This morning at 6:30am owner and co-founder of Performance Engineering Racing Engines, Inc. from Jenison, Kathy Huizinga lost her life due to a car accident on Saturday, October 10.   Huizinga and her husband Tom were riding in their Street Rod when something in the steering broke propelling them into the guardrail on US 31.

Tom Huizinga is still in the hospital in stable condition.   Kathy and Tom were present at US 131 Motorsports Park's Funny Car Nationals a week ago to present the Engine Pro engine giveaway.   Performance Engineering was instrumental in assembling this engine valued at $18,000.   Stephanie Peterson US 131’s Marketing Director said, “Kathy was a wonderful person.   I especially enjoyed our relationship because it is rare that I can work closely with another woman in our male-dominated careers.”   Peterson continued, “Kathy is a fine example of what determination can become.”   Peterson is referring to the fact that Huizinga lost her first husband to cancer.   With determination and two children she kept the business going and made it what it is today, a successful and accomplished racing engine shop.   Huizinga was featured on MSNBC two years ago for her achievements.