A racer at Unity Race Way, Leland McKinney, tragically passed away on Saturday in a tragic car accident.
According to Leland’s official Facebook page, he was originally from South China, Maine, United States, and attended Messalonskee High School, which he left in 2024.
He was a racer who competed in the Fast 4s division at Unity Raceway for the 2025 season, driving the #28 car.
McKinney ranked 9th in the standings out of 12 drivers, accumulated 173 points, and was placed 253 points behind the division leader.
While he didn’t capture a victory or secure a top-five finish, he managed to earn two top-10 finishes in the two feature races he participated in.
Despite early challenges, his presence in the top 10 showed a foundation to build upon.
Leland McKinney Passes Away In A Car Accident, Leaving Everyone Devastated
Leland McKinney, a fellow racer at the Unity Race Way, took his last breath on Saturday, July 19, 2025, due to a tragic car accident.
However, the exact reason behind the accident has not been revealed yet as the investigation is ongoing.
Unity Race Way, The Rebuild LLC, took to their official Facebook page to announce the tragic news. They wrote,
Our hearts are broken and very heavy. One of our Unity drivers, tragically lost his life early Saturday morning. Leland was an amazing young man with a heart of gold. His smile was infectious and his presence was always upbeat. One of his happy places, without question, was the track. This Friday, we will be collecting donations to help ease the financial cost of laying him to rest. 😢 Unity Race way will donate the first $500 and anyone who wishes to donate prior to the races, can do so through Hollys Venmo. (Venmo in comments) 💛Joey will truly miss messing with you, and trying to get you soaked with the water truck. Fly high, Leland, keep chasing those checkered flags. 🏁💔🏁nd
Unity Race Way, The Rebuild LLC
Brianna Giggey, who works at Tooney Looney Rentals & Backyard Events LLC, took to her official Facebook handle and mourned the loss of Leland. She wrote,
My heart is absolutely shattered by the news of your passing yesterday, Leland McKinney . Receiving that phone call was devastating. I’m going to deeply miss seeing your happy, smiling face light up the racetrack every week, and our chats about the updates you made to your car. Thank you, Leland, for two great years of being your Race Director; it was truly a privilege. You were a great kid, and your presence will be so missed. Watch over your loved ones from above; they’ll need all the strength they can get during this incredibly difficult time
Brianna Giggey
Dakota Moody, a landscape laborer at Farley and Sons Contracting, also offered his heartfelt condolences. He wrote,
Rip Leland Mckinney you will be missed man raise hell up there till we meet again
Dakota Moody
On July 20, 2025, Alyssa Michaud from Maine organized the fundraising campaign on GoFundMe to help Leland’s family financially. The campaign aimed to collect $5.5k, and it has collected around $4,020.
Leland will always be remembered for his unforgettable contribution as a race driver at United Race Way. The funeral service schedule for Leland will be announced soon.
Rest in Peace, Leland McKinney.
Leland McKinney Is Survived By His Parents And One Brother
Born in South China, Maine, United States, Leland McKinney was raised by his father, Kevin, and his mother, Selina McKinney.
According to Selina’s Facebook profile, she has been serving as a direct support professional at GT Independence Caregiving.
On the other hand, Leland’s father, Kevin, lives in Freedom, Maine. He went to Mt. View High School and works at Michaud Farms in China, Maine.
Kevin and Selina are mourning the death of Leland. Selina recently uploaded a photo of Leland on her Facebook handle as a tribute.
Leland grew up with his brother, Tyler McKinney, who lives in Belfast, Maine. He is a former maintenance worker at Gac Chemical.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- According to the reports, Leland was in a relationship with Lex Love, who is originally from Belgrade but resides in Oakland, Maine.
- Leland’s aunt, Linda McKinney, lives in Lincolnville, Maine, and attended Mt. View High School.
