Donald Ray Porter

Donald Ray Porter was born April 19, 1931, in Hammond, Indiana, and moved to Redding shortly after World War II with his parents and family. He graduated from Shasta High School in 1949. Don liked automobiles and worked various auto parts houses like CP&E and Rother's until he opened his own auto repair shop. He took in a partner, George Duncan, and Don went to racing cars. He raced hardtops, sprint cars, super modifieds, and NASCAR late models. In 1958, Don started promoting auto races at Shasta Speedway, and later on with partner Jack Frost they promoted auto events throughout Northern California. Don won many racing championships as both a driver and a car owner. In the late 1970's Don got out of promoting and racing cars and worked his own auto repair shop until he retired. In his later years Don enjoyed having coffee with family and friends at the Snack Shack.
In September, 2010, Don was honored with a Founders Cup Trophy from the Northern California Auto Racing Alumni Hall of Fame.
Don is survived by his daughter Cindy Markham and husband Larry from Redding, his daughter Susan Nelson and husband Jim from Portland, OR, his grandson Ryan Porter from Redding, and his brother Nick Porter and sister Karen Sander, both of Redding.
There will be a celebration of Don's life at his brother Nick's house Wednesday November 3, 2010 at 5 p.m. - 3199 Sacramento Dr 530-246-1659.