‘Today is a little harder’: Eagle Raceway honoring memory of 11-year-old boy

EAGLE, Neb. (KLKN) — The usual race day buzz at Eagle Raceway carried some extra compassion Sunday, as hundreds of people took a moment to remember one fan’s passion.

On Friday morning, Zane VanArsdall died after several days in a medically induced coma.

And now, the racing community is mourning the loss, but never forgetting the way he touched their lives.

All cars on Sunday had Zane’s name and number, 24, on them.

“All of the 305’s tonight will have that across their wing caps,” said driver Stuart Snyder. “It’s not a whole lot but everybody’s thinking of his family and thinking of him. It shocked the whole racing family around here.”

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His presence was a ray of positivity for many of those who come to the track.

The 11-year-old was a familiar face at the track and his life impacted so many.

“Everybody that knew Zane loved him,” said driver Adam Gullion. “He had an infectious personality that you couldn’t be upset around him, it wasn’t possible. He was so full of life that he was just a joy to be around. I mean everybody knew him out here and everybody loved him. So today is a little harder.”

Guillon said he knows Zane is still cheering them on, and being able to have Zane’s favorite number on his car makes it feel like he is always by his side on race day.

The drivers say Zane’s presence really brought the community together.

“We’re all competitors at the end of the day but we’re also family,” Snyder said. “Whether someone needs help or when something like this happens, everybody pulls together and tries to help everyone get through it the best we can. Tomorrow’s never promised but honoring him is promised. That’s all we’re trying to do.”