past present future

Three Years later & You'll Never Forget the #71 of Don Kepping

By Gene Ostrowski
February, 2006
 

Many times we look back to our childhood and remember great heroes and moments, people we idolized. It's no different than me looking back to 1978. That is the year my eyes had a bright orange reflection. A same reflection has caught my eye 27 years later, not of the machine, but the man behind the wheel.

Don Kepping grew up in Drums, PA and attended Evergreen Raceway (Mountain Speedway) frequently in his youth. He grew up at the track and dreamed of racing a stock car there. Don started off racing dirt bikes in hare scrambles and endures. He ran them for several years and that competitive spirit persevered throughout his life. At the age of 34, Don built his first car that he would end up racing at his childhood track. He was a mild mannered, easygoing guy who very simply just wanted to race. He drove several types of cars over the years on asphalt and dirt, but all the cars had one thing in common, the familiar orange and white paint scheme carrying the #71. Some folks called him the Beaver Valley Bandit, but most just called him a friend. Don had a fan following unlike any other competitor, and the majority of them were the young kids. "Many times he would let the kids play in and on the car… that competitive spirit persevered throughout his life; he simply loved to see the kids with that much excitement," said Janet Kepping, Don's wife of almost 22 years.

Throughout Don's racing career he did win races. Did he dominate them? No, but he left a lasting impression on both fans and competitors as a cautious and clean racer, which earned him respect as a driver. Not only was he respected by his fans and competitors, but his sponsors also valued his reverence for honest racing.

In 1978 Don began racing and won "Rookie of the Year" in the late model division. He would rack up many wins over the decades and had a fan following that was unreal. In the late 80's Don decided to kick it up a notch and purchased a small block modified. Racing mainly at Evergreen, Don would soon find out that the competition was sever and sometimes painful. Through the thick and thin, Don held his head high and went on to win in a modified, also carrying the crown as "Most Popular Driver" many years running.

In late 1981, Don was involved in a severe crash at Evergreen Speedway. Don's back would end up broken in the wreck, which would slow down Don's racing. In the meantime the track was shut down. Don recovered, and was set on the dirt at Big Diamond. Although not super-competitive there, Don became more familiar with the 'feel' of the dusty stuff. When Evergreen re-opened, Don was back on track, running his #71 Beaver Valley Racing modified. After his triumphant return to racing, Don would be just as competitive as before.

In 1994 Don ran his last races at Evergreen. Beaver Valley Racing slowly disengaged because of some financial and ownership issues, but Don continued to attend races as a fan. "Don's heart wasn't just into racing, he would still make plenty of time for his family and friends" said Mrs. Kepping.

In November of 2001, Don's health began failing, he was diagnosed with cancer in the spring of 2002. He would still make it out to the local short tracks to watch and talk to the fans and his racing buddies. On the cold day of January 9th, 2003, Don lost his battle with cancer. That day Beaver Valley not only lost a good man with a big heart, but also lost a well respected, winning racecar driver.

Special thanks to Janet and Sheryl Kepping for their photographs & special memories.

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