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[/media-credit]“Dear Mom and Dad, I know you’re going to miss me; but don’t think that I will ever forget you, or stop loving you, just ’cause I’m not around to say ‘I Love You’. Someday we will see each other again, and until then if you want to adopt a little boy so you won’t be so lonely, that’s okay with me, and he can have my room and old stuff to play with. Don’t be sad thinking about me since I don’t hurt anymore. The cancer is all gone, and I’m glad because I couldn’t stand that pain anymore and God couldn’t stand to see me hurt so much, either.” This is an all too familiar scene played out in some homes with sick children as cancer takes over as one of the biggest killers of our youth today.
Cancer, along with other diseases, are hard fought battles amongst the many professionals in the world of medicine, and until the war is finally won, there will be those individuals who will constantly be ready to help when the battle cry goes out. NASCAR racing has always been on the forefront when the need arises for that extra boost of help, and it’s not hard to look around at the many drivers who take time out of their busy schedules to support these worthy causes.
Not only do the drivers participate when the call is sent out, but also the many racing venues along with sponsors, team owners, celebrities, and radio personalities. I have had the honor of meeting one such individual who is a local radio host out here in Southern California (AM830 KLAA), by the name of Gordon “Lug Nutzz” Stewart, who goes beyond the call of duty when it comes to helping kids who feel they have no hope.
Stewart is known for reaching out to these kids, while taking the time to entertain them at various motorsports venues including Toyota Speedway at Irwindale which is hosting this weekend’s event. “For 8 years I have been blessed to meet many amazing kids with one unfortunate common bond. They are all battling cancer and life threatening illnesses.”
“There are so many memories working with The America’s Baby Cancer Foundation, and I am proud to now be the Vice Chairman of the foundation.” Stewart said when talking about the foundation.
Stewart also added that, “With the help of some amazing people, we continue to share some incredible experiences. Guy’s like NHRA 14 time Funny Car Champion John Force, NASCAR Champion Tony Stewart, Supercross/Motocross legend Ricky Carmichael, and X-Games star Travis Pastrana, have all taken their time and resources to provide once in a lifetime experiences for many of our little angels. Inspiration comes from unique opportunities.”
The celebrities who will be taking part in this special event at TS@I will be driving equally-prepared full bodied stock cars, complete with a 350 horsepower Chevy engine, along with a full roll cage and all the safety features which are included in all of NASCAR’s different divisions.
The S2 race cars as they are called, are built for speed, and are part of the speedways weekly racing program that takes place on Saturday nights. Therefore don’t think for a second these celebrities will be racing around the speedway’s half mile in a watered down version race car, instead they will drive a highly sophisticated racing machine.
Paul Blevin will begin the night’s action as the honorary starter, and is best known for his flagman duties in the IZOD IndyCar series which also included standing atop the flag stand for this year’s Indy 500.
“This is a great cause and a great group of celebrities,” said Blevin when he was asked to participate in this weekend’s event. Blevin also added that, “I know that they’ve received very good training on these machines, but, this is some serious stuff on a very fast racetrack…I want them all to have fun, but safely.”
Kim Coates who participated in this year’s pro-celebrity race during the Long Beach Grand Prix, is a cast member in “Sons of Anarchy” and “Human Target,” and will be participating this weekend’s celebrity race said that, “These cars are absolute beasts. As long as I don’t come in last I’ll be thrilled.” said Coates.
Coates also added that, “It’s nice to keep going on this charity Toyota field of racing that I get invited to these days. This is a celebrity race for kids against cancer, and making sure everyone is safe and enjoys the race. Coates also delayed a family trip to Canada to be a part of this weekend’s event, which shows the true spirit and meaning of how much these charities mean to them.”
Riki Rachtman who has raced one these S2’s in the weekly series here at the speedway, is best known for hosting the highly rated Headbangers Ball on MTV in the 90’s. Rachtman also hosts the nationally-syndicated radio show “Racing Rocks,” which is currently heard on over 100 stations across the country, and is a self proclaimed NASCAR nut.
“Everything about this is great; it’s great that we’re raising money for kids against cancer. There is some real talent and it’s gonna be fun,” said Rachtman. Rachtman also added that, “I really wanna beat Frankie Muniz he talks so much smack. He has been ruthless but he’s good.”
Bill Fichtner, who won this year’s pro-celebrity race in Long Beach, will be making his first start on an oval and is best known for his roles in, Entourage, Prison Break, and Dr. Bruce Kellerman in”MDs”.
Fichtner said, “I was fortunate to run in the pro-am race in Long Beach and win it, but each year that goes by we visit the hospitals and as much fun as I’m having in the race car we get the bigger meaning of it. I walk away with a sense of what’s happening, and an awful lot of money will be going to kids against cancer and I am really proud of that.”
Along with these three stars, Frankie Muniz, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Mark Krsiki, Peter Shikoda, and Skeet Ulrich will also participate in the evenings race for charity.
