I stoped by RW Tire earlier today and learned of the passing of John Skistimas, owner of the very popular 70's speed shop "Raceway Speed Center" that was located in Bordentown NJ.  Race fans will remember seeing "Raceway Speed Center" written on cars that raced at Flemington, East Windsor and elsewhere.  John also was involved in promoting events at East Windsor.

I never met John, but know many who knew him (many who visit here on our Message Board) who spoke very highly of him, and of their memories from their visits to Raceway Speed Center.

We offer our condolences to the friends and family of John Skistimas.

https://www.parkermortuary.com/obituary/john-skistimas

I always remember hearing the name John Skistimas on Bill Singer's old radio show way back in the day, when Bill did the radio ads mentioning Raceway Speed Center. RIP John.

Got to know John fairly well back in the early70s when I would stop in to see my cousin, Buck Kelly, who worked at Raceway Speed.  Occasionally I would also be a delivery boy of tires and/or parts.  Great guy.  Never went to a drag race but came close when I was going to watch john run his injected Mercury Cougar at Englishtown.  According to my cousin, John's Cougar was named the "Jersey Rattler".  Unfortunately, never got to see him run as the races were a wash out that day.  Miss John, and those great days at Raceway Speed.  Scott Ely  

This is a photo of John's injected Mustang drag car.  The photo is located on flickr.com.  I do not know whp took the photo.  Scott Ely 

This is a photo of John's Pinto funny car.  That's John standing in font of the car.  The photo was found in pinterest.com.  I do not know who took the photo.  Scott Ely

Spent a lot of time (and money) in the early 70's at Raceway. John was a top notch guy.  One year at Syracuse, my lodging plans fell through at the last minute. Was setting up a tent in the infield. John came by and offered me a spot in his trailer, rather than sleeping on the ground.  Good weekend.  RIP John.

I'll never forget the day . . . I think it was a Sunday afternoon in the Fall . . . when I was at home relaxing with my wife watching TV when the phone rang.  It was John.  "Hey Charlie, do you want to announce a stock car race?"  I said "When?"  He said:  "Now!"  Turns out . . . and this was when he was promoting East Windsor . . . that Bill Singer, who had been the announcer there, walked out in the middle of the show . . . I forget why but Singer was not the nicest guy I ever met.  Anyhow I said "OK" and Pam and I beat feet out there (from Farmingdale) and finished out the show which led to me announcing there for a year and a half or so.  John and Cliff Dwyer . . . of Raceway Speed Center in Bordentown . . . were my first sponsor of my radio program at WHLW in Lakewood which later went nationwide.  I'm so sorry to hear that he is gone.

Bought a lot racing equipment and parts from John & Cliff and had lunch , most days, in there back room with Dick Lewis and the gang. Does anybody remember the Army tank behind the grandstands on opening day when John promoted east winsor speedway. John was a true racer and he would help any of racers in need, like opening the speed shop even when there were closed so we could parts. John and myself, along with Ray Neary and Jack Moshera, were in the New jersey National Guard together.

RIP John.

Fred Menschner

 Sorry to hear of John's passing. Nice guy.

John was a really terrific guy.  Freddy and I got to know him when he was running East Windsor.  Always very involved and helpful to the racers and professional when running the track.  Prayers for the family.