Aged 91 · Meridian, Idaho
Al Russell, Sr., age 91, from Meridian, ID, took his final lap around the track on March 29, 2025.
Al was born March 9, 1934, in Emmett, ID to Doii and Ercil Russell. The family lived in Payette and New Plymouth during his depression-era childhood. He did not enjoy school and eventually proved that he didn’t need to be book smart, because he was street smart and business savvy.
In 1953, Al moved to Los Angeles, where he worked for his uncle Lou at Russell and Russell Scaffolding Company. He returned to Boise the next year to be with his mother, who was dying of cancer. After her death, he returned to LA, working at a gas station at Sunset and Laurel Canyon. He spent his spare time at a motorcycle shop, repairing Harley-Davidson and Indian bikes for free, learning all he could about the business.
Al was eternally cool—riding a chopper, wearing Levis, a white t-shirt, and a leather jacket. He was both a guy’s guy and a ladies’ man. His heroes at that time were local boxers George Logan and Dale Manz. He threw himself into the ring and took up boxing for several years.
In 1963, Al started his first Yamaha motorcycle shop in Boise with just $1,000. “That was a lot of money in those days.” That small Vista Avenue shop turned into a hugely successful business and career, as Al Russell Sport Center became the regional Yamaha dealer for Idaho, with additional shops in Twin Falls and Caldwell. By 2019, he had sold the last dealership.
Over the years, Yamaha sent him to Japan and Las Vegas on several dealer trips. He was one of Yamaha’s most successful dealers. Al made many lifelong industry friends, notably Mert Lawwill (AMA Grand National Champion and star of On Any Sunday), and was well acquainted with Kenny Roberts (three-time MotoGP World Champion) and daredevil Evel Knievel.
Al’s customers became his friends. Many would stop by the shop to find him sitting on a new bike in the front window, telling stories and answering the phone. Events, places, dates, and his self-assigned nicknames were imprinted in his memory. He expressed deep gratitude for the loyalty of shop manager Kenny Crist, and store managers/partners Ed Bollinger and Wes Wall. Al eventually turned the business over to his son, Al Russell, Jr.
Al was a man of many interests. After a family trip to Yellowstone, he became passionate about raising buffalo. He added Texas longhorns and miniature ponies to the herd. In retirement, he purchased three airplanes and earned his pilot’s license.
He had numerous business ventures over the years, including:
Al’s Tire Center, Koffee Klatsch, Thrifty Rent-A-Car, Carriage House Auto Sales, 127 Club, and Northwest Premium Meats. Those who knew him recognized his unsolicited honesty and immense generosity. He was always willing to invest in people and their ideas—some became successes, some became regrets.
In 1965, “Dirty Al” began building cars (with loyal friend Jerry Betchan) and racing at Meridian Speedway and Firebird Super Oval, launching a 50-year racing career. In 2009, the Meridian racetrack was purchased and eventually restored. Meridian Speedway is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is owned by Al Russell, Jr., Adam Nelson, and Rod Marcum. In 2023, they also purchased Magic Valley Speedway in Twin Falls, ID.
Al was inducted into the Western Idaho Racing Association Hall of Fame and completed his last race in 2015 at the age of 81. He is on record as the oldest man to ever win a main event at Meridian Speedway. He was an avid collector of cars and motorcycles and attended the Boise Bike and Roadster Show to celebrate his 90th birthday.
Exactly two weeks after that milestone birthday, he drove to the racetrack to watch practice. However, he never made it to his perch, as he suffered a stroke in his parked vehicle. He spent the past year in assisted living, where family or friends visited him every day.
Preceded in Death By
- Beloved mother: Doii Russell
- Father: Ercil Russell
- Sister: Imogene Peterson
Survived By
- Son: Al Russell, Jr.
- Daughter-in-law: Lora Russell
- Granddaughter: Mercedes Russell
- Daughter: Jennifer Russell
- Son: Jeff Russell
- Nephew: Kelly Peterson
- Nieces: Dixie Peterson and Shelley Peterson
- Former wife and mother of his children: Marilyn Cambou and her husband Bob
- Many other nieces, nephews, extended family, and lifelong friends
We could not even begin to name the numerous people who were important to Al. We sincerely hope you know who you are, and we are forever thankful for you.
Most people are not fortunate enough to live their passions. Al Russell was a rich man—in life and in character—because he was able to do what he loved every day. He would tell you he had been “damned lucky” and lived a good life. But he also worked hard for it. He was a respected, successful, self-made businessman whose deals were made and kept by a handshake.
Al Russell was a local icon and a legend. We are proud and humbled to recognize him in this way, as so many others do. We will remember the man who became an inspiration—who gave you his signature smile, his laugh, and always a story (maybe one you’d already heard before).
Special Thanks
The family wishes to thank Grace Assisted Living and St. Luke’s Hospice for treating Al with care and dignity.
His request for cremation was honored by Cloverdale Funeral Home.
Celebration of Life
📅 Friday, April 25, 2025
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Meridian Speedway
335 S Main St, Meridian, ID 83642
