CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Clarksville Speedway is hosting a dirt track memorial race on Saturday, July 15, for J.R. Knight, who has been part of the racing community since 1979.
Ricky “J.R.” Lewis Knight Jr. was just 35 when he passed away on May 10, 2022. He was born and raised in Clarksville and was a driver for Jerry Knight Motorsports, #43.
J.R started racing in 2005, and he was the one that would help everyone at the race track, said his sister Barbie Holder. “He was everyone’s hype man and just wanted everyone racing and having fun with him, so he helped any and everyone when they needed it,” she said.
The event will include multiple races, cash prizes, T-shirts and giveaways. There are several classes of cars racing, but the event is only spotlighting Open Wheel Modifieds and 602 Crate Late Models, as those were the cars J.R. drove at the time of his passing in late May.
The Crate Late Model prize is $8,000 which is one of the largest payout races in the Tennessee/Kentucky area, and $643 for the Open Wheel Modified race. There is a $150 entry fee for all racers. Winners will also be awarded plaques created and donated by Frank Haar Racing #29.
On the night of the race, T-shirts will be sold for $25 at Victory Lane, with all funds going directly to the trust fund of J.R.’s son, Blake.
Holder is looking for donations for any kids items to be featured in the kids’ giveaway on race night.
“J.R. loved the kids being involved because we were those kids way back when, and he believed they were the future of the sport. It wasn’t rare at all to see him making time to talk to the kids or lifting them up and putting them in his car for a minute,” she said.
Gates open at 4 p.m. with hot laps at 6 and racing beginning at 7:30. More information can be found on the Facebook page.
Correction: The event will be Saturday, July 15. The article has been updated.