Community Corner

Police Race — Not Chase — to Help One of Their Own

Gavin Jack, a Soquel High graduate and son of a sheriff's deputy, needs a heart transplant; Friday's event at Ocean Speedway is a benefit for him.

Contributed by Scotts Valley Police Lt. John Hohmann

Santa Cruz County Law Enforcement officers will be returning to Ocean Speedway on Friday to race for Gavin Jack, son of Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Deputy Tony Jack, who is in need of a heart transplant. 

Since Aug. 18th, doctors at Stanford Hospital have opened Jack's chest three times and performed 10 surgical procedures to save his heart. Jack, a 2013 Soquel High graduate, was diagnosed with arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia, a genetic heart condition, in October 2011 and awaits a heart transplant once his strength returns.

More than $2100.00 dollars will be raised by law enforcement through entry fees in this race forGavin, and this money goes directly to the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA). Additional fund raising will take place the night of the race in support of Gavin. 

We hope that you can come out to the speedway for a great night of racing and for a great cause. Thank you for your support and if you cannot attend, donations may be made at http://cota.donorpages.com/PatientOnlineDonation/COTAforGavinJ/

We would like to thank John Prentice at Ocean Speedway for donating the track time to lawenforcement and to Ken Morse (Life Saver Towing), Dan Dogherra (Dogherra’s Towing) and JackLadd (Ladd’s Towing). This event could not take place without their help

The races are 6-10 p.m. Friday at Ocean Speedway, at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in Watsonville Gates open at 4:30 p.m.

Ticket costs:

  • Adults – $17
  • Seniors – $16 (over 65)
  • Kids – $13 (6 – 12 years old)
  • Family – $55 (2 adults & 2 kids)


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