Greg Hodnett, dirt sprint car champion dies at age 49

Greg Hodnett was involved in a crash on Thursday night at BAPS Motor Speedway

49-year-old, Greg Hodnett entered into a charity race in PA on Thursday night at BAPS. The event was billed as the Race Against Abuse of Children Everywhere night presented by Constellation Home.

BAPS Motor Speedway is a 4/10 mile track in York Haven, Pennsylvania. The main event would pay $5,000 to the race winner.

Greg Hodnett of Memphis, TN was set to start 9th in the 410 feature race. Unfortunately, Hodnett didn’t make it to the finish line. He was involved in a horrible crash heading into turn one of the speedway.

While running inside the top 5, it’s speculated that the car suffered a part failure. He went rolling down the front stretch as it happened, according to multiple fan reports.

There’s a pit gate at the entry to turn one and the exit of turn two. Hodnett clipped the pit gate at the entrance to turn one as he rolled with fire coming out of the machine.

The race never restarted. Danny Dietrich was declared the winner.

Greg Hodnett has died from injuries sustained in the crash. His last race victory came at Knoxville Raceway on August 8th.

Greg Hodnett Racing Announcement

“Please keep Sherry, the entire Hodnett family, and the Heffner racing team in your thoughts and prayers. Greg was a professional in every sense of the word, and will be desperately missed!”

Greg Hodnett
Greg Hodnett (Photo: DB3)

World of Outlaws Announcement

CONCORD, NC — Sept. 20, 2018 — It is with heavy hearts that we express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sprint Car driver Greg Hodnett and the Heffner Racing team.

Hodnett, 49, of Spring Grove, PA, passed away following a crash during a Sprint Car race Thursday night at BAPS Motor Speedway.

One of the most popular Keystone State drivers and member of the PA Posse, Hodnett was the World of Outlaws Rookie of the Year in 1993 who went on to win 20 World of Outlaws races. He captured the opening night at this season’s Knoxville Nationals and also recently beat the Outlaws last September during the second night of the National Open at Williams Grove Speedway.

“To me, Greg represented the true gentleman competitor in the pit area,” said World of Outlaws CEO Brian Carter.

The racing family will miss his relentless passion and insight, and especially the ease with which he could talk about the sport with his unique perspective on its history.

Please keep the family and friends of Hodnett and the Heffner Racing team in your prayers.

Greg Hodnett
Greg Hodnett

Racing community comments on the passing of Greg Hodnett

 

Dave Darland Racing: “Rest Easy Greg! Terrible day for everyone in the racing family! Thoughts & Prayers to his family, friends, crew & everyone at BAPS Speedway tonight. Such a horrible tragedy. God Speed.”

Clyde Knipp: “Unbelievable, watching the race, standing right there. Speechless.”

Kenny Wallace: “There are names and then there are really cool names.. I always smiled with excitement when the announcer would say…. “Greg Hodnett”…. I am SO SORRY everyone….”

Karsyn Elledge: “This sport we love so much can hurt so bad sometimes.”

Brad Sweet: “Heartbroken and in disbelief to read the news about Greg Hodnett prayers to all his family and fiends..you will be sorely missed at the track my friend RIP GH27”

Kyle Larson: “Thoughts and prayers go out to Greg Hodnett, his family and friends. I’ve always felt Greg was one of the best to ever strap into a sprint car and accomplish the things he has across the country. Feel honored to have had some great battles with him over the last few years! RIP.”

Tony Stewart Racing: “We all know the risks & rewards this sport presents, but the shocking, sudden loss that racing can bring is always a harsh reminder that neither today or tomorrow is promised. Our thoughts are with the family, friends and fans of Greg Hodnett & Heffner Racing.”

CJ Faison: “We lost another incredible racecar driver tonight in a racing accident… RIP Greg Hodnett, we will sure miss you! Sick to my stomach thinking about it.”

Chase Briscoe: “Don’t even know what to say… The dirt community is a tight knit one and just because you don’t know the people affected personally you feel like you do. We as a community have to do something, we can’t keep letting this happen. God Speed and Rest In Peace Greg Hodnett.”

Carson Macedo: “One of the nicest guys I’ve met in sprintcar racing without a doubt, glad i was about to meet and get to know such a great guy. My greatest prayers go out to the Hodnett Family.”

Gordy Gundaker: “Damn it man.. we have to find a way to make this stop. RIP @GregHodnett another racer gone too soon. Prayers to his family, friends, and the racing community as a whole. It’s not just cars, it’s race tracks, sanction groups, we have to do better.”

Matt DiBenedetto: “My heart hurts hearing the news of Greg Hodnett. Please send thoughts and prayers to him, his family and friends.”

Lernerville Speedway: “Rest in peace Greg Hodnett. An amazing driver and a tremendous person..godspeed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family.”

Knoxville Raceway: “Our hearts are full of sadness tonight with the passing of Greg Hodnett. A true professional who we looked forward to seeing every August.”

Links

Greg Hodnett Racing | BAPS Motor Speedway

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