Veteran drag racing promoter, starter, and track prep specialist T.J. Bailey, 42, tragically lost his life on Friday evening when the camper trailer that he and his family were staying in near the Texas Motorplex in Ennis, Texas was struck by a strong line of severe weather. While details remain scarce, Bailey’s trailer along with several others were reportedly overturned at the racetrack as a possible tornado moved through the area. Bailey succumbed to his injuries, while his wife and their two sons were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Bailey, from nearby Midlothian, was a popular and well-respected figure in the sport of drag racing, and news of his death set about an outpouring of tributes on social media for the man with a wide, ever-present smile.

For years Bailey served as the chief starter of the NMRA and NMCA, and was a Division Services Coordinator for the NHRA before co-founding T&E Promotions, which regularly hosts street car-style events at the Texas Motorplex. Bailey was often regarded as one of the sport’s leading track prep specialists and starting line event managers, while at the same time a friend to all that het met in his years working drag racing events across the country.

“It’s with a heavy heart that I’m making this post. Early this morning, friend, leader, track expert, husband, father, and TX2K family member T.J. Bailey lost his life in a tragic accident,” said Peter Blach, promoter of the popular TX2K event at the Motorplex for which Bailey was again set to serve as a key member of on-track operations next week. “T.J. was one of the few good ones. From the moment he joined our TX2K car family, we knew how special he was. Words can’t describe the sadness we all feel, our hearts and prayers are with his family. We are dedicating TX2K25 to T.J. and his memory. T.J. will never be forgotten and will always be part of the TX2K family.”

Bailey was a friend to many of us here at DRAGZINE, and his warm and welcoming personality, his zest for life, and his passion for the sport of drag racing will forever hold him in our memories. Our thoughts are with Bailey’s wife, his children, extended family, and to all those whose life he touched.