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The Spartan Speedway racing family lost one of their own on October 5, 2006 in a car accident off the track. The modified division at Spartan Speedway will be honoring Brian Heeney May 17, 2009 with the running of the Brian “WILD CHILD” Heeney 100 Memorial Race to honor the memories of the young man who lost his life at the young age of 22.
When you pull up to the home where Brian lived with his parents Bill and Connie Heeney you see a beautiful memorial honoring Brian's life. Modified drivers all across the state pitched in and bought a tree that was planted at the Heeney home in remembrance of Brian. Also, there is a plaque from Spartan Speedway that reads In Loving Memory – BRIAN HEENEY – Drove hard, Laughed hard, and LOVED US ALL – You will always be in our hearts – From: Your Family, Friends, & Racing Family – at Spartan Speedway.
As you walk into the Heeney home you see a cabinet that holds a replica of the No. 1H Modified that Brian raced, as well as his helmet and some personal effects.
Off to the left of the house is the garage where you will find Bill Heeney Jr. and Tom Hernley (Brian's Brother-in-law) working on a new modified that Tom will race in the Brian “WILD CHILD” Heeney 100 Memorial Race. Tom pointed out that the chassis is called Wild Child 1. “Brian could wheel anything” Tom remembered. Not far from the truth, Brian rode snowmobiles, quads, go-karts, and old junk cars that he would race out in the fields. “I took a spot light out to the field to tell Brian it was late and to stop racing” Connie said. Brian replied “Thanks Mom for adding lights to the track."
Brian would take friends in his pickup truck racing threw the woods. Coming back with the side mirrors missing.
“Brian called me ‘City’,” Tom commented. “He gave everyone nicknames." Heeney never called you by your first name. Perry Davenport got the nickname “Lack 'O' Diesel” from Brian a few years back because Perry didn't have any fuel left in his truck to leave the racetrack one night.
Brian came to racing the family way. Bill Heeney Sr., Brian's grandfather started racing under a different name so that his mother wouldn't find out. Bill Sr. continued racing until he was in his 60s. Brian's father Bill Jr. continues to race when he can find the time “between my real job at the Chrysler proving grounds, working at the race shop, and building engines it's hard to find the time,” he said.
Tracey Hernley Brian's sister is a current competitor at Spartan Speedway in the modified division driving Brian's car with Fox 47 as the sponsor.
The Brian “WILD CHILD” Heeney 100 Memorial Race at Spartan Speedway will find the Heeney family in attendance with Bill Heeney Jr. driving Tracey's old modified, Tom Hernley driving the “Wild Child 1” and Tracey driving the No. 47.
God Speed.
cws
