Two days ago, we lost someone who was not only a great racer, but also a great man. Joe Hrymack, know as Jersey Joe or simply Jersey to many of us, passed away unexpectedly. I believe he was in his early 50’s and is survived by his wife Maye and two sons – one each in college and high school (I think).
Jersey raced with us for 5+ years and was among of the most well known and liked in our paddock during that time. He won the Mid-Atlantic Championship three consecutive years, most recently in 2008. He was also crowned the National Champion twice in ’06 and ’07 and still holds a number of Series track records. He talked of returning the last year or two and this year was supposed to be “the year”
The closest I ever came to winning a race was an epic battle with him at VIR years ago. He and I were in a league of our own that day and after the green flag dropped, we gapped much of the field. I led most of the race, with him pestering me from every which angle, but would eventually make one too many mistakes due to the hot July weather. His considerable commitment to both excellence and conditioning won out and he took the win, like he had so many times before.
Jersey was a fast talking, pointed man, who sacrificed nothing to achieve his goals. He was a successful racer, a successful lawyer and, judging from the many times his wife and kids came to the track, a successful family man. He was the only man I knew to drink martinis at the track (out of a small plastic wine glass) and never hesitated to share anything he had… including his martinis.
Driving those years as a relative child among men, I often did not identify with my fellow racers. I found myself gravitating to Jersey Joe’s paddock space, usually to shoot the breeze with him or his family. They were big Pittsburgh fans and many conversations were about whether the Cowboys or Steelers were going to win the Superbowl. Although we hadn’t seen each other in years or spoken much at all, I got a one line email from him when the Steelers finally did it. I was pissed then – now it doesn’t seem to matter much.
He meant more to me than I realized before writing this post. I am well and truly saddened by the loss.
Joe and I were friends back when Joe and Mae lived in Point Beach in the 80’s, he was there for me during many legal issues and was a good friend, we were all starting our families back then and I actually remember putting an addition on his front porch we lost touch for the past 20 years however his friendship although short in terms of years was an important part of my life at the time. I am saddened by his loss and at the same time happy to come to know that my old friend Joe had touched the lives of so many people. My condolences to Mae and the family and all his friends.