Willie Magrell Jr.

EAST CANTON, Ohio -- William “Willie” E. Magrell Jr., 17, a budding driver in the USAC Midwest Ford Focus Midget Car Series, was killed Saturday afternoon in a two-car accident near East Canton, Ohio.

Magrell, a native of Atwater, Ohio, competed in his initial season of Ford Focus Midget racing in 2004, finishing 10th in the Midwest region after contesting in all 17 feature events. His best finish came at Lakeville, Ohio, when he placed third.

Prior to his Ford Focus career, Magrell competed in quarter midgets. Most of his family, including father Bill, grandparents and great-aunt and great-uncle, has competed in racing. His mother, Tracy, works at N-C Chassis Company, which specializes in making Quarter Midgets.

“Willie was a fine young man and a talented driver,” said Eric Bunn, National Coordinator of the Ford Focus Series. “His good humor and skills will be missed by the entire USAC Ford Focus family.”

Added Rollie Helming, USAC President and CEO: “On behalf of everyone at USAC, we are deeply saddened by this tragic loss. Willie was a wonderful example of what the participants in the USAC Ford Focus Midget Car Series should be. He had a wonderful career in front of him. Willie will be sadly missed by all who participate in the series. We offer our most heartfelt sympathy to the Magrell family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them in this most difficult time.”

Magrell is survived by his parents and an older sister, Stacey.

Funeral arrangements are pending.