Concord, North Carolina - The karting world suffered a major blow today as longtime World Karting flagman Buddy Burkett has passed away. Burkett, 56, from Amelia, Virginia, died of a massive heart attack while being treated for a blood infection.

He is survived by his parents, Maynard E. Jr. and Clara R. Burkett, his children, Benjamin C. Burkett, Becky McLehany, Jon A. Burkett, Sara L. Burkett, Jesse D. Burkett, Joel L. Burkett and Zachary D. Burkett, 4 grandchildren and his sister, Martha B. Wells.

While Burkett spent many seasons atop the flag stand at Marc Chimento’s Amelia Motor Raceway in Virginia, he gained national status as one of the most revered flagman in the country. Among his many accomplishments, Buddy served as the flagman for the Briggs & Stratton Speedway Dirt Series during the days of 2200 entries at the famed Daytona Municipal Stadium for the Dirt World Championship. Other notable accomplishments for the Virginia legend was head flagman at the Briggs & Stratton 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway for many years during the days of the North American Karting Championships.

“Speaking as a person who had the opportunity to work with Buddy back in his days at Amelia, as well as the nationals, one word could best describe Buddy, and that is WARRIOR” said WKA operations director Buddy Long.” He was as tough as they come.”

In addition to working the two most notable karting events in the country, Buddy worked many other series for WKA. But his true passion was the dirt.

The family will receive friends Sunday, February 14, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Chesterfield Chapel of the Bennett Funeral Home, 14301 Ashbrook Pkwy. His funeral will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday February 16, in Skinquarter Baptist Church, 6900 Moseley Rd. with interment in Dale Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to the World Karting Association at 6051 Victory Lane, Concord, NC 28027.

WKA extends its deepest sympathies to the family of Buddy Burkett.