JACKSONVILLE, NC – New River All-American Speedway will honor the memory of reigning Street Stock division champion Gary Rochelle, Jr. on Saturday, October 7, with the Inaugural Gary Rochelle Memorial.
Rochelle, 35, from Jacksonville, North Carolina, passed away on Sunday, August 20, 2023. He was a three-time champion in the Street Stock division in his iconic no. 22 car at New River, with his most recent championship coming in 2022. To remember him and his accomplishments, the Gary Rochelle Memorial will be headlined by a $2,200-to-win Street Stock race, along with 22-lap races for Bombers, Champ Karts, Mini Stocks, and Legends, along with a Bandolero race.
“To know Gary Rochelle, Jr., is to know that he loved his family, his daughters, and racing,” Gary Rochelle, Jr’s cousin Miles Rochelle said. “On most weekends, that’s exactly where you would find Lil ‘Gary, burning rubber at a local racetrack. He was a fierce competitor, winning multiple championships, including the Street Stock championship last year here at New River All-American Speedway.”
“Immediately, we knew something needed to be done to show our love, support, and respect for not only Lil’ Gary but for his family, friends, and fans, so we have decided to run a memorial race,” Rochelle continued. “We are asking for as many racers, no matter your division, to please come out and race that evening. We want as many racers as possible to come and show their support, and we also ask for as many fans to come out and watch and show your support as well and show Lil’ Gary just how much we loved him.”
The $2,200 that is going to the winner of the Gary Rochelle Memorial Street Stock race has been raised by friends and family of Rochelle. On top of the purse, New River All-American Speedway will supply free scuff tires to competitors in the Street Stock division.
“Gary was a great competitor and an even greater person,” New River All-American Speedway media director Andy Marquis said. “He won a lot of races at New River, and when it was called Coastal Plains, as well as at Carteret. He was well-liked by the other racers, and he will definitely be missed out here. His life was cut way too short, and our entire New River racing family extends its condolences to Gary’s family and his three children. We’re honored to be able to remember Gary the way he would have wanted and we’re looking forward to bringing the Street Stocks back to Jacksonville.”
The Gary Rochelle Memorial will take place on Saturday, October 7, 2023. More information about the race will be released in the weeks ahead. Registration is open to competitors and tickets are available through MyRacePass online and at the gate on race day.
New River All-American Speedway is Jacksonville’s Action Attraction featuring racing and other events. For more information about New River All-American Speedway, check out the speedway’s website, like/follow “New River Speedway” on Facebook, follow @newriverswy on Twitter, or follow the track on Instagram.
