The #34 Dollar General NASCAR Busch Series Race Team, members of Frank Cicci Racing, sponsors and driver Randy LaJoie will pay tribute to the life of Hunter Kelly Saturday during the running of the Kroger 200 at Indianapolis Raceway Park. Hunter, son of Frank Cicci Racing team ownership partner and NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly, passed away on Friday morning in Buffalo, NY. Hunter, 8, had been battling the terminal disease Krabbe Leukodystrophy since he was first diagnosed at 6 months of age. The #34 Dollar General Chevrolet driven by LaJoie will honor Hunter with a special decal on the race car while team members will display special patches on their uniforms during the race.
“Everyone on our race team, their families, our sponsors and those inside the NASCAR family who know Jim share in the Kelly family’s grief. We are deeply saddened with their loss and our thoughts and prayers we hope will provide support in this difficult time”, said team owner Frank Cicci. “Since he retired from professional football, Jim and his wife Jill have dedicated themselves towards Hunter and in the establishment of the Hunter’s Hope Foundation. We hope that the small things we can do this weekend here in Indianapolis, and during the remainder of the season, to perpetuate Hunter’s life will provide added exposure for Hunter’s Hope”.
The Kelly family has requested a private viewing, but a celebration of Hunter’s life will be held on Tuesday, August 9, at 1 p.m. at the Wesleyan Church of Hamburg, NY. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking people to consider a donation to the Hunter’s Hope Foundation at www.Huntershope.org.(On Track Marketing)(8-5-2005)
