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About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 22, 2023)
+HSSQHU*D]HWWH7LPHV+HSSQHU2UHJRQ Wednesday, November 22, 2023 -- SEVEN Mustangs ‘pass the torch’ with new football tradition Heppner teen racing prodigy -Continued from PAGE ONE Hayden with her racing helmet. - Photo by Chris Sykes (L-R ) Brandy Stills, Hayden Rossi, Joseph Stills and Quent- en Eugene standing in front of thier giant checks at their home in Heppner. - Photo by Chris Sykes (L-R ) Landon Mitchell, Caden George, Cameron Proud- foot. - Photo by Ken Grieb (R) Hayden wearing her Hans Device. (L) Fireproof safety boots. - Photo by Chris Sykes Hayden in her car at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway getting UHDG\WRWDNHR൵ - Contributed Photo ¿UVW UDFH DW %UHPHUWRQ Raceway, clinched the Halloween Classic title in Boise, Idaho in 2022, and even participated in a race broadcasted on ESPN, showcasing her skills on a national platform. The Na- tional Hot Rod Association rewarded her exceptional driving with two Wallys, drag racing’s most presti- gious trophy. The Stills’ dedica- tion to racing is evident, Hayden’s mom, Bran- dy, dials in the car which means she puts a number on it if she doesn’t trust the computer, and Joseph takes care of motor swaps, tire pressure, oil changes, and tune-ups, and the kids do the racing. The family works as a team, ensuring Hayden and her brother Quenten are ready to dom- inate the tracks. In 2022, when Hayden was racing in Yakima, she came in and anxiously told her dad that she had hit a pothole on the track. How- ever, upon further inspec- tion, they discovered that KHUZHLJKWWDQNKDGÀLSSHG DQGIDOOHQR൵DQGVKHKDG inadvertently run over it. A weight tank is a crucial tool used for adding or re- moving weight, as racing rules dictate that competi- tors must not exceed a cer- tain weight limit. Hayden’s dad always weighs her before each race to en- sure compliance with the weight restriction. Anoth- er time she experienced a malfunction in her brakes and was forced to rely on PRPHQWXPWR¿QLVKWKH¿- nal part of the race. Laugh- ing, Hayden’s father said, “One year Hayden burned 8 clutches and blew up two motors.” When they go to rac- es, they make sure to eat a very healthy diet. Hayden, in particular, consumes a lot of limes and salt as she tends to get dehydrat- ed out on the track. Due to the long waiting time before she can race in full uniform, she often sits in the car for 45 minutes to an hour. After the race, her dad usually cooks BBQ in WKHLQ¿HOG Of course, racing isn’t MXVW DERXW WKH PRQH\ IRU the Stills. It’s about pure HQMR\PHQW DQG ORYH IRU the sport. The big checks Hayden wins are split 50/50, with half going to- wards necessary expens- es like replacement parts, fuel, and food, while the other half goes to the kids. Racing is their passion, and they make sure to have fun as a family, with Jo- seph even stripping down the cars completely during the winter to prepare for the next season. After taking a break from racing due to wreck- ing his car, Hayden’s younger brother, Quenten is getting back on track. The Stills family knows that racing is not without risks, which is why they ensure that safety is a top SULRULW\ +D\GHQ LV RXW¿W- WHGZLWKD¿UHSURRIKHOPHW shoes, gloves, and a full suit to protect her in the A new tradition has been started by Heppner Mustang head football coach Greg Grant. This year’s senior football play- ers wrapped the football cleats that they wore this season on the goalpost on WKH0XVWDQJSUDFWLFH¿HOG All the members of the 0XVWDQJIRRWEDOODQGMXQLRU high football teams were in attendance for the pass- ing of the torch ceremony. Coach Grant talked about how these three seniors were great teammates and leaders in the program. He then encouraged all the players present to follow these seniors’ lead as they continued their careers at Heppner High School. Each of the three seniors addressed their teammates on what it meant to them to be a part of the Mustang football program. 7KH\ WKHQ R൵HUHG DGYLFH on how to help keep the «Mustang Tradition» alive and well. $395,000 NEW LISTING +D\GHQVKRZLQJKHU¿UHSURRIUDFLQJVXLW - Photo by Chris Sykes event of a crash. She also wears arm restraints and a Hans device, which keeps her head and neck stable and safe. Racing may be thrilling, but the Stills fam- ily understands that pre- cautions are essential. As Hayden looks to the future, she has her sights set on becoming a professional race car driv- er. With each race, she is honing her skills and gain- ing experience. Next year, she will be competing in the Super and Jr. divi- sions, where cars can reach speeds of up to 140 mph. Hayden’s need for speed is undeniable, and her de- termination and talent are sure to take her far in the HHS Donkey Basketball Fundraiser racing world. When Hayden isn’t UDFLQJ VKH HQMR\V GUDZ- ing and spending time with her friends. She loves chicken and dumplings, and her favorite singer is Zack Bryan. Surprisingly enough, her favorite movie is “Hairspray.”. To catch a glimpse of Hayden’s racing adven- tures, follow her Free Spir- it Racing on Instagram and Facebook. She may be a Giant Killer on the tracks, but this young champion is MXVW JHWWLQJ VWDUWHG :DWFK out, racing world, because Hayden Rossi is coming in hot! Discover peace and seclusion on this expansive forty-acre parcel boasting a fully functional two-bed- room, one-bathroom cabin. Embrace the breathtaking views of the mountains from the upper level’s reverse living 640 square foot great room. In the summer, explore the property’s ATV trails, while in the winter, delight in t snowmobiling or sledding with access to thousands of acres of National Forest Land located at the property’s corner. LOP tags may be available for hunting enthusiasts, or simply relish in the opportu- nity to observe the abundant wildlife that frequently visits the property, including elk, deer, bear, and WXUNH\(QMR\WKHFRQYHQLHQFHRIDSULYDWHZHOOZLWK DEDFNXSYDOYH¿OOHGFLVWHUQWZRQDWXUDOVSULQJV electricity, and internet access, ensuring utmost com- fort and connectivity. 80439 Black Mountain Ln Heppner MLS#:23425595 177 N. Main P.O. Box 337 Heppner, OR 97836 Chris@sykesrealestate.net Broker Chris Sykes 541-215-2274 Wishing Each of You a Wonderful Season of Thanksgiving! From All of Us in HEPPNER HEPPNER ADMINISTRATION BRANCH 250 NW Gale St. 279 N. Main St. 541-676-0201 541-676-9125 MORTGAGE IONE HEPPNER OFFICE BRANCH 269 N. Main St. 280 Main St. 541-676-9884 541-422-7466 xx Heppner High School had their annual Donkey Basketball fundraiser on the 20 th of this month. The fundraiser money goes to the Christmas giving tree/ adopt a family project to help families in need this holiday season . MEMBER FDIC
