Flat Track Builder Dennis Pearson: 1954-2026

Dennis Pearson, track builder and flat track supporter, has died aged 71.

Pearson learned from famed track builder Harold Murrell as a teenager before making his own contribution. Pearson has built tracks for a number of racing disciplines, including flat track, Supercross and NASCAR Sprint events. Pearson later worked for Progressive AFT, where he was known as “Dr. Dirt” for his work preparing racing surfaces.

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A celebration of life has been tentatively planned for May 30 in Oakdale, Calif., and another memorial is planned for this summer in his home state of Michigan.

Start the press release:

AMA Pro Racing mourns loss of former track builder Dennis Pearson

Dennis Pearson and Sherry Murrell accepting the Harold Murrell Hall of Fame plaque. [Photo: Provided by Cheryl Pearson]

AMA Pro Racing is saddened to learn of the passing of longtime track builder and flat track supporter, Dennis Pearson.

Born September 10, 1954, in Indian River, Michigan, Pearson was part of a family with deep roots in auto racing. His brothers Scott, Paul and Gordon were all involved in the competition, continuing a family tradition that spans generations.

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After moving to California as a teenager, Pearson began working under famed track builder Harold Murrell, at the age of 17, learning the trade of constructing and preparing racing surfaces. During his career, he contributed to a wide range of racing disciplines, including flat track, Supercross and NASCAR Sprint events, helping to build and maintain tracks such as the San Jose Mile.

Pearson then worked in the Progressive AFT paddock for several seasons, where he developed a reputation for his dedication to the sport and his competitors. Affectionately known as “Dr Dirt”, he took great pride in providing well-prepared and consistent racing surfaces, always in the best interest of the drivers.

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He was deeply passionate about flat track and the community around it, treating riders and teams like family while bringing care and expertise to every trail he touched.

Pearson is survived by his children, Denise and Kyle, and his grandson Wyatt, as well as their mother, Cheryl, his brothers Gordon, John, Paul and Scott, his sisters Mary Lou, Paula, Susan and Stacy, and his extended family.

Plans for celebrations of life are being finalized, with a tentative gathering planned for May 30 in Oakdale, California, and a second memorial planned for later this summer in Michigan.

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