The Gardella Racing Team truck driver and great friend to all, Bruce Soltys, passed away this Saturday from a cardiac arrest. He was with the team in Monticello, NY doing some volunteer testing. Bruce was loading the Chevy pickup truck, preparing to leave the track after testing had been completed and fell. He was rushed to the Catskill Regional Medical Center Hospital in Callicoon, NY where he lost his life.

Bruce was a member of GR program for close to 5 years, who was considered more than a truck driver; he was part of the family. Bruce started working with the team in 2007 when Gardella was competing in NHRA Sport Compact Drag Racing. His first event of that season was West Palm Beach FL at Moroso Speedway. He brought his soon to be wife, Kim, along because he was nervous about how he would get along with everyone. Within the first hour of being at the track, Bruce found a home and friendship within the team.

Bruce will be missed by everyone he met. He always seemed to make friends no matter where he went. “I have so many great stories to share about this man,” remembered Gary Gardella. “I will surely miss my old buddy,” he continued “his shoes will be difficult to fill.”

If you knew Bruce please show his family any support you can by sending flowers or a donation to his family. The GR team will be attending the wake from 7-9pm. There will be a passenger van leaving the race shop around 5:30. If anyone would like to ride along with the team, please contact Gary ASAP as seats are going fast.

Thursday December 2nd
Buyus Funeral Home
426 Lafayette Street, Newark, NJ 07105
Visitation will be from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM