Contents
Introduction
John Blewett III, a name synonymous with speed, courage, and asphalt, met his untimely fate on the racetrack. His life was a high-octane journey, but it was the tragic events of that fateful day that left the motorsports community in shock.
From Karts to Modifieds
Born on October 25, 1973, John Blewett III’s passion for racing ignited early. At the tender age of 10, he strapped into go-karts, chasing victory on local tracks. As he transitioned to the asphalt ovals, his talent blossomed. In 1996, at just 22, he clinched NASCAR’s Northeast Regional Championship, narrowly missing the national title. His record boasted 97 wins across various tracks, including Flemington Speedway, Wall Township Speedway, and New Hampshire.
The Tragic Turn
On August 16, 2007, the Thompson Speedway in Connecticut witnessed a heart-wrenching moment. John Blewett III, competing in a Whelen Modified race, spun on the track. In a cruel twist of fate, his brother Jimmy’s car collided with John’s driver’s door. The impact proved fatal, and the racing world lost a true champion.
A Speedway Pays Tribute
Two days later, Wall Township Speedway held a poignant memorial for John. Fans, fellow racers, and family gathered to bid farewell. As the scheduled 40-lap modified event reached its final lap, 1990 NASCAR Whelen Modified Titlist Jamie Tomaino piloted the iconic No. 76 car—a solo lap in John’s honor. The number 76 became sacred, reserved exclusively for the Blewett family. While officially retired, it remains a symbol of John’s legacy, carried forward by his brother Jimmy and even his son, John IV, who began racing in 2017.
Remembering a True Racer
The North-South Shootout, a prestigious race meet, now bears John’s name—the John Blewett III Memorial North-South Shootout. Held at Caraway Speedway in North Carolina, it celebrates the spirit of modified racing, echoing the roar of engines and the memory of a hero.
