#05-Willie Allen is driving with a heavy heart Friday at Richmond International Raceway. His father, Al, passed away Thursday after battling complications from Lou Gehrigs disease. Al Allen, 55, was a big supporter of Willies career, and thats why Willie decided to drive all night to race in Richmond. Tough week. After Talladega, as soon as I got home and laid in the bed, my mom called and said he was having trouble breathing, so we rushed him to the hospital, Willie said. He actually walked in the hospital. Just thought he was having a rough time, pneumonia or something. But Al didnt get any better, and doctors put him on a bi-pap breathing machine. Willie said the decision was made Thursday to take him off the machine. Man, I wouldnt be racing if it wasnt for him, 100 percent, Willie said. Countless hours at the shop. There wouldnt even be a chance of me being here (without him). Willie wondered whether he should race Friday at Richmond, but he said he knew what his dad would want I kind of questioned myself: What should I do? Willie said. I know 100 percent what hed want me to do. Thats all he worked for, for me to do this. Its been tough today. Its been super tough, just focusing. I aint going to lie. Trying to work through it. Willie and his wife Kristen drove all night Thursday and got to Richmond about five minutes before practice began at 9 a.m. Eastern.(NNS Racing)(4-30-2010)
