BUSCH: Funeral Service set for Christain Lovendahl

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (May 7, 2000) Family and friends have spent more than a day grieving the loss of friend, son, leader and husband Christain Lovendahl. Lovendahl, 27, a native of Batesville, Ark., and the nephew of NASCAR Winston Cup championship contender Mark Martin, was killed in an automobile accident Friday on Faith Road, just outside of Mooresville.

The automobile accident, which included two Ridling Motorsports crewmembers in addition to Lovendahl, occurred as the men were leaving Concord (N.C.) Regional Airport upon returning from a NASCAR Busch Series Grand National Division event in Richmond, Va.

Team members Michael Johnson and Jason Owens were treated for minor injuries at Lake Norman Regional Medical Center and released.

"We are completely devastated that such a wonderful person should be taken from us so soon, so tragically," said team owner David Ridling. "We keep the Lovendahl and Martin family in our prayers as they face this incredibly difficult time."

A visitation will be held Monday evening from 7-9 p.m. ET at the Neill Funeral Home at 627 Gum St. in Mooresville (28115). For information call (704) 663-3939.

Funeral services will take place at 2 p.m. ET Tuesday at the Fairview United Methodist Church in Mt. Mourne, N.C., located on highway 115 across from Mt. Mourne Elementary School.

The family has requested that anyone who wishes to make a donation in remembrance of Lovendahl please do so by supporting one of the following charities: Motor Racing Outreach (MRO); 5555 Concord Pkwy. South; Smith Tower, Suite 405; Harrisburg, NC 28075 and Christain Lovendahl Scholarship Fund; c/o J Mar Express; P.O. Box 9198; Searcy, AR 72143.

Expressions of condolences may be sent to: Neill Funeral Home or Emerald Performance Group; 152 So. Iredell Industrial Park Road; Mooresville, NC 28115. -nascar.com-