Derek Sanchez

Age 47, originally from Albuquerque, NM, passed away on April 11, 2013. Sanchez was involved in a high speed racing accident on April 6, 2013 at the NHRA Summitracing.com Nationals at the Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Derek is survived by his racing partner, Jeffrey Nolte; his mother Rosie Maroone and husband Jim Maroone; sister Audra Sanchez; father Frank Sanchez and wife Terry and stepsister Sarah Orozco; and many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Friends, as well as his extended Drag Racing Family. Derek graduated from Highland High School, Albuquerque, NM in 1984. He then graduated from the University of New Mexico with a Bachelor of Business Administration. He was currently attending the University of Arizona studying for his Master's in Library and Information Sciences. Sanchez currently resided in Yuma, Arizona and was working at the Yuma County Library District, while working on his Master's Degree. Derek had two passions in life, drag racing and books. He and Nolte raced on the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series for the past 10 years. They recently campaigned a 1933 Ford Roadster with Derek's stepfather, Jim Maroone. He was commonly referred to as the "150 mph Librarian". Derek's other passion was books. He loved to read and loved to share his knowledge with his family and friends. Derek was a wonderful and caring human being and will be so missed not only by his family and friends but by his extended drag racing family. Services will be Friday, April 19, at 9:30 a.m. at Risen Savior Catholic Church, 7701 Wyoming Blvd NE in Albuquerque. The Rosary will begin at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Memorial Mass at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow shortly at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery.