ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - US Dragway 19 hosted a benefit race for 26-year-old Rickey Thomas and 4-year-old Kaise Gibbons, a father and son who died during an illegal street race on March 21.

Eraune Santos, co-owner of US Dragway 19, said he was grateful for the community turnout.

“Man. It means so much to us, man. Uh, I mean, me personally, I know RJ from a real personal level, you know? And, um, of course, it was definitely a tragic incident that happened over the last weekend or, and so forth. And we just want to try to bring the community together and show some support and raise some family for him and his son, you know, for any kind of difficulties they might be having at this time,” Santos said.

Community gathers to support victims’ family

Organizers held raffles and collected donations, with all ticket proceeds benefiting the Gibbons family. Community members brought out their cars and motorcycles to showcase while having conversations about racing in Albany.

Marcus Glass, co-owner of US 19 Dragway, urged the community to take racing to sanctioned tracks.

“What can you bring out of tragedy like this, except for to honor people by doing the right thing? So, uh, for all the community that’s supporting it, you know what it says to us that, hey, we’re ready to support a track that is sanctioned for racing, that has all of the, uh, parameters in place so that they can come and do what they love to do and do it in a great environment,” Glass said.

Ryan Ellsworth, a community member, said he was happy to see people unite for the cause.

“It’s good stuff It’s good stuff. Show support. Get everybody out together. All walks of life come together to support a good, good cause,” Ellsworth said.

Despite rain, attendees continued conversations about street racing in Albany in hopes of preventing similar tragedies.

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