On February 5, 1995 I took my two sons to the NHRA Winternationals in Pomona California. I like to get there early, so as we entered the drags about 7 a.m., my oldest son Christopher said to me: "Dad, we need to go to the chapel service this morning." Although we are Christians and go to church services on Sundays and most Wednesday nights, when on an outing or vacation I haven't been in the habit of going to church. I found this to be a surprise and told him we were going to the pits to watch the crews get the cars ready to race. He didn't say anything. About 15 minutes later he said: "Dad, we need to go to the chapel service." Again I said to him: "Chris, we are at the drags, we'll go to church on Wednesday night." Again he really didn't say much. About 15 minutes later he said: "Dad, we really need to be at the chapel service this morning!" I immediately set out to find the chapel service and told my son "If you really feel that way, we're going."

If my memory serves me right, you preached on God's unconditional love for us and how we should love one another. The boys got all excited to see Eddie and Ercie Hill at the service and Joe Amato sat right in front of us.

Ken, right after that day my son started to feel ill, and on February 16, 1995 (11 days later) my oldest son Christopher went home to be with The Lord. He had a rare form of Leukemia diagnosed on February 14th. The chapel service we attended that Sunday was the last church service (our emphasis) he ever attended. On Sunday February 12th he was too sick to go to our church.

Ken, I thank God everyday for the 15 years that he allowed me to be with Christopher. The pain of separation is hard at times and I look forward to the day when we will be re-united in Heaven. I thank you and your team for all you do for the racing world. I wanted to write to you sooner but never seemed to be able to get it down. Please find the enclosed check in his memory.


Raymond Algorri.....San Dimas, Ca.