TRACKS: 1999 Irwindale Champion Driver Larry Krieger dies over the weekend

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Irwindale, Calif. - - NASCAR Grand American Modified driving champion Larry Krieger passed away on Saturday, February 17. The thirty-five year old racing driver succumbed to a rare brain infection after a valiant five month fight with the disease. He is survived by his wife, Donna, and young son Dean Jarrett who was born only a few weeks ago.

"Larry was a just tremendous competitor," said Chris Morgan, Irwindale Speedway's Director of Competition. "He ran every Grand American race in the 1999 season, won 4 main events, was in the top five at 16 of them and ended the season 46 points in the lead in one of Irwindale's fastest, most competitive NASCAR Weekly Racing divisions."

"Everyone at the track enjoyed Larry, on and off the racetrack, his pit area was always the friendliest place at the racetrack," said Morgan. "… A sandwich, a cold drink, some advice on track conditions, or just a friendly smile … All of that was always 'on tap' at the Krieger encampment," Morgan remembered.

Services for Krieger are scheduled for Friday, February 23 at 12:30 pm at the Red Brick Chapel at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills in Burbank (adjacent to the 134 freeway). His wife Donna has requested that all attendees come to Forest Lawn as if they were going to a race at Irwindale on and Saturday night. She indicated that Larry would never recognize all his friends in coats and ties. Many drivers will don their driving uniforms to attend and Larry's race car will lead the funeral procession.

A trust fund for Dean has been set up thorough the California Oaks State Bank, at 50 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks, California 91360. Checks should be made out to the "Dean Jarrett Krieger Trust Fund". Please mark the envelope: Attn. Sandra.

The flags at Irwindale Speedway will remain at half staff - for both Larry and the late Dale Earnhardt - until Friday afternoon.

Text Provided By Doug Stokes

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.