Sad News UPDATE 2: On lap 34 of the 40-lap Late Model season opener at Rockford Speedway, (Rockford, IL) Al Papini was involved in a one-car crash. Reports say Papini’s car suddenly turned left, went through the infield area and impacted the outside wall between turns one and two, vaulting out of the speedway. Rescue crews extricated Papini and he was airlifted to Rockford Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival from severe chest injuries.(Speedway Illustrated). Thoughts are with Papini’s family and friends(4-2-2001) Services for Al Papini III, 41, of Machesney Park, IL will be held Friday, April 6 in Saint Bridget Catholic Church, 600 Clifford Avenue in Loves Park, IL. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11am. with Monsignor John Mitchell officiating. Visitation will be held Thursday, April 5 from 4 to 78 p.m. in Delehanty Funeral home Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 6, in the church. A celebration of Al’s life will be held at the Forest Hills Lodge, adjacent to Rockford Speedway, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Al Papini Memorial at any Rockford area NorthWest Bank or mail to PO Box 1060, Rockford, Illinois 61105-1060(4-3-2001) UPDATE 2: Late-Model driver Al Papini III died from a heart attack before hitting the wall Sunday at Rockford Speedway, according to a preliminary autopsy report released Tuesday(Rockford Register)(4-4-2001)
