Vermont Motorsports Magazine

FacebookTwitterYouTubeTwitter
Goss Dodge

Davis Subs as Hinkley Prepares for Fight of his Life

Posted By Tj Ingerson On June 9, 2015

Categories: American-Canadian Tour | Devil's Bowl

Luke Hinkley is greeted by Wayne Helliwell's daughter, Brooke, prior to a race at Star Speedway in 2013. Hinkley was diagnosed with Leukemia last week and requested his brother-in-law, Todd Davis, to drive his car at Devil's Bowl Speedway this past Saturday night. (Eric LaFleche/VLFPhotos.com photo)PHOTO: Luke Hinkley is greeted by Wayne Helliwell's daughter, Brooke, prior to a race at Star Speedway in 2013. Hinkley was diagnosed with Leukemia last week and requested his brother-in-law, Todd Davis, to drive his car at Devil's Bowl Speedway this past Saturday night. (Eric LaFleche/VLFPhotos.com photo)

--by T.J. Ingerson (@TJIngerson)
VMM Editor

WEST HAVEN --
In the pit area at Devil’s Bowl Speedway on Saturday sat Luke Hinkley’s race car and hauler with the familiar team figures that had assembled to prepare for that night’s ACT Late Model Tour race.

Todd Davis waits to climb behind the wheel of Luke Hinkley's car on Saturday at Devil's Bowl Speedway. (T.J. Ingerson/VMM photo)But, it was not Luke Hinkley preparing to get behind the steering wheel.

At the request of Hinkley, his brother-in-law, Todd Davis, who earned a podium finish at Devil’s Bowl in 2011, drove the car. And perhaps Davis’ only goal was to give just an ounce of strength to Hinkley as he prepared to fight for his life.

Last week, Hinkley was diagnosed with Leukemia at age 32, just over one month after Hinkley and his wife, Tanya, welcomed their first child, a girl, into the world.

Davis ran the No. 31 RE Hinkley Chevrolet to an 11th place finish in the caution-free race. But as news of Hinkley’s diagnosis began to spread, the support that Davis silently began was quickly multiplied by fellow race teams, race tracks and series, and fans.

They flocked to Hinkley’s Facebook page to offer their well wishes, as well as their thoughts and prayers. They’ve sent messages to family members. Claremont Speedway, where Hinkley spent much of his racing career, created a message of support. The American-Canadian Tour website offered their support to Hinkley as did many of the drivers.

“I always knew racing communities were close and no question Luke holds a special place in his heart for each and every one of them,” Tanya Hinkley said to Vermont Motorsports Magazine Monday night. “I had no idea how close a racing community really is until now.

“I am completely blown away and beyond humbled by the love and support pouring over us.”

Hinkley’s Leukemia diagnosis, APL, has a survival rate of 90-95%, according to an update provided by Tanya Hinkley with the next three weeks being the most critical. Hinkley is expected to remain in the hospital for at least the next five weeks.

Vermont Motorsports Magazine would like to send our thoughts, prayers, and best wishes to the Luke Hinkley and his entire family during this time.