Clarksville Speedway to host 2nd memorial race for J.R. Knight in May

CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) –  Clarksville Speedway is hosting the second annual dirt track memorial race on Saturday, May 18, 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, according to a news release.

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 winner of the feature race will be presented with a custom check and trophy by Frank Haar Racing.

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. Barbie Holder, organizer of the event and J.R’s sister is also looking for donations for any kids items to be featured in the kids’ giveaway on race night, the release said.

Holder explains the racing community lost another great on Feb. 13 of this year. “Chico was a very close family friend and one of J.R.’s best friends so this year we are adding some additional things to J.R.’s race in memory of Chico too,” Holder said in the release.

This year, there will be a $1000 bonus to the Street Stock Feature in memory of Chico who was a part of the racing community for the last 30 years.

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.

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