The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher/Owner
At Burlington, Iowa's 34 Raceway Friday, Kevin Hetrick of Gladstone will race his red and black sprint car in the first Brian Hetrick Memorial Race outside West Burlington, Iowa. With his brother's #35 on his dashboard, Kevin, will give tribute to his older brother who was known and loved by so many in the area, and beyond.
Brian had raced for ten years at 34 Raceway and worked his way up to top 305 sprint racer last year. He was then tragically killed in a motorcycle accident the week before his final race. The final race the following week, was an overwhelming evening from beginning to end. Kevin and his family was given the championship trophy that his brother would have received had he been there in person. The family now refers to him as "Heaven's Champion" and Kevin has that inscribed along with his "35" number on the inside panel of his Sprint Car.
Kevin said, he and his family were honored to have this year's races at 34, a salute to Brian along with Brent Slocum who was tragically killed and was honored at a Memorial Race last week.
Jim and Joyce Hetrick have contributed and gained sponsors and donations for the entire $3500 purse for Friday night's race of 305 sprints and a field of around 20.
The family chose 3500 to coincide with Brian's number
The Sprint Invaders are also putting up money for the event who will be racing the fast 360 Sprint cars.
In addition, the Hetrick family will be raffling off the side panel off the top wing of Brian's #35 Sprint Car.
The Hetricks plan to announce the winner and give the top wing side panel away on Saturday night, April 18thÊ On August 22nd - the winner of the scholarship will be announced with rain date, August 29th. "We wanted to do it on the closest date to his last race which was August 16, 2008", Joyce said.
"The money from the proceeds of the top wing panel raffle will be used for a Brian Hetrick Memorial Scholarship for a student's college in the 34 Raceway area - including schools at West Central.
Proceeds raised through the summer selling T-shirts or donations will also be put toward the scholarship fund.
Friday's race will pay $3500 with 20 sprint cars running in the 305 Feature.
The Hetricks said they are really looking forward to the event that will remember their older son, and feature younger son Kevin.