Tragically five year old Joey Marotta died Sunday, in an Ohio hospital from the H1N1 flu. Joey's Mom, Serese (Shampine) Marotta is the daughter of legendary supermodified driver Jimmy Shampine and wife Leona and Joey's Dad, Joe Marotta is the son of Oswego Speedway track announcer Joe Marotta.

Please add these two racing families to your prayers at this difficult time, there is no pain worse than the death of a small innocent child.

My condolences to the Shampine and Marotta families. My thoughts and prayers are with you all, especially Leona.

God Speed,

Patti

It's tough enough to lose a parent; many of us know that. It's even tougher to lose a spouse and a few of us know that, too. But...a child/grandchild?? For me, that would be the toughest of all. Prayers for this family.

My prayers go out to the Shampine and Marotta families.

As Danny said, there can't be anything worse in this life than losing a child or grandchild. My heart goes out to the families.

So very sad. The loss of a child or grandchild is has to be extremely difficult. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Shampine & Marotta families in this most trying of times.

My wife and I unfortunately lost our daughter January 4th 2008.. Its harder than anyone can imagine the only encouragement you can give is a EAR. I knoow that dont sound right but listening is the best medicine..You dont get over it you just learn to deal with it..your in our prayers

Thank your for letting us know Patti. Great Family that has been through a lot and now to have to bury someone so young. Very tough. I had the privilege of interviewing Judge Andy Fusco who wrote Jimmy Shampine's Auto-biography back when I hosting No Speed Limit. Great Racing Family steeped in tradition. I hope they find comfort soon. Please pass on our sincerest condolences to the entire Family.

The Gulick's and Team CGR

May God give you all comfort in this needy time for your family.

Pete, your welcome. There are no words to express how bad my heart aches for Serese, Joe, Leona, Jill and Chad, there are no words to express how one deals with the loss of your child, grandchild or nephew. I can only pray that they find comfort in their faith. Judge Andy Fusco did a great job writing the book on Jimmy, it is hard to believe we are just two years away from the 30th anniversary of Jimmy's death at Oswego Speedway from what many described as a simple spin. They are a great racing family that showed remarkable strength, courage and faith twenty-eight years ago when tragedy invaded their lives, hopefully they will find peace and comfort now through that same strength, courage and faith.


Patti

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Mike, Andrew and your family remain in my prayers for Andrew's continued good health.

Patti

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Dirtlmaxion, my thoughts and prayers are with your family. Lending an ear to listen is great advise, thank you.

Patti

So very tragic. My prayers go out to the Shampine and Marotta family in there time of sorrow.