Final Salute

Arthur Landon “Al” Gore, 102, of Warrenton, passed away peacefully on the morning of May 14, 2021.

He was born September 30, 1918, in Flint Hill.

In Mr. Gore’s earlier life, he served as a U.S. Navy Seabee in World War II in the Pacific, including the invasions of Saipan and Okinawa. He lived in Springfield many years before moving back to Fauquier County in 1979. Mr. Gore was also a 50-year Mason and Shriner and a lifelong member of the American Legion.

Mr. Gore, known throughout the motor sports world as one of the pioneers of the sport, purchased what was then known as the Longview Speedway in 1949. At that time, it was a dirt track, but he quickly converted it to a 3/8th-mile asphalt facility and, within a year, hosted the first race on what would then become the famed Old Dominion Speedway, then on the outskirts of Manassas. Next came the first-ever purpose built 1/8th-mile drag strip east of the Mississippi in 1953, which hosted drag racing of all sorts until 2012.

Mr. Gore’s other accomplishments in his storied career included owning the Eastside Speedway in Waynesboro from 1958 to 2021, operating the New London Dragway in Lynchburg from 1990 to 2005, along with operating the Marlboro Speedway in Upper Marlboro, Md., and the Winchester Speedway in Winchester for several years. All in all, Mr. Gore’s career spanned more than 60 years of entertainment, including NASCAR Stock Car Racing, various drag racing promotions, power boat racing, professional wrestling, country music festivals and county fair management. Mr. Gore was also a member of the East Coast Drag Racing Hall of Fame, inducted in 2002.

Mr. Gore is survived by four sons, Landon W. Gore (Georgette), Robert L. Gore (Ruth), Richard A. Gore (Pat) and Gary D. Gore (Patty), as well as 10 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and several great-great grandchildren.

His 55-year marriage to Margaret Anna Gore ended with her passing in 1992.

The family will receive friends from 3 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, May 25, at Moser Funeral Home in Warrenton. The service will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 26, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriner Hospitals for Children, Attn: Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Fla. 33607.

Condolences may be offered at www.moserfuneralhome.com.