By Chris Tilley (Battle of the Bluegrass Series Media Consultant)
CONTACT: (606) 219-1723 or tilleyracing@hotmail.com
LOUISVILLE, KY (November 2, 3007)—A tragic loss has occurred on Thursday that is near and dear to the O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series family.
Chris Estes, a machinist of the Estes Racing Engines plant in Nicholasville, KY lost his life during a fatal accident while heading to The Dirt Track @ Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, NC on Thursday November 1, 2007. Estes was an avid supporter of Dirt Late Model racing and skilled engine builder. He was 25.
Also involved in the incident was Bradford Pena, who lost his life as well. Pena was a crewman for Larry Gray’s race-team located in Lexington, KY. Pena was 40. Pena had helped Gray the past three seasons and this season when Gray captured the Late Model track championship at Lake Cumberland Speedway in Burnside, KY.
Also injured during the incident was Steve “Chip” Estes Jr. Chip is also a Machinist and skilled engine builder at Estes Racing Engines and the brother of Chris Estes.
“The tragic loss of Chris (Estes) and Bradford (Pena) are felt throughout the entire Battle of the Bluegrass Series,” stated O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series Director Tom McConnell. “Our deepest and most sincere thoughts and prayers go to the entire Estes and Pena families,” said McConnell.
Chris Estes was not only known as an engine builder, but as a friend to many.
“My condolences go out to the entire Estes and Pena family, they sure will be missed,” stated O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series Race Director Allen Tilley.
Estes Racing Engines was the 2003 STARS Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series Engine Builder of the Year recipient with Series Champion and Rookie of the Year driver Mike Marlar of Winfield, TN.
Estes Racing Engines also rocketed Mike Marlar to a fifth place finish in the final 2007 UMP Summer Nationals Point Standings and three series wins to go along with the almost $47,000 in prize money won during the series tour. Marlar also picked up three O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series wins during the course of the 2007 season, with wins coming at Bluegrass Speedway (twice) and Ponderosa Speedway. Other wins throughout Kentucky came during the ‘07 campaign while Estes Racing Engines provided the power of the # 34 Stephens Motorsports entry.
Condolences to the Estes Family can be sent to Estes Racing Engines at 132 South Hendren Way, Nicholasville, KY 40356.
CONTACT: (606) 219-1723 or tilleyracing@hotmail.com
LOUISVILLE, KY (November 2, 3007)—A tragic loss has occurred on Thursday that is near and dear to the O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series family.
Chris Estes, a machinist of the Estes Racing Engines plant in Nicholasville, KY lost his life during a fatal accident while heading to The Dirt Track @ Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, NC on Thursday November 1, 2007. Estes was an avid supporter of Dirt Late Model racing and skilled engine builder. He was 25.
Also involved in the incident was Bradford Pena, who lost his life as well. Pena was a crewman for Larry Gray’s race-team located in Lexington, KY. Pena was 40. Pena had helped Gray the past three seasons and this season when Gray captured the Late Model track championship at Lake Cumberland Speedway in Burnside, KY.
Also injured during the incident was Steve “Chip” Estes Jr. Chip is also a Machinist and skilled engine builder at Estes Racing Engines and the brother of Chris Estes.
“The tragic loss of Chris (Estes) and Bradford (Pena) are felt throughout the entire Battle of the Bluegrass Series,” stated O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series Director Tom McConnell. “Our deepest and most sincere thoughts and prayers go to the entire Estes and Pena families,” said McConnell.
Chris Estes was not only known as an engine builder, but as a friend to many.
“My condolences go out to the entire Estes and Pena family, they sure will be missed,” stated O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series Race Director Allen Tilley.
Estes Racing Engines was the 2003 STARS Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series Engine Builder of the Year recipient with Series Champion and Rookie of the Year driver Mike Marlar of Winfield, TN.
Estes Racing Engines also rocketed Mike Marlar to a fifth place finish in the final 2007 UMP Summer Nationals Point Standings and three series wins to go along with the almost $47,000 in prize money won during the series tour. Marlar also picked up three O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series wins during the course of the 2007 season, with wins coming at Bluegrass Speedway (twice) and Ponderosa Speedway. Other wins throughout Kentucky came during the ‘07 campaign while Estes Racing Engines provided the power of the # 34 Stephens Motorsports entry.
Condolences to the Estes Family can be sent to Estes Racing Engines at 132 South Hendren Way, Nicholasville, KY 40356.
