NHRA News: Online portion of Russell Auction pushes grand total to $300,000 (12/2/2004)

Online portion of Russell Auction pushes grand total to $300,000

12/2/2004

Darrell Russell
1968-2004

The online portion of the Darrell Russell Memorial Auction pushed the grand total of all three benefit auctions to $300,000, with all proceeds going directly to Darrell's wife Julie. Combined with the $225,000 raised in an historic live auction at Pomona Raceway during the season finale, and the $45,000 posted early that day in a silent auction, the $30,000 raised on the Internet helped organizers more than triple their expected tally.

The big ticket online item was a black Simpson helmet signed by 38 different NHRA pros, which went for a whopping $1,525. A two-day licensing course at Doug Foley's Drag Racing School was next at $1,325, while NASCAR great Jeff Burton's battered (and autographed) helmet from this year's Dover race collected a tidy $1,226.

"Once again, we're stunned by the generosity and spirit of helping within the drag racing community, and now the world at large," said Rob Geiger, NHRA.com senior editor and close personal friend of Russell, who helped organize the auctions with Larry and Ali Dixon. "I spoke with Gary Scelzi yesterday and he pointed out that the true measure of a man is how he's remembered by others. The fact Darrell made such a positive impression on people in just three and a half years in the spotlight speaks volumes of what kind of person he was and what he meant to others.

The online auction big ticket item, fetching $1,525.

"From the start of this project when Larry first talked about doing an auction, the response from everyone has been overwhelming. Each person we encountered, from racers across the spectrum of motorsports to the fans in the stands, all wanted to help in some way. Everyone poured out their heart and opened their wallets and now we can all rest a little easier knowing Julie is secure for the foreseeable future."

One of the brightest rising stars in the NHRA's Top Fuel ranks, Russell died as a result of head injuries sustained during a high-speed accident in the quarterfinals of the St. Louis race in late June. With no personal life insurance that covered him in the racecar, Russell's widow Julie was left to pick up the pieces on her own. That's when the Dixon's and Geiger stepped in to help.

"The first indication of everyone's willingness to help was the fund we started for Julie the week of Darrell's death," Geiger said. "Almost immediately there was several thousand dollars donated from big corporations, various team owners, and several hundred fans. One envelope we received was filled with nickels and pennies. It was from a little boy who emptied his piggy bank because his favorite driver was Darrell. It makes you cry just to think of it.

"The funeral home that handled Darrell's burial was swamped with flowers. We tried to warn them ahead of time but even knowing that they told us that in their 100-plus years of business they had never seen an outpouring of sympathy like they did for Darrell.

Items with Russell's signature received lots of bids.

"Although the mourning was unbearable at times, especially for Julie and Darrell's family, Burnell, Gwen, Chris, and Ronnie, and several others, I know they all took great comfort in the show of support from the drag racing community. This auction and the money we raised continues that same feeling for them. And it should be noted that Burnell and Gwen jumped in and helped Julie quite a bit also."

Other high-profile items sold online that are destined to become one-of-a-kind stocking stuffers include an autographed NHRA flag that includes Darrell's signature and a white Simpson helmet with various autographs, including legend "Big Daddy" Don Garlits, which both went for $1,025. A fellow racer paid $911 for a brand new HANS device, while some lucky lady will experience Richard Petty's NASCAR Driving Experience after submitting a winning bid of $710.

Several personal clothing items of Russell's, donated by Julie, sold for more than $600, while various crew shirts of other drivers, including Kenny Bernstein, Dave Grubnic, Greg Anderson, Larry Dixon, Don Lampus, and Bruce Litton raised big bids.

"One of the questions I'm asked the most is 'how is Julie doing?' " Geiger said. "All things considered, she's hanging in there. She's a remarkable girl and she's very strong. Up until this year she was a schoolteacher and she's exploring those options once again. She's completely humbled by the support everyone has shown and I know her spirit has been lifted considerably by everyone's kindness.

"I think I speak for everyone in the NHRA community when I say that although the auction may be coming to a close our love for Darrell will never waver. He was a great man, a wonderful friend to many, and a loving husband and son. I ask everyone to please keep the entire Russell family in your prayers this Christmas and once again, thanks so much for your help."

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