Tuesday, November 25, 2003 Florida Promoter Billy Martino Jr. Passes By Matthew Pleasant The Ledger William Carl Martino Sr. of Lake Alfred, the former owner of Lakeland Speedway and Auburndale Speedway, died of heart failure Sunday (Nov. 23, 2003) at his home. He was 63. Born Sept. 2, 1940, in Chicago, Mr. Martino shared a spirit of entrepreneurship with his father, said his son, William C. Martino Jr. Leaving behind his funeral business in Chicago, Mr. Martino came to Kissimmee where he opened Billy the Kid Restaurant, all while making contacts in the racing industry, his son remembers. In 1988, he bought the Lakeland Interstate Speedway, now USA International Speedway, and later opened the Auburndale Speedway. Mr. Martino managed both racetracks and other business ventures until his retirement in 2000, his son said. Mr. Martino was never restrained by time, earning him the nickname "The Turtle." "He didn't let time control him," Martino Jr. said. "There was regular time and there was Turtle time." His son says he owes his father, who was an "old school" Italian Catholic, for instilling in him a good work ethic. "He lived life to the fullest," he said. Mr. Martino attended St. Joseph Catholic Church. In addition to his son, William, Mr. Martino is survived by his daughter, Julie Smith, Orlando; sister, Janet Martino, Orlando; companion, Lillian Vitello, Lakeland; and two grandchildren. Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Gentry Morrison Southside Chapel. Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Egypt Shriners Transportation Fund, 4050 Dana Shore Drive, Tampa, Fla., 33634. Have an opinion on this story? Post a message on our Message Board! <news@karnac.org>or send a letter to the editor!