Posted by
Dave Medler on March 06, 2012 :: 957 views ::
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SYRACUSE, NY March 6, 2012 (By Katelyn Kane) - On the morning of March 2nd, 2012 the Hile family was woken to their one year old black lab frantically barking and running through the house. They quickly found that their Freightliner truck was engulfed in flames. 911 was quickly called and time stood still for the Hile's until the firefighters arrived a mere seven- minutes later. During that short time the truck went from looking like the truck the way it had sat the night before to a pile of fiberglass and plastic that sits in their driveway today. Also during that short time their goose-neck trailer that they had just bought and had spent all winter renovating was severely damaged by the smoke and flames. Luckily the garage, where the racecar and big block engine sat, only suffered exterior damage as the garage had just caught on fire as the fire trucks arrived so it was quickly put out. Unfortunately, the truck is a total loss that will not be covered by any insurance and the trailer will take a lot of work if it is even salvageable, which also isn't covered by insurance.
The Hile's have poured their hearts and souls into their racing program and it is heartbreaking to see this happen to anyone in the racing community as we all know how much of a family we all are. As a result Katelyn Kane has organized a benefit for the Hile family. The benefit will be held Saturday, March 31st, 2012 from 12-4pm at Barbagallo's Restaurant 6344 East Molloy Rd East Syracuse, NY 13057. Food will be provided and drinks will be available. All ages are welcome and this event is open to the public. Pre-sale tickets for $10 will go on sale March 10-11 at the NYS Fair Gater News Motorsports Expo at Katelyn Kane's and Chris Hile's racecars. Katelyn will also be selling tickets at the Great Northern Mall Show March 24-25 at her car. If you are unable to meet up with Katelyn prior to the day of the benefit you can also email her and be placed on the pre-sale ticket list and be allowed to pay the pre-sale price at the door the day of the event. Tickets the day of the benefit will go up to $15 and kids 12 and under will be FREE. There will be lots of raffle items and 50/50's as well as bracket racing and Wii games. Please spread the word and help out a wonderful family. Any questions or any items you would like to donate please contact Katelyn at 315-420-3564 or find the event on Facebook entitled the "Hile Motorsports Benefit".