Event to honor couple killed in wreck

By Joel Phelps on September 17, 2022 • ( Leave a comment )

SUBMITTED INFORMATION | For The Arkadelphian

MURFREESBORO — The Diamond Park Speedway, along with a host of local sponsors, will host a tribute to the late Caleb and Andrea McCollett beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, the day marking the one-year anniversary since their passing and what would be his 29th birthday.

The family of Caleb McCollett and their closest friends have raised an enormous amount of money to be paid out in the couple’s honor, and to continue to show love and support for their 3-year-old daughter, Penelope Kate McCollett. The event will pay the winner $1,094 and $194 to start the 25 lap A Main affair for IMCA Mod Lites and $25 to all non-feature transfers. All position payouts will end in $94 as a nod to Caleb’s #94M, which also holds special meaning as Penelope’s birthday, Sept. 4.

**Caleb McCollett holds a qualifier he received at the Boone Speedway in Iowa for making The Dance in 2021, the biggest race of the season IMCA super nationals.** | *Courtesy photo*

Intermission will feature a balloon release and tribute to Caleb and Andrea by speedway staff, along with a fireworks show set to music chosen by the family.

The race format will be pill draw for heat race positions and the top 16 overall in passing points will go directly to the main event. All others will be lined up accordingly in one or two 12 lap B Mains with two or four transferring to make the 20-car starting grid. A 21st provisional will be given, by Penelope, to the highest place driver in the Diamond Park point standings who has not already made the show.

**McCollett stands next to his race car, which he drove in the Super Max race.** | *Courtesy photo*

The payout schedule will be:

1st – $1,094
2nd – $694
3rd – $594
4th – $494
5th – $394
6th-16th- $294
17th-21st – $194
All non-transfers – $25

In addition to those payouts individual awards will be given in the amount of $94 to the A Main Hard Charger, the Hard Luck award, the Longest Tow, and the “Dump Truck” given to the driver who lost the most spots from their original starting spot but is still running at the end of the race.

The race is made possible by RCM Racing Team, Pest Plus, Beene’s Towing & Recovery LLC, JTGC Enterprises, Arkadelphia Tire & Outfitters Inc., J&T Super Suds, Alban Automotive, KB’s best friend Lynell Mattingly, Alejandra Gower in memory of her husband Scott Gower, Joe Scott Anderson, Justin Uchtman and Austin White.

In solidarity, the speedway asks everyone who is able to dress in red or blue, as both were Caleb’s favorite colors.

To sponsor a position or contribute in any way, contact Justin Newman via private messenger or by phone at (954) 867-8436.