Phil Hutchison Drag Racing Action

Former Maple Grove Dragway Vice President and General Manager George Case passed away at the age of 79.

 

George Alan Case of Reading, Pennsylvania, passed away at home on February 2, 2026. A man of deep integrity, quiet fairness, and boundless curiosity, George followed his passions fully and loved his family without reservation.

Born in Jamaica, New York, George was the son of the late George Isaac Case and Minerva Case (née Yuncker). From an early age, he showed a natural inclination toward understanding how things worked, a curiosity that would grow into a lifelong passion for engineering and racing.

George was awarded 2000 NHRA NED Person of the year. D1 Director Bob Lang presents George with the award at the annual banquet 

Case, who had a long and successful career in the industry, was at the Mohnton Pennsylvania track from 1989 through the end of 2007. George’s impact on the sport extended far beyond one track. George went on to serve as Vice President of Drag Racing Operations at Palm Beach International Raceway in Florida and later as General Manager of Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

“George Case did a fine job as track manager during my last years at Maple Grove and did a fine was GM after I left for NHRA in 1989,” said former Don Schumacher Racing President and Maple Grove GM Mike Lewis  It was great working with him 20 years later when we delivered and raced two DSR Top Fuel cars at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi where he managed the new drag strip. My heart goes out to Ian and all of George’s family and friends.”

George, Evelyn Lewis, and D1 Director Greg  Xakellis accept NHRA Track of the Year 

Billy Kleinspethn the “Voice of Maple Grove” adds, “It’s with a heavy heart that we pass the news that hometown hero former Maple Grove GM George Case passed away last night. Case began his career as a racer before starting his career at Maple Grove starting in tech and quickly moved into the event director position before being promoted to General Manager in 1989, a position he would hold until the end of 2007. Along the way his hard work and dedication to not only to the track but to the sport earned him several prestigious awards in the sport including induction into the inaugural Maple Grove Walk of Fame Class in 2004 and being named NHRA D1 Person of the Year in 2000.”

“He was the third GM at the Grove following Mike Lewis who left for a position for NHRA in 1989. Known as respected businessman Case was a key member along with John Krupiak, Dick Jenkins and Kathy Phillips plus a hard working staff, help bring Maple Grove to higher levels which included one of the best bracket programs in the country and the incredible growth of several major events including the Super Chevy Show and the Ford Motorsports Nationals.”

Tom Ciccarone from Parkway Cleaners a longtime Maple Grove sponsor, D1 Director Bob Lang and George enjoying a little quiet time at a NHRA Divisional event

“On behalf of everyone in the sport our thoughts and prayer are with the Case family during this time.”

Current NHRA Division One Director Mark Dawson said, “It’s hard to say goodbye to George Case, especially remembering how he and the late John Krupiak (JK) shaped my life. JK brought me into operations, and George stood right beside him in that decision. They were more than mentors who fostered my career; they were great friends who became family. Rest easy, George.”

John Krupiak, NHRA announcer Bob Frye, Case, and Lex Dudas at the 2005 Keystone Nationals 

Dave Ley, former NHRA Technical Inspector adds, “With George, You always knew where you stood with him at all times. George was very organized and a straight shooter.”

George is survived by his beloved wife, Debra Lynn Case; his son, Ian George Case, and daughter-in-law, Amanda Case; his cherished grandchildren, Erik Case and Aubrey Claire Case; his step-daughter, Jordan Kreitz; his brother, Donald Gary Case; and his sister, Dorian Harmon.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Ignatius Loyola Roman Catholic Church, 2600 St. Albans Drive, Reading, PA 19609. Inurnment will follow at Gethsemane Cemetery. A Rosary will be prayed in memory of George from 9:00-9:30 a.m. in the church, with visitation from 9:30-10:00 a.m. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.

At the 2005 Keystone Nationals local candidate for judge Anne Perrige visited with George and JK before the start of the event