A Jr Dragster Team out of New Carlisle lost everything they had Saturday afternoon when their trailer randomly caught fire. The golf cart in trailer was what allegedly started the fire. According to eyewitnesses, the trailer had been driving a few miles before someone pulled him over and told him he was on fire. No one was injured in the blaze.

A local 12-year-old girl’s dreams were shattered when the trailer pulling her Jr. Dragster drag racing car recently went up in flames, destroying the car, a golf cart, and some of her family’s irreplaceable personal racing mementos.

On July 2, the Terrell Family Racing Team was returning home from a successful day at Xenia’s Kil-Kare Raceway when the trailer Mr. Benny Terrell was hauling his granddaughter, Hannah’s, Jr. Dragster in burst into flames. The fire began when the battery-operated golf cart Terrell was also hauling caught fire.

Terrell was almost home when he caught sight of black smoke trailing behind him.

“I didn’t think anything of it at first. It was the fourth of July weekend, so I figured someone was just setting off some fireworks or something...when I (stopped) and got out of the truck. I saw the smoke coming out of the back of the trailer...I ran to open the door, which just let more oxygen in and made the fire bigger. I tried to go in to save Hannah’s car, but it was too hot and the fire was too big...it was just too late.”

When the family later returned to the trailer to see if anything could be salvaged, they were shocked to find nearly everything had been destroyed.

“...The fire was in the back of the trailer, but there were things charred and melted in the front too,” says Hannah’s grandmother, Joy Terrell, “Everything was just gone. Hannah’s helmet, her fire suit...just everything.”

The family says the racing community has rallied around in an overwhelming show of love and support.

“Right after it happened we had people calling us to help. Someone offered us a loaner car for Hannah and others offered us car parts, (equipment) for Hannah...and just all kinds of things. It’s amazing. People have been so giving,” says Joy.

Hannah’s mother, Carol Griffis, says her daughter has been racing since she was eight years old and is completely devastated by what happened, “She loves racing and this...this has just been awful. She doesn’t want to let go of what’s left of her car. She knows she can never race it again, but she just loves her car. The whole thing has just been terrible for her.”

The golf cart serviced before the accident and no one is sure how or why the fire started.

Joy says people would be surprised to find out that things they thought were covered by full coverage car insurance, really aren’t, “It’s important to double check your insurance policies, because you just never know.”

Hannah tears up and has a hard time talking about her car and the fire. But the Tecumseh Middle School student thanks everyone “so much” for all of the help they’ve given and offered to her and her family.

A variety of fundraising efforts are being organized in an effort to “Get Hannah Back on the Track.”

Mr. Carson Griffith has organized a raffle for the family that includes some big ticket prizes donated by folks in the drag racing community. The drawing will take place at the end of July. Tickets are $35 and new prizes are being added daily. Those interested in purchasing tickets or just making a donation to help can do so at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Another fundraiser will be held from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Aug. 5 at Wings Sports Bar and Grill on North Dixie Drive in Dayton. The evening will include live Country Music by Justin Bryan and Thomas Mac, as well as a 50/50 drawing, raffles, and other activities. Donations are also being accepted. For more information, contact Brittany Adams at (937) 838-0072.

Hannah’s mother has also started a gofundme page at https://www.gofundme.com/2ccmfeac. She cautions people to make sure they use that exact web address because it is the only gofundme page the family will be authorizing.

The entire Terrell family is very grateful for all of the support they have received, “It’s been amazing to see everyone come together to help...we are so blessed,” says Joy.

First Group 2x2
First Group 2x2
Local News

Stories on people, places, events and businesses right here in Western Clark County.

Local Government

Meetings and news from local Boards of Education, Township Trustees and County Commissioners.

Sports

Arrows, Bees & Warriors; we cover all local high school sports, as well as local semi-pro and adult leagues