Popular Grandview Stock Car Racer Mike Bailey Dead at 39, Services Set for August 3-4
He sat in the No. 81 NASCAR 358 Modified, the same car he drove to an impressive second place finish at Grandview on Saturday night, anxious to see if he could get a win.
Mike Bailey had been away from stock car racing at Grandview for a few seasons. He got back in the Dennis and Joanne Bailey owned Modified several weeks back. It was a struggle for a while but this past Saturday it all seemed to come together with the second place finish.
On Tuesday night Mike had earned a starting spot in the Thunder on the Hill Modified feature and sat in his race car on the track waiting for the event to get the green flag. Suddenly the veteran racer slumped over the steering wheel. Emergency crews rushed to his aid. He was quickly removed from the car and rushed to the hospital. He was pronounced dead a short time later.
The good natured racer, 39, was popular with fans and racers. He had one feature win to his credit in the NASCAR 358 Modifieds and was always considered a threat to finish up in a top spot.
The Bailey Family, including Mike’s parents Randy and Donna Bailey, have been huge supporters of the sport going back many years.
Mike, who made his home in Kutztown as did much of the Bailey family, leaves behind a wife, Melissa and three children (Madison, Eli and Reese).
Bruce and Teresa Rogers, owners of Grandview Speedway along with Thunder on the Hill promotional partners Bob and Donna Miller along with all involved with auto racing at Grandview extend their deepest sympathies to the Bailey Family.
“It is such a shock to have someone that you have seen grow up in the sport, a fixture over the years at our track, pass away at such a young age,” said Bruce Rogers. “He will be missed by all that are involved with racing at Grandview.”
The viewing for Mike Bailey is set for Monday, August 3 with calling time being 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Ludwig Funeral Home, 333 Greenwich St. Kutztown, PA. Calling time will again take place at 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 4th with services taking place at 11:00 a.m.
Sources: Ernie Saxton Communications