PROVIDED

Cape Coral BMX will hold a memorial race to benefit the family of one of its riders who lost a parent suddenly.

On Tuesday, March 26, a benefit race in memory of James “Jim” Patrick O’Brien will be held starting at 6 p.m. at the Cape Coral BMX Sports Complex. O’Brien, father of long-time racer P.J. O’Brien, died unexpectedly in February.

The father and son were tight-knit and enjoyed traveling the country participating in BMX races, and working on P.J.’s bike.

“P.J. has been racing BMX since he was a young child, and his parents played a huge role,” said event organizer Layla Viernes. “Jim was his traveling partner and made sure his son went to almost every race and practice he could get him to, as well as helping P.J. work on his bikes and help build them. Not only did Jim play a huge role with his son, but also with the entire BMX community near and far.”

Race fees for the benefit race, which starts at 7:15 p.m., are $10. The event includes a silent auction until 8 p.m., and special Hawaiian food.

“The O’Brien family is very well-known throughout the entire BMX community, and Jim is truly missed by everyone,” Viernes said. “We’d love to see the support of the BMX community and our city, to help us remember this wonderful father and husband. Everything we raise at the memorial race will be given to P.J. and wife Dina to carry on Jim’s legacy.”

Cape Coral BMX Sports Complex is at 1410 Southwest 6th Place.