A
couple weeks ago I received a letter from Robert Reynolds, Robert was
our most recent Racing For Smiles Grand Marshall at Meridian Speedway
on August 9th 2003.
Robert drew a beautiful picture of his favorite driver "The Legend" Ken
Hamilton, Meeting the drivers and taking a ride in the 8 car really
made a day to remember for robert and his family.
archive story posted by Jim Wells 8-2003:
www.IdahoRacer.com
Thank you to Ken Hamilton and the Crew at Meridian Speedway for making
our 2nd Racing for Smiles event a HUGE success!
Our Grand Marshall for the day was Robert Reynolds of Emmett, He is 15
years old and suffers from a severe form of diabetes, Robert, his mom
and dad Becky and Darren, and his 2 brothers Michael and James were
treated to a wonderful day of Extreme Fun at the speedway.
Special thanks to all the sponsors that helped make this special day
happen: Start Your Engines, Boondocks, Fast Lane, and last but not
least www.IdahoRacer.com
.....
We started our day at 4pm, After a quick introduction to the paramedics
we were cruising the pits gathering autographs and meeting drivers,
Robert was especially impressed with Cody Veenstra, Phil Dugan and Mike
Murgoitio since they are just a few years older than him, (I think we
all know what Robert was dreaming about last night!), everyone was very
gracious to let us bug them during "crunch time" before qualifying,
Thank you all for your hospitality.
I made a deal with Robert that if he rides in the pace car and
announces the customary "Racers, Start Your Engines", then Ron Hayes
would pull some strings and hook him up with a ride in the #8 car, his
eyes lit up like a Christmas tree!
After the Trophy dashes and heat races Robert and his brothers decided
that they were fans of Michelle and Jeff Meads, and Ken Hamilton.
The anticipation grew as intermission drew closer, you could hear
Roberts heart thumping as the #8 Meridian Speedway late model entered
the track and the ride of a lifetime was just a few minutes away.
We heard a few words about Racing For Smiles from RFS Regional Director
Don Cooley and a brief overview of Wishing Star Foundation from Jerry
Ronnert as Robert was Strapped into the racecar.
With Robert's favorite 360 driver Ken Hamilton at the wheel they took a
few "warm laps" with Robert holding the Checkered flag out the window,
Then Robert pulled in the flag and Ken stepped it up a bit for a few
more laps.
This was a VERY special day for Robert.
Later back in the pits Robert thanked Ken with a big bear hug and there
wasn't a dry eye in the house.
Robert's family had such a great time and promised that they would be
regulars at the track.
WHAT IS THE WISHING STAR
FOUNDATION?
For more info on the Wishing Star Foundation visit: www.WishingStar.org
A non-profit 501(C) (3) organization that grants Wishes to children
with life-threatening illnesses in Idaho and Eastern Washington and
parts of Oregon and Nevada. Wishes are granted to children ages 3-21
and have ranged from trips to Disney World and Disneyland to a
puppy...from a visit with an entertainer to a doll house..from family
reunions to a shopping spree. Wishes are those magic dreams that can be
found in a child’s imagination, as we heard at the speedway
last night one child even asked for a COW!, and he got it!
WHAT IS Racing For Smiles?
Also a non-profit 501(C) (3) organization developed specifically to
make the dreams come true for many young race fans that are seriously
ill with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses or injuries. It is
the goal of those persons who oversee the program to make a Racing day
to remember for those children; a day that has nothing to do with
hospitals, doctors, or pain. What A Perfect Match!
-Jim Wells
Here are some pics from the day's event:
