is survived by his youngest brother, Allen (and wife Mary Beth). His children: Kim, Tim and wife Anita, Dwayne and wife Jackie. As well as his 7 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

The Laing family is appreciative of everyone’s support and kind words during this time.