The drag racing community is mourning the loss of T.J. Bailey, a dedicated track specialist at Texas Motorplex, who tragically lost his life during the severe storms that swept through Ennis, Texas, on Saturday morning. He was 42 years old.

Bailey was at the Texas Motorplex when powerful straight-line winds tore through Ellis County, flipping multiple trailers and causing widespread damage. Friends, family, and racers across the country are remembering him as a pillar of the racing community—a man who gave his all to the sport he loved.

Bailey’s impact on drag racing stretched far beyond Texas. Known for his tireless work on the starting line, he was respected nationwide for his expertise in track preparation and his unwavering dedication to the sport.

“We’re dealing with the grief, almost like it didn’t really happen. Like tomorrow, we’re going to wake up, and this isn’t going to be true,” said Craig Anderson of the Drag Racers Benevolent Fund. “You’re talking about a person that would stand on the starting line from daylight to way past dark.”

The Drag Racers Benevolent Fund is now raising money to support Bailey’s family during this difficult time.

“When times like this come, when we all band together, we’re all one, we’re all one,” Anderson added. “He’s definitely going to be missed, not just locally, but he had a nationwide following—just a great, great person.”

The Texas Motorplex released an emotional statement on Facebook, honoring Bailey’s contributions to the track and the sport.

“The Texas Motorplex family is devastated by the loss of TJ Bailey-an incredible leader, friend, mentor, and the heart of our track prep team. TJ’s passion for the sport was unmatched, and his dedication to creating the best racing surface in the world set the standard for excellence,” they wrote in part. “His impact on this track and the sport will forever be felt, and we will celebrate his life the way he would have wanted—through the sport and community he loved.”

Bailey’s passing is a heartbreaking loss, but his legacy of dedication and passion will live on in the drag racing world. The community he helped build and support is now rallying around his family, ensuring that the impact he made is never forgotten.