John Lewis Kennedy, long-time supporter of open wheel short track racing, passed away March 20, 2010. Kennedy’s family ties to racing grew as his daughter Janice was married to open wheel driver-turned-car builder Bob East. In 1989, the family relocated to Brownsburg, Indiana to support East’s then-new chassis manufacturing company. Amy East Cook is a former ESPN broadcaster who covered USAC racing, the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, and the Indy Pro Series. She is married to NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Terry Cook and now spends her time raising their son Cody. Alison Leffler is married to NASCAR Nationwide Series driver and former USAC National Midget Champion Jason Leffler. Alison and Jason have one son, Charlie. Bobby East is the 2004 USAC National Midget Champion and has raced in both the NASCAR Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series. He and wife Courtney were married in January just prior to the start of the 2010 racing season. He was proceded in death by his son, Michael Kennedy. Survivors include his wife, Wardella Kennedy; son, Mark Kennedy; daughter, Janice Kennedy East; grandchildren, Amy (Terry) Cook, Alison (Jason) Leffler, Bobby (Courtney) East, Danny Kennedy, Steven Kennedy and Lauren Kennedy; and two great grandsons, Cody Cook and Charlie Leffler. Contributions may be made to Autism Speaks. Arrangements handled by Bell Mortuary & Crematory, Royster-Askin-Sandrock Chapel.(Indy Star)(3-22-2010)
