Chris Faulkner
for The Beacon
The late auto racer Brent Slocum had a lot of children, even if only one was biological.
That's because Slocum, who drove Late Models, had an infectious personality.
“He loved the fans, especially kids,” said friend Brad Lange, who serves as vice president of the Brent Slocum Foundation. Jennifer Bailey, Slocum's sister, is president.
“After every race, there'd be a line of kids to talk to Brent," Lange said.
But Slocum, who had been racing for 11 years, died in a freak accident June 11, 2005, while working in the pits at 34 Raceway. He left behind a wife and three-month-old daughter.
In his memory, 34 Raceway holds the annual Slocum 50, usually in April, but it was postponed this year until Saturday, July 2, because of inclement weather.
The only year the race didn't run was 2020, when large group events were shut down that April because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A scholarship fund was set up the first year after Slocum's death, and in 2011, the Brent Slocum Foundation was organized.
“It took us a couple of years to get our feet under us,” Lange said.
The foundation and 34 Raceway pay out $10,555 to the Late Model feature winner. Classes set to run are Super Late Model – Lucas Oil MLRA, 305 winged sprint and stock cars.
Pits open for the 14th annual event at 3 p.m., the grandstands open at 4 p.m., and hot laps start at 6:15 p.m., with racing to follow. Grandstand prices are $25 for adults, $23 for students or seniors, and free for children 10 and younger with a paid adult admission.