Ollie Silva

Oliver W. Silva (May 14, 1929 – August 15, 2004) was an American auto racing driver. He raced in the Northeastern United States, winning many races, track championships, and touring-series championships. Silva drove in modifieds, supermodifieds, pro stocks, late models and sprint cars. He was the first driver inducted to the New England Auto Racers Hall of Fame when it was instituted in 1998.

Silva joined forces for several years with car owner Vic Miller in a unique 01 Supermodified which was very successful. One of his last SuperModified rides was in the Clyde Booth "nine" car.

Silva died in 2004, aged 75, at the Manchester VA Medical Center in Manchester, New Hampshire. He was buried at Elmwood Cemetery in Haverhill, Massachusetts. For the first event, locals built a replica of one of Silva's 1960s "Big O" coupe modifieds.

Notable events Silva once lapped the entire field twice at the 1974 Hott Wheels 100 All-Star race at the New London-Waterford Speedbowl. Funds to help with medical costs were raised by some members of the Boston Bruins. He returned to racing for a short while in 1980.