John Grivins, founder of the U.S.-131 Martin Dragway almost 60 years ago, died Friday morning, Jan. 28. He was 83.
John was born in Riga, Latvia, on Nov. 13, 1938, son of Voldemars and Marta (Mikelson) Grivins. John was married for more than 35 years to Nancy Reid who preceded him in death.
He was owner and manager of what now is known as the U.S. 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, where he hosted many NHRA events, including the Popular Hot-Rodding Championships. He had the land west of 131 south of Martin and prepared the facility that still stands today.
The dragway opened for business on June 24, 1962. He and his wife, Nancy, worked at the dragway throughout its early years.
Grivins was inducted into the Michigan Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2004.
He served his adopted homeland in the United States Army National Guard.
The Motorsports Park in Martin has been a legendary ¼-mile dragstrip since its construction in 1962. Originally known as Martin Dragway, the track was sold to a new owner and underwent a $14 million dollar renovation and reopened in the spring of 2002.
The Motorsports Park has a history of offering the most prominent drivers in the sport of championship drag racing and has been referred to as “The Fastest Track in Michigan! In more recent years it was the site of the B-93 Birthday Bash.
John Grivins is survived by his longtime partner, Lenna Ouding of Otsego; his child, Petra (Jennifer) Grivins; grandsons, John and Janus; sisters-in-law, Gita Grivins and Sharon (Rod) Nunnelee; nephews, Guntars Grivins and Raimonds Grivins; nieces, Sandra Balog and Karen (Audie) Tarpley; and countless friends.
He was preceded in death by wife, Nancy, his parents; an infant daughter, Catherine; and a brother, Gunna
His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2, at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home, 917 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo. Friends may call on the family from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday Feb. 1, at the funeral home.
John will be laid to rest next to Nancy at Riverside Cemetery, Kalamazoo. Memorial contributions may be made to Stanford Adult Care Lodge of Plainwell or the charity of one’s choice, in c/o the funeral home.
