Car of slain El Monte racer to hit the track one last time at Irwindale
By Jessica Donnelly, Staff Writer jessica.donnelly@sgvn.com

Hector Urias' Volkswagen Beetle, known for its record-breaking speeds, will take the track one last time Sept. 16 at the Toyota Speedway at Irwindale. Family and friends are hosting a memorial for Urias on what would have been the popular auto shop owner's 49th birthday. The racing community mourned the loss of their respected colleague at the Speedway on Thursday, the first night of racing since Urias' slaying. "Everyone is aware of what happened," said Bob Elias, racing enthusiast and friend of Urias. "The track was covered with signs that read, 'Rest in peace Hector.' " The well-known racer and popular figure in the community was killed Tuesday night in his shop, Hector Urias Auto Repair, 3548 Santa Anita Ave. "I can confirm that Hector Urias suffered from multiple gunshot wounds, and no other weapons were used," said sheriff's Lt. Don Slawson. There were signs of movement and struggle, Slawson said. Deputies have not named a suspect in the killing. According to Urias' cousin, Ray Ramos, Urias held several speed records. His room in his La Verne home is filled with trophies he won with his trademark Beetle. One of Urias' proudest moments was when he won a Wally, a prestigious trophy in drag racing, for setting a record on the one-eighth mile at the Import World Finals in Pomona in 2006, Ramos said. Urias was well-respected on the track, and was known as a family man off the track. Urias' father introduced Hector to racing, and it was a passion he hoped to share with a 6-month-old daughter he was about to adopt. Even Urias' El Monte-based team, Urias Racing, was formed by cousins who raced together. A memorial planned for Sept. 16 will honor the life and accomplishments of Urias. The family will be accepting donations for a funeral service at the memorial, Ramos said. "Hector was like a brother to me," he said. "We are just trying to get by. Every day is harder than the one before." In addition, the El Monte Police Officers Association has created a memorial fund to help Urias' family. Anyone would like to make a donation to the "Hector Urias Memorial Fund" can make a deposit at the El Monte Community Credit Union, 11718 Ramona Blvd., El Monte. Checks should be payable to the EMPOA-Hector Urias Memorial Fund. For questions about the fund, contact Brian Glick at 626-807-0484 or bglick@elmontepoa.com