ABBOTTSTOWN, Pa. — It was a special night at the track, remembering a kid that loved racing. All of his favorite moments tied into one night with one of his favorite drivers making a trip back to Lincoln for the first time in three years.
Elijah Hawkins was a fun-loving kid who loved everything to do with sports, especially sprint car racing.
Elijah passed away after succumbing to injuries in a house fire, last summer.
The Hawkins family said they wanted to do something to remember their son while also giving back to the community that continues to support them. They hosted a silent auction and raffle of memorabilia donated by the drivers from gloves to visors, wings and trophies.
The silent auction and raffles raised over $7,000 which goes directly back to the driver's purse for the memorial race.
Fittingly at Lincoln Speedway last Saturday night, Elijah’s favorite driver Dan Shetler paced the four-wide fan salute as a family friend said; “God wanted the best so in 2021 we laid him to rest. We can often imitate him but we can never duplicate him. One of the greatest souls to ever brighten our hearts, Elijah Jordan Hawkins. We’re four-wide for you buddy.”
Elijah would have turned 10 years old last Tuesday.
Race Results
It was a Speedweek format at Lincoln as Freddie Rahmer started on the pole and was challenged by Troy Wagaman throughout the race.
As Wagman made a move for the lead on lap 19, Rahmer didn't quite have a gap wide enough to squeeze in. His right rear caught Chris Arnold’s left front and sent him flying. Arnold was okay.
With a few restarts, Wagaman wasn't able to get as close. Rahmer picked up his sixth feature at the track this year.
Shark Racing is staying hot. Logan Schuchart picked up the Skagit Nationals opener. The Sharks have won four of the last 11 races. The following night, Jacob Allen finished second to Sheldon Haudenschild. Allen currently has a career-best of eight top tens in a row.
Brent Marks stole the show the first night of the Sharon Nationals to win his fourth all-star race and 15th race of the season. He finished second to Cap Henry Saturday night.
And finally, the Dare Devil picked up his first win with his new team. Devon Borden took control of the last 14-laps at Port Royal as Gregg Sattlerlee parked it in victory once again a the Speed Palace.
As kids have an extended holiday weekend, representatives from BAPS and Thrivent Financial over the last few weeks stops by three elementary schools to deliver backpacks packed with school supplies for kids in need.