The roar of engines at Painesville Speedway will carry a special, deeply personal meaning as the local racing community gathers to honor the memory of one of its most passionate supporters. For the second year in a row, the historic Ohio short track will host the Zac Brunkala Memorial, a high-octane tribute celebrating a life that was taken far too soon.
Brunkala tragically passed away in a highway accident in October 2024 at the young age of 24. To those who knew him, Zac was a vibrant fixture at Painesville Speedway. He was an unwavering supporter of the local racing scene and had a profound love for the chaotic, grueling, and thrilling nature of Enduro racing. To keep his spirit alive, the speedway is continuing the memorial event, remembering him exactly where he loved to be—under the Saturday night lights at the track.
A Night of Meaningful Racing
The evening’s race card is tailored specifically to honor Zac’s memory and his favorite styles of racing.
The night is headlined by a pair of massive tribute races:
- 47-Lap Enduro: A true test of survival and stamina, this race is a direct nod to Brunkala’s favorite division.
- 47-Lap Compact Feature: Sharing the spotlight, the area’s best front-wheel-drive competitors will battle it out for 47 laps to etch their names into the memorial event’s history books.
The number 47 will be prominent throughout the night, serving as a powerful tribute as drivers take to the pavement.
Action Across All Divisions
Beyond the headlining 47-lap specials, the Zac Brunkala Memorial promises a full, action-packed card to keep the grandstands energized. Fans will be treated to intense, door-to-door battles in the Street Stocks and Great Lakes Truck Tour. To cap off the night’s entertainment, the crowd can look forward to the always-unpredictable, edge-of-your-seat thrill of Figure 8 racing. As the dust settles and the smoke clears from the Figure 8 action, the 47 lap Enduro will enter the track to cap off the racing program.
The Second Annual Zac Brunkala Memorial is more than just a spot on the racing schedule; it is a testament to the tight-knit family that makes up the short-track community. As drivers strap in and wait for the green flag to drop, they won’t just be racing for a trophy—they’ll be racing for Zac. The National Anthem and Opening Ceremonies kick off at 6:00PM.
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