Jace Hasskew, a proud U.S. Army veteran and beloved road racer from Ashland, Ohio, has died, leaving behind a stunned circle of family, friends, and fellow racers who are still struggling to grasp the loss. To those who knew him, Jace wasn’t just a name on a roster or a face at the track — he was a presence. Loud in laughter, steady in loyalty, and fearless in the way he lived.
Born and raised in Ashland, Jace carried his hometown values wherever life took him. He answered the call to serve in the U.S. Army, a chapter of his life that shaped his discipline and deepened his sense of brotherhood. Fellow service members remember him as dependable and upbeat, the kind of teammate who never quit and never left anyone behind. Even in high-pressure moments, Jace had a way of grounding the people around him.
The Army didn’t just give Jace structure — it sharpened his character. The lessons he learned in uniform followed him home, guiding how he treated friends, tackled challenges, and showed up for others. Integrity wasn’t something he talked about; it was something he lived, quietly and consistently.
Outside of military life, Jace found his freedom on the road racing circuit. Racing wasn’t a hobby for him — it was a calling. He was known for his grit, his technical skill, and his unfiltered love for the sport. At the track, Jace was in his element, equal parts competitor and cheerleader, pushing himself hard while lifting others up.
Younger racers especially felt his impact. Jace never guarded his knowledge or acted above anyone. If you had questions, he had time. If you were nervous, he had encouragement. Win or lose, he believed racing was about respect and shared passion, not ego. That mindset earned him admiration well beyond his lap times.
Off the track, Jace was simply easy to love. Friends describe him as warm, funny, and effortlessly genuine — the kind of guy who could turn an ordinary moment into a memory. One friend summed up what many are feeling now: “I’m really gonna miss you. Rest easy, bud.” It’s a simple line, but it carries the weight of a community grieving together.
Jace Hasskew’s death has also reopened conversations about mental health and the quiet battles many carry alone. His passing is painful, but his life remains a powerful reminder to check in on one another and to speak up when the load feels too heavy. Though he is gone, Jace’s legacy lives on — in the lives he touched, the racers he inspired, and the deep love he left behind in Ashland and far beyond.
