Doug Auld, the Hall of Fame journalist and founder of Sprint Car & Midget Magazine, has passed away following a brief illness. He was 59.  

“A giant has left us,” longtime Sprint Car & Magazine writer and columnist Dave Argabright said in a release. “Doug was intensely passionate about motorsports, and his effort and determination provided a great magazine to tens of thousands of readers over the past 20-plus years.”  

Auld was first known for the “Short Track USA with Doug Auld,” radio show, which aired throughout west-central Florida. Following freelancing and announcing stints, he was hired as Assistant Editor of Open Wheel Magazine in 1999. He was promoted to Editor after it was purchased by General Media a month later.  

After Open Wheel was closed in September 2001, Auld assembled the monthly magazine Sprint Car & Midget, which launched with a March 2002 issue. He stayed at the helm for 237 consecutive issues, including after the company relocated to Piqua, Ohio, and following the purchase by Turn 3 Media, the parent company of SPEED SPORT.  

In 2003, Auld joined the Advisory Board of Directors at the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame. He also served as President of the Board of Directors from 2006 to 2007. Auld also built a 360-ci sprint car in late 2001 and raced throughout Florida and the Midwest until 2007. Also a musician, Auld recorded several rock albums as “Tyler Cross.”  

In 2017, Auld was inducted into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame. He was a six-time recipient of the Media Member of the Year award from the National Sprint Car Poll and was honored with the “Outstanding Contribution to the Sport” award in 2005. He was also honored with awards from the Dayton Auto Racing Fans and the Hoosier Auto Racing Fans. 

Auld is survived by his wife, two daughters, and two grandchildren, and his mother and brother.