STEVEN RAUSA
(known as Steve Columbo)

November 3, 1956 - July 18, 2024

In Memory
R. I. P.

Know to the race world as Steve Columbo I’m saddened to report that the former Speedway ace passed at 3:30 yesterday July 18, 2024. A top notch Division 1 racer Steve was a regular on the Southern California scene and also raced overseas for the Birmingham (1979) and Eastbourne (1980) team.

Raised in Newport Beach, Steve graduated from Huntington Beach High in 1974 and then attended UC Santa Barbara. Upon retiring from racing the huge Giants baseball fan moved to Half Moon Bay in Northern California.

Steve was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer at the same time as his fellow friends and competitors Danny Becker and Scott Sivadge. Steve’s situation drastically changed a month ago when he developed a infection after an operation. Then last week he went into a coma and was hospitalized. Kept alive by feeding tube the decision was made to honor his ‘do not resuscitate” wish’s.
Steven Rausa is survived by his wife Kim and two daughters. He will be cremated but no decision regarding a funeral or celebration of life have been made at this time.

Condolences wish’s may be posted on the Steve Columbo, Facebook page.

With respect and sadness.
Howie Zechner

(Photo: Rick Spiers)

Photos below are compliments of Speedway Photographer Scott Daloisio