Community Comes Together, Shows Massive Support After Drag Strip Official Killed in Crash

Dan “Chaps” Stone passed away following an accident at Bradenton Motorsports Park Friday night. Chaps was said to have been trying to assist when a race car malfunctioned and struck the official at a high rate of speed.

The official had worked at Bradenton for 15 years. Stone was 56 years old and left behind his wife of 25 years along with three children.

In response to the incident, the racing community has gotten behind the family. On the GoFundMe page, there were many kind words of remembrance as donations came in to support the family of the late track official with funeral costs and other expenses.

One racer even went so far as donating $5,000 in winnings from a recent event to the family. FLorida N/T Racing relayed, on Facebook, “Mike Stavrinos with his car named “Al Capone” took the win over 17 other competitors on Sunday in the shootout and did the most selfless thing he could do donating all $5,000 back to the family of Dan “CHAPS” Stone.”

The community seemed to have a general respect for Stone. Many of the comments on the GoFundMe page relayed feelings of warmth and helpfulness from the official. One donor went so far as saying “What a wonderful man he was. He will be missed so much! Always so friendly and willing to help anyone! He was such a hard worker and was always smiling! Prayers to the family during this hard time!”

With over 300 people showing up to the page to show their support and donate, it’s very apparent that “Chaps” will certainly be missed and was the type of person that this world needs more of.