ANTIOCH, Calif. (July 7, 2022) – After a week off to celebrate the Fourth of July, racing returns to Antioch Speedway in a big way this Saturday night, July 9.
It’s the seventh annual Hetrick Memorial race and increased purses are on the line for Friesen Performance IMCA Modifieds, Friesen Performance IMCA Northern SportMods and IMCA Sunoco Stock Cars.
Thanks to sponsorship, Modifieds will be competing for $1,500 to win and Fast Shafts All-Star Invitational qualifying eligibility on Saturday. It’s $750 to finish second and just taking the green flag in the main event assures the driver at least $150 at the pay window.
Northern SportMods compete for $750 to win while the Stock Cars get a $600 payout for the winner. Drivers in both divisions receive $100 minimum for taking the green flag.
More than the money, this race is about remembering the late Jerry Hetrick, who passed away in May of 2016. Hetrick competed in the sportsman division in the 1970s and was one of the first drivers to clock in with a 15 second time on the quarter-mile clay oval. He was a main event winner during his career, which was impressive considering he didn’t have a big budget. He also ranked top five or top 10 in various seasons before wrapping up his career in 1981.
After his time behind the wheel was over, Jerry was known to help other racers with advice and encouragement. Kellen Chadwick, who is a two-time winner of this race, cites Jerry as being somebody who offered him plenty of encouragement when he was just getting started in his racing career. When Jerry’s wife Mary Ann passed away, the event was named the Hetrick Memorial to celebrate and remember them both.
Gates open at 4 p.m. Saturday with the first race starting at 6 p.m.
Ticket prices are $20 for adults, $15 for military, seniors (60 and over) and children (under 11), with kids five and under free.
