JACKSONVILLE, N.C. – New River All-American Speedway will once again host the Ronnie Hetu Memorial on March 18 with Mini-Stocks headlining the event which honors the life and legacy of the late Ronnie Hetu.
Hetu, who passed away on March 11, 2021, was a former racer of 30 years and a long-time presence in the infield at Coastal Plains Raceway, now called New River All-American Speedway. As a driver, he scored multiple legend car and mini-stock victories at the now-defunct Fireball Raceway, and had even more success as a car owner and crew chief, working with drivers such as Chris Kenney, Larry Hall, Kevin Kenney, Briant Bryant and his son, Kris Hetu.
“It’s a special thing the Goodyears are doing for our family by respecting my dad enough to name a race after him,” Kris Hetu said. “This was his all-time favorite track and I’m happy to be a part of this event.”
While Hetu was not on track for last year’s race, he did help guide Robert Strmiska to victory as a spotter. This season, Hetu hopes to get back in the saddle of a Mini-Stock for the event.
The Mini Stock portion of the Ronnie Hetu Memorial will be 50 laps, paying $1,000-to-win. In addition to the Mini Stocks, Chargers, Bombers, Champ Karts, Mini Cups and Jr. Mini Cups will all be in action.
New River All-American Speedway General Manager Jack Ward knew Hetu from the years he spent working at the track as a flagman or track official.
“I knew Ronnie for a long time and am really looking forward to the second annual Ronnie Hetu Memorial race to celebrate his life and legacy,” Ward said. “He was a man who would give you the shirt off his back and help anyone, but on the racetrack, he was a fierce competitor and won his share of races. His knowledge of race car construction and setup was surpassed by no one. I miss seeing him around the track and know he appreciates our efforts to remember him. I want to thank Ronnie’s family for allowing us to celebrate his memory.”