by Marv Bachrad, for the U.S. Harness Writers Association

Dover, DE — One of the top harness racing administrators of the 20th century, W.E. “Hap” Hansen, 93, a resident at Plantation Estates, died in Matthews, North Carolina, on Dec. 28, 2014.

Memorial services at Plantation Estate and interment for both Mr. Hansen and his late wife, Ruth, will take place at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., in the near future.

After growing up in difficult circumstances, Mr. Hansen credits admission to the U.S. Naval Academy as being a turning point in his life.

Mr. Hansen made the transition from naval officer to track president in the early 1960s when John Rollins purchased Brandywine Raceway from the founding Miller family of Wilmington, Del.

Mr. Hansen quickly continued an outstanding relationship with horsemen that was initiated with his predecessor Howard Miller. He had a family-like relationship with a corps of legendary staff members headed by public relations director ‘Colonel’ Dave Herman and track announcer Roy Shudt, both harness racing Hall of Famers.

One of his major regrets was an inability of nearby Liberty Bell Park to agree to race dates. Mr. Hansen wanted only the dates from Mothers’ Day until Labor Day, but the Philadelphia based track failed to meet with him for discussion and for several seasons the two tracks raced head-to-head.

During Mr. Hansen’s two decade tenure, he directed the conversion of the Brandywine facility from a half-mile racetrack to a five-eighths track with an outstanding dining room featuring a front window that would rise during the night for a perfect viewpoint for diners. He installed the latest closed-circuit television system featuring split screen and true color TV among the track’s many innovations.

Hundreds of quality speakers were placed through the plant with many in the prominent dining room. The Brandywine infield was converted to having two lakes with modern lighting. A modern paddock and a unique backstretch with hotel-like quarters for grooms were also featured.

Mr. Hansen managed Brandywine until the track’s demise after the 1989 season, retiring as its chairman of the board. He continued serving the sport in duties with Harness Tracks of America where his knowledge and ability in finance and insurance were utilized for several more years. Mr. Hansen also served as a Dover Downs representative, a track also owned by John Rollins.

One of his fondest moments came while serving on the HTA scholarship program where TV executive Joe Asher and Penn National executive Chris McErlean were among many scholarship recipients.

He was also the recipient of the William Haughton Good Guy Award by the United States Harness Writers Association in 1981 and numerous other citations and honors over the years.

Mr. Hansen’s wife of more than a half-century, Ruth, died late last year. He is survived by a son, Kent (Kathy); daughter, Karen (Marshall Asnen) Schulze; and grandchildren and great grandchildren.