Joey Laquerre, 17, grandson of Vermont's storied racing champion, died in an ATV accident on Saturday afternoon.
Laquerre, new rising star in stock car racing died after crashing an ATV-off road vehicle, reported Burlington Free Press.
Northeast was in shock when the news struck and sent fans and supporters abuzz in social media sending their condolences.
Laquerre, took his place in the fourth generation of a family of stock racers. He was definitely a much loved racer given that he was just starting to put on his name in the race.
The teen's grandfather, whom he shares the same name, is the most successful driver in a 55 year history of Thunder Road International Speedbowl in Barre. He has an all-time record breaking track with 45 wins and seven championships in racing.
Jeff, the proud father of the young racing star, is a multi-time champion crew chief. The teen's uncles, Jay and Joey, Jr. are also multi-time winners.
The 17 year old Joey Laquerre is a student at U-32 High School. In 2010, he got a kick start in racing in four-cylinder youth divisions at several speedways in New Hampshire. At 14, Joey began racing in the top-tier class and won third place finish at Devil's Bowl Speedway in West Haven. It was his first race and he already got an award. He was then allowed to play at Thunder Road in 2013 at the age of 16.
A proud moment for the family happened when Joey led 30 laps before finishing second ahead with his grandfather who got third in place on July 7, 2013.
Joey Laquerre's family and friends offered a memorial on Sunday night.
