Early Saturday morning, May 31, 2025, the drag racing community lost a truly remarkable man. Jim Livingston—a respected friend, mentor, and pillar of our sport—passed away, leaving behind a legacy built over greater than half a century of unwavering commitment to drag racing.

Jim wasn’t just a familiar face at the track—he was a foundational force in the sport throughout the Pacific Northwest and far beyond. His lifelong dedication earned him a rightful place in the inaugural class of the NHRA Division 6 Hall of Fame in 1994, a fitting tribute to his countless contributions and steadfast devotion to the racing world.

Long before he became a legendary track operator, Jim was a racer himself. He competed in the Comp Eliminator class at tracks across the region, including an early run at the then-new Firebird Raceway in Idaho, where he drove a D/Dragster in 1969. His deep love for the sport eventually led him to take on a new challenge—purchasing and operating Woodburn Dragstrip after first organizing races in Madras.

From that moment on, Jim poured his heart into building Woodburn into one of the premier drag racing facilities in the country. Under his guidance, it became nationally recognized for its excellence, organization, and fierce competition. One of his proudest legacies was leading Team Woodburn to an extraordinary 19 Summit E.T. Finals track championships, along with a long list of individual victories. The storied rivalry between Woodburn and Firebird racers often brought dramatic, edge-of-your-seat showdowns—fueled by passion, but always grounded in mutual admiration and sportsmanship.

Jim wore many hats, and he wore them all with pride. One day you’d find him repairing plumbing or installing grandstands; the next, calling races from the announcer’s booth or running events with trademark precision. He didn’t just manage the track—he lived it, with his home located right on the Woodburn Dragstrip grounds and surrounded by a fleet of vehicles he loved to tinker with.

To say he was hands-on doesn’t do justice to the sheer breadth of his involvement. He was a fixer, a builder, a leader, and above all, a doer—never afraid to take on the hard work that kept the track running and the racing community thriving.

Jim was also credited with many creative and lasting ideas that shaped the sport. One of his most enduring contributions was the creation of the Oldies But Goodies Drags and Show. In the late 1970s, Jim shared the idea for a nostalgia-themed event with Firebird founder Bill New. Inspired by Jim’s vision, Firebird launched the event in 1980 under the same name. Now, 45 years later, the Oldies But Goodies event continues to thrive—drawing generations of racers, fans, and classic car lovers together each season.

This past weekend at Firebird, during the very event Jim helped inspire, we honored his memory in a way that felt deeply fitting. In tribute to Jim Livingston and his lasting influence, the New family flew the American flag at half staff throughout the Oldies weekend. It was a simple but powerful gesture—one that reminded all of us just how deeply Jim’s spirit remains woven into the fabric of our sport.

All of us at Firebird, along with our extended racing family, send our deepest condolences to the Livingston and Severance families, and to the many thousands who had the privilege of knowing Jim over the years. He was admired, respected, and loved by all who crossed his path.

Jim Livingston represented the very best of our sport. His integrity, passion, and lifelong commitment left an indelible mark—and his legacy will live on in every burnout, every pass down the strip, and every heart he touched.

Godspeed, Jim.