There’s not a day that passes when NHRA Top Fuel driver Doug Herbert doesn’t reflect on his sons, Jon and James, who were killed earlier this year in an automobile accident. They often traveled to races with him and because of that, some events bring back memories more than others.

This weekend’s event in Englishtown is one of those where the memories are strong.

“Every time we came to Old Bridge,” said Herbert, “James wanted to go to the motocross track. He competed in motocross, and always wanted to go watch those guys.”

 

 

 

 

There’s not a day that passes when NHRA Top Fuel driver Doug Herbert doesn’t reflect on his sons, Jon and James, who were killed earlier this year in an automobile accident. They often traveled to races with him and because of that, some events bring back memories more than others.

This weekend’s event in Englishtown is one of those where the memories are strong.

“Every time we came to Old Bridge,” said Herbert, “James wanted to go to the motocross track. He competed in motocross, and always wanted to go watch those guys.”

Herbert’s only sons were killed in an automobile accident in January. Since then, Herbert’s life has been filled with such memories, memories of his boys and their adventures as they attended races with their Dad.

“I’ll probably go over to the motocross track this weekend,” said Herbert. “My daughter Jessie still competes in motocross, so I will take some time and just think about all the good times we had. It will also give me a little time away to get focused on what we need to do to win this race in honor of her big brothers.”

The heartbroken father leads his SnaponFranchise.com team into the Lucas Oil NHRA SuperNationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park sitting in the No. 9 point’s position. After posting a semifinal appearance in the last race just two weeks ago, Herbert plans to carry that momentum into this next race and throughout the rest of the season.

“Our goal all season has been to win the championship for my boys,” said the veteran driver. “We have done a respectable job so far, but we know we can do better. We need to keep winning rounds and moving up in points. I feel like we are headed in the right direction and just need to step it up a notch to get where we want to be.

“We put the Snap-on car in the final round here last year and back in ’99. We want a repeat of that performance, only take it one step further and get our first win of the season in the SnaponFranchise.com car.

“I know James and Jon are up there watching. It’s time we make them proud and win one for them.”