by Tom Kelley, publicity director, Balmoral Park

Crete, IL — Stanley E. Banks, 73, a longtime fixture among the driving colony on the Chicagoland racing circuit, died March 1, 2010, at his home in Dwight, Ill., after a long illness.

“Slammin Stan” as he was affectionately called by his friends and fans was a fixture among the leading drivers at all the Chicagoland harness tracks throughout the late 1970s until the early 1990s. Mr. Banks retired with 3,513 lifetime victories and $17,167,654 in purse earnings. He was inducted into the Illinois Harness Horseman’s Hall of Fame in 1992.

Among the long list of his favorite horses were Dream Of Victory, Thorpe Messenger (who he steered to victory in the American-National as a 3-year-old) and Poco Perry (who captured the Orange & Blue Championship at Sportsman’s Park in 1980). Mr. Banks also guided the filly Poco Lady to the Grandma Ann Championship in 1982. He then returned to the winner’s circle with another Grandma Ann winner in Jeanie’s Puff in 1984. Equally adept at handling trotters, Mr. Banks guided Songflori to victory in the American-National Stake at Sportsman’s Park in 1976 and Prince Azos to a Su Mac Lad Stake title in 1978.

Up until his death, Mr. Banks maintained ownership in Victory Lane Farm in Dwight, Ill., as well as 25 years of partnership in one of Florida’s most popular restaurants, the Snook Inn, which is located in Marco Island, Florida.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Linda; sons, Scott (Kelly) and Steven (Kieu); daughters, Lori (Alex) Gorman, Lacey Humbert and Sheri (Ken) Asperson; grandchildren, Chris and Carrigan Banks, Seth Banks, Cara and Amanda Humbert, and Allasia and Emma Asperson; brothers, Les (Jean) and Dwight (Terri); sister, Benita (Bill) Yunek; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at the Hagar Funeral Home, 201 W. Mazon Ave., Dwight, Ill., on Monday, March 8, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. There will be a short memorial service at the funeral home after the visitation and then a celebration of Mr. Banks’ life at Victory Lanes Bowl, 410 E. Mazon Ave., Dwight, Ill., immediately following.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Stanley Banks Memorial Scholarship Fund at the First National Bank of Dwight. The scholarship is intended to help a needy horseman’s child have a chance to pursue a college education.