It was too soon for Jeff Haddock to discover even a hint of joy amid his sorrow.
Last Tuesday, Haddock buried his 12-year-old daughter, Emily. On Saturday, he sought the comfort of friends at Fayetteville Motor Speedway. He’d been there off and on through the years as a tow-truck driver and crewman, and being part of a crowd of 3,500 provided plenty of opportunity for distraction
During a break in the racing, dozens of drivers circulated through the crowd using their upturned helmets as makeshift collection plates. Up and down the rows they climbed.
The collection, plus a donation from the speedway meant to help pay funeral costs, totaled nearly $3,750.
Priceless, however, was the effect of the open hearts of friends and strangers. Folks brought together by a love for gasoline, tires and dirt-track cars. Folks who hoped the tears they shed might save Jeff Haddock a few of his own.
| 
|