08/31/2021
Two weekends ago Jeff and I surprised “Christopher” at his 9th birthday party three hours south of here in Benton IL, pulling up to his party in the Heavy Metal race car. Christophers level of surprised would be one that brought tears and no speech. Little Christophers love for racing is something that can only be born into you, (racers you know what I'm talking about). This young man's parents have had their hands full caring for his sibling’s health condition (one that no child should have to ever go through). The parents of Christopher wanted to show their birthday boy just how special he was, and that his love for racing is not going unnoticed. The father had a great idea for a helmet, that the birthday boy could collect signatures on the helmet from different race car drivers at the track on his birthday. Jeff told the father that he just happened to have an old helmet, that he would happily donate for signatures.
As Jeff and I discussed this one little boys’ situation. We quickly realized that sadly, there are some children that dream of the idea of racing a car when they get bigger. Due to their health condition, they may never make it to a racetrack to feel the experience, that can only be felt at a racetrack. Depending on the medical conditions, they may not be able to leave their bed. In some situations, as it was in this instance, it may be the sibling that has the love for racing and the parents’ hearts are juggling for both needs of their children.
A kindhearted woman (Christy) shared this family’s story with Jeff and ask if he would help. Well folks, this kindhearted woman knew she was asking the right man, because anybody that knows Jeff, knows, he is a giver (this is no secret), and he is always up for anything related to drag racing (again no secret). Anybody that knows me, knows my love for children, oh and (I kind of like this drag racing gig too). To say that this family has inspired Jeff and I, would be an understatement. We have been touched by this family’s story and we pray this inspires you to help us spread a little positive Joy, Hope, Laughter and Smiles for ⅛ mile or ¼ mile that is fueled by the NEED FOR SPEED in these little hearts. Our hopes are to collect more helmets than we have room to store, in a pursuit to show “Young Racers at Heart” just how incredibly special they are now and for the future of racing.
In honor of “Young Racers at Heart” Jeff Duncan and I are collecting expired/unused racing helmets as a token of memorabilia for future signatures from race car drivers. Please put your signature on the helmet you are donating. We will be happy to collect the donated helmets at the track we visit each weekend (Jeff is good about posting the track we will be racing at) or message either of us for arrangements.
The helmet(s) will be given to unwell children or their sibling, that is a Young Racer at Heart and is fueled by the NEED FOR SPEED as a birthday gift.
