Galesburg Mourns The Loss Of Racing Legend Bad Brad VanAvery

The city of Galesburg and the entire community at Galesburg Speedway are mourning the loss of "Bad" Brad VanAvery, who in many ways was the heart and soul of the Galesburg Speedway.

VanAvery passed away recently, and many are trying to find the words to describe how much he meant to them. The longtime number 38 driver was honored in memory recently by Galesburg Speedway, which did their best to put into words just what he meant to the speedway.

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It’s never easy to lose a legend. “Bad” Brad VanAvery was more than a name, he was Galesburg Speedway. For nearly as long as the track has stood, Brad stood with it. He wasn’t just a champion or a winner of countless races and big events.

As they reflected, they explained just how embedded in the culture of Galesburg Speedway his legacy and presence were:

Brad was a leader, a mentor, and part of the backbone that made this place feel like home to so many of us. The track will never feel quite the same without him, but his legacy will live on in every lap, every memory, and every racer who learned from him. Our hearts are with his family, friends, and the entire racing community grieving this loss. Godspeed, 38.

Many people shared their feelings and condolences in the comment section.

Whether you were racing him or one of his sons...if you pulled into his pitspot they (pit crew) would jump in and pull, rip, bend, change a tire ect...to help you get back into the race! He was definitely a competitor but also a mentor, and a friend. He would help you with advice if needed, he will DEFINITELY be missed by many...but what's also sad is the new racers will NEVER have that opportunity. RIH "BAD" Brad