Craig Reece
Crate Late Model Champion Craig Reece, 35, known in racing circles as "The Dalton Bad Boy", died overnight in his Georgia home.
An autopsy is planned after Reece “just didn’t wake up this morning,” said former Dirt Track World Champion Marshall Green of Woodstock's Capital Race Cars, Reece’s chassis manufacturer and a long-time family friend. He was discovered at 7 a.m.
Reece followed the tire tracks of his father, Larry, taking the seat of the family-owned late model in 1996 before stepping away in 2000 to build his own family. He returned to competition in 2011 in his Ford-powered, National Title Pawn-sponsored No. 74, posting his best season in 2012 with 10 Crate Late Model victories and the combined Dixie-Rome Track Championship title. He also competed successfully at North Georgia Speedway in Chatsworth, Cleveland Speedway, Boyd’s Speedway in Ringgold, Fort Payne Motor Speedway and Tri-County Racetrack in Brasstown, N.C.
Reece again scaled back his racing the last few seasons to participate in the sports and activities of his three sons (Casey, Syd and Logan). “He was a special guy,” Green said. “Everybody that knew Craig just loved him.”
Complete obituary information and service details will be updated.
Craig Reece on the track