Edwin James Slavin Jr.

Troy — Edwin James Slavin Jr., known to family, friends, and racing fans alike as "Win," passed away on May 10, 2026, at the age of 88. Born August 22, 1937, in Troy, New York, to Edwin J. Slavin and Mary E. (DeLong) Slavin, Win lived a life rich with family, friendship, speed, and laughter.

A 1956 graduate of Troy High School, Win went on to serve his country in the United States Army before returning home to build the life he loved. He spent his working years at Brown Printing in Troy and at the Trojan Taproom.

But for many across the Northeast, Win will forever be remembered as "The Professor" the calculating dirt modified driver who tamed the High Banks of Lebanon Valley Speedway in West Lebanon, New York. Behind the wheel of legendary rides including the Helwig #37 and the Hughes Brothers' famous "Pickle Cart" #57, Win became one of the most respected wheelmen of his era. The summer of 1980 stands as the stuff of speedway legend: that August, he reeled off multiple Saturday-night feature wins and captured the prestigious Mr. Dirt 80-lap crown at the time, one of the richest paydays in dirt modified racing. In 1998, his contributions to the sport were honored with induction into the New York State Stock Car Association (NYSSCA) Hall of Fame, and he was further enshrined in the Lebanon Valley Speedway Hall of Fame, cementing his place among the greats who built that storied half-mile.

Win was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Karen A. (Snay) Slavin of Troy, who passed away on June 28, 2022; his son, Lance Antolick; and his parents, Edwin J. Slavin and Mary E. (DeLong) Slavin.

He leaves behind a loving family: his children Scott Retzlaff, Mark Slavin; Michael Slavin and his wife Jenn; Keith "Whitey" Slavin and his wife Allison; Ryan Kinnon and his wife Amy; and Brad Kinnon and his wife Andrea; his sisters Mary Ryan and Connie Senchack; many cherished grandchildren; and a wide circle of nieces, nephews, racing family, and friends.

A true gentleman in every sense of the word, Win was a joy to be around. He had a wonderful sense of humor, a light heart that lifted every room he entered. Win had a way of making the moment matter. His legacy lives on with his son Whitey, who proudly carries the Slavin name forward into the family's seventh decade of racing.

He will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Win's memory be made to The Community Hospice or to the Eddy Alzheimer's Services Association.