JACKSONVILLE, NC – Kris Hetu is returning to Mini Stock competition at New River All-American Speedway on Saturday night.
Hetu, 42, from Wilmington, North Carolina, last competed at the Jacksonville track in March 2021, just days removed from the death of his father, Ronnie. Now, Hetu is ready to strap in the cockpit of a Mini Stock again, driving John Hladik’s car – the last car Kris and Ronnie Hetu built.
“I’m a little excited, a little nervous, but most of all thankful for John Hladik giving me the opportunity to drive his car again,” Hetu said. “Brian Bryant and I are currently putting something together for my comeback, which may not happen this season. I’ve never driven this car at New River, so I’m not expecting to win, but if it happens, it happens. I know my dad will be over my shoulder watching me. I am trying to do what I can to do to help keep this class alive at what I consider my home track.”
Hetu has scored multiple wins at New River over the years and is a former champion in the Carolina Mini Stock Challenge, as well as its predecessor, Mini Stock Mayhem. After his father passed away, the desire to race subsided.
Earlier this season, when New River hosted the Ronnie Hetu Memorial for the second consecutive season, Hetu began to feel the need for speed again.
“All my friends and family have been giving me the push to get back in the car,” Hetu explained. “The persistence of my son (Aiden) and Brian Bryant is really driving me. Crew chiefing for Randy Hewitt, spotting and helping T.J. Barron, along with the fact that I’ve started building cars again, has all given me the fever of wanting to get back behind the wheel.”
Hetu began racing in 2013 but had limited opportunities to run at New River during his career as the track sat dormant throughout most of his career. When the Jacksonville track was closed, Hetu frequently competed at Carteret County Speedway – but he considers the track he spent many weekends with his father at to be his home track.
“[New River] is home,” Hetu remarked. “What more can I say? I’d rather be here.”
Hetu will race against some familiar competition on Saturday.
Defending division champion Travis Miller and Randy Hewett are both among the veterans who will compete on Saturday night.
Along with Mini Stocks, Saturday’s racing program features the B-52 Bomber Car Battle, twin races for Late Models, U-CARs, Champ Karts, Legends, and Bandoleros. Tickets are available in advance online at newriverspeedway.com/tickets or at the gate on race day for $10 for adults while kids five (5) and under are admitted free. The green flag will wave at 7pm.
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.
