The parents of NASCAR driver Kenny Irwin Jr. , who was killed nearly three years ago, plan to open a campground for underprivileged children in his memory. Kenny and Reva Irwin were scheduled to open the campground this weekend in Henry County, about 40 miles northeast of Indianapolis, IN. Irwin, an Indianapolis native and the 1998 Winston Cup Rookie of the Year, was killed July 7, 2000, in a crash during practice at the New Hampshire Speedway in Louden, N.H., less than a month before his 31st birthday. “We were going to build it in North Carolina,” Reva Irwin said. “But when we found this place, we were led to put it here.” The 27-acre property has a new lodge and recreation hall, new rest rooms and showers, and a new swimming pool. It has been open since April 4, but grand opening ceremonies were scheduled for Saturday. Primitive camping and trailer sites and cabins are available. A bunkhouse for 40 children is also under construction. A 6-acre stocked lake provides fishing, paddle boating and canoeing. Irwin said the 19 months spent rebuilding the camp has been therapeutic for her and her husband. “It took a lot more work than we thought,” Irwin said. “We’re glad we’re finally open.”( Miami Herald/AP ), also see articles at the Courier Times [IN]: Deceased NASCAR driver’s parents dare to dream and Camp’s grand opening celebration is May 24 and check out the Kenny Irwin Jr Foundation Site .(5-24-2003)
