Racing community honors Donnie Ray Crawford

TULSA - The Tulsa racing community gathered to honor one of its own.

Donnie Ray Crawford was one of midget racing's biggest stars.

Crawford was killed inside his family's home in January during a family dispute.

On Saturday, more than 200 racers and hundreds of fans showed up for the sixth annual Race 4 Life/inaugural Donnie Ray Crawford Memorial Finale.

The racing event was held at Port City Raceway.

"Donnie Ray raced at this track up until his death and was here all the time," said the track's owner, Aaron Lemmons.

The event started on Wednesday with practice. That was followed by two nights of qualifying races.

One of the racers participating was Harli White.

Crawford saved White's life in 2008 after he pulled her from her burning vehicle after a crash at an event in Oklahoma City.

"If it wasn't for Donnie Ray, I wouldn't be here today," said White. "Donnie Ray was my hero and he always will be."

Her father said he will forever be grateful.

"How do you repay somebody? How do you thank them?," said Charlie White.

Crawford's family attended the event, which included an auction that raised money for the Donnie Ray Crawford Racing Foundation Scholarship Fund, which helps race car drivers who want to go back to school to pursue their education.