Article by Bert Wojcik/ Keith Harro/ JR Berry
Photo by Jesse Carberry
After over a month away. The United Racing Club will be back in action this Saturday one “The Hill in Bechtelsville” The Grandview Speedway for the 2nd running of the Tim Higgins Classic presented by Victory Auto Glass
Tim Higgins caught the racing bug at a very early age. His father, mother nor his older brother had any interest in racing cars, which is not to say they did not have an interest in engines. Tim’s father had an automotive repair shop and his brother was a fighter pilot. When he was young Tim would sit in their front yard in Glenside watching race cars on open trailers go by on their way to the Reading Fairgrounds.
Tim’s interest progressed to competing in soapbox derby, racing slot cars and ultimately race cars. He raced a modified at the Reading Fairgrounds prior to being old enough to legally race. Tim would throw its racing gear out his bedroom window to get to the track, as his mother forbade him to race. Once of legal age, Tim raced a 6 cylinder Ford Falcon late model at Anthracite Speedway (Big Diamond) progressing up to modifieds. Sprint cars caught his eye when he saw a URC race and he was hooked on winged cars. Tim was always severely underfunded but he rarely missed a race. He did team up with a couple financially challenged owners but their level of enthusiasm overcame monetary woes. Tim always wore a smile. He received numerous sportsmanship awards from KARS (initial 358 series) and the URC. He and his team were always there to help another team, whether it be fixing their car or offering a Coors Light after the race. Tim also sponsored other race teams once he retired from full time racing, including a drag bike raced by Ashley DeTurck, the sprint car teams of JR Berry, Steven Drevicki, and great nephew Ryan Higgins. He could also be found wandering the pits buying new tires for other low budget teams.
Bonuses for tonight’s Saturday are meant for the little guy. Their bonuses may not mean a lot for the well funded teams but means a lot for the small guy who struggles to get newer parts to hopefully reach the front of the field. Thank you JR Berry and family for getting the bonuses together and in Tim’s honor help keep the small guy in this sport that Tim and all of us love.
Last year’s Tim Higgins Classic was a duel between two drivers who call Grandview home. Hilltown’s Adam Carberry and Mertztown and eventual winner Josh Weller. Pit gates open at 4pm with sprint car drivers meeting at 5:45pm, engine starts at 6:00, hot laps 6:30 and racing at 7:30.
Low Down and Dirty Meet and Greet will also feature URC Drivers MIkey Thompson and Hayden Miller as well as Modified drivers Eddie Strada and Chris Esposito, on hand with their cars in the main gate area starting at 5 pm. This is a great time for fans to meet the drivers up close, collect some autographs, take photos, and talk racing with their favorite drivers.
Lap sponsors;
Kreitz Oval Track
George Young
Mike Ely Fabrication
Broadsliding with Bev
Summit Valley
Higgins Powder Coating
Reading Company Boosters
Leland's.com
McBorthers Overhead Doors
- Robert Wojcik on Aug 25, 2023
- Article Date: 8/24/2023 by Bert Wojcik