Racing Against Cancer™ Team Donates $63,156.94
to American Cancer Society and David's House
Westbrook, CT (December 11, 2001)
Last Friday, December 7, 2001 the Racing Against Cancer™ Team honored it's participants with an appreciation luncheon held at the Foxwoods Resort Casino. After recognizing many of the teams that supported the program in 2001 a check in the amount of $53,156.94 was presented to Jane Walsh, President of the Eastern Division of the American Cancer Society. An additional $10,000 was presented to Dick Cyr of David's House thanks to the efforts of Brad Leighton, Grizco Racing, and the Burnham Corporation. A grand total of $178,629.09 has been raised for the fight against cancer since the inception of the Racing Against Cancer™ Program in 1996.
Jon Blanchette founded the program in memory of his wife Jodi, who he lost to cancer in 1994. Blanchette opened the ceremony with praise for the Foxwoods Resort Casino. They have offered steadfast support for the program since the beginning and remain dedicated today. Robert DeSalvio, the Vice President of Marketing, accepted a plaque on behalf of the company. Blanchette was quick to recognize the dedicated crew of Foxwoods employees who tirelessly volunteer their time at the 30 plus fundraising events held throughout the year. He went on to applaud the Director of Operations, Scott Gregory, for his unending work as the driving force of the program.
The R.A.C. team continues to grow in number. The blend of the team includes racers from the regional touring series, to the title divisions, to the support divisions. Each and every year the contribution surpasses the previous. This season was a great success due in large part to the efforts of the individual teams that make up the Racing Against Cancer™ Program. "We are honored by the number of people that have joined our fight against cancer," said Blanchette. "Their support is so overwhelming. We do not have to recruit members. The teams and tracks come to us and ask how they can help."
Bob Webber, Jr. of Star Speedway received the 1st Annual William J. Fales "Spirit of Sportsmanship" Award for the best family-style approach to raising funds for the program. Taking the lead from Jerry Morello, who created the "Take the Challenge" program for his Featherlite Modified Series, NASCAR Touring team, Webber recruited racers at his family's track to donate a portion of their winnings each week. Over 20 drivers joined and together with the donations of the Busch North Series competitors during their visit to the Star, they raised over $10,000. Fales, who passed away in October, was the founder of Power Mist Racing Fuels. He is the late father of R.A.C. manager Steve Fales, of New England Race Fuels. William had an enthusiasm for life, a contagious optimism that he passed on to his family and those lucky enough to have known him. An ardent supporter of the Racing Against Cancer™ program, the award is a fitting tribute to a man that loved racing almost as much as he loved his family. Through the efforts of John Holland and New England Race Fuels, Webber received a gift package courtesy of Ken Bouchard's Drive to Victory Lane and M&M/Mars Company. Both organizations, who will support the program in '02, have agreed to become the presenting sponsors of the annual William J. Fales "Spirit of Sportsmanship" Award.
Thompson International Speedway was honored for their involvement with the R.A.C. The "Simply the Best" program which featured a match race between DEI teammates Michael Waltrip and Steve Park and a fundraising autograph session, along with three R.A.C. nights went a long way toward the record contribution this season. Arthur Leblanc was joined by Aaron & Kyle Roof, owners of the Winchester Speedpark, to receive a plaque in recognition for their fundraising efforts as well. Bill Quirk accepted a plaque on behalf of Racing Against Cancer™ night host Seekonk Speedway. Joining Quirk during the presentation was Bobby Seymour. The Seymour family presents the Wirtgen America Boston Louie Seymour Memorial for the Northeastern Midget Association annually at Seekonk Speedway. During this year's event, Stu and Connie Murray of Wirtgen America surprised everyone with a donation of $10,000 to the program.
Sean Caisse and his family have been part of the R.A.C. program for several years through Sugar Hill Speedway's Junior Ambassador program. In 2001 Caisse moved on to Lee USA Speedway bringing the Racing Against Cancer™ Program with him. With the help of Archie Archambault of Sugar Hill Speedway and Caisse Construction, who each donated $100 for each of Sean's six feature victories, and the MacDonald family the Caisses earned over $2,000 for the R.A.C. Due to age restrictions 15 year old Caisse was unable to accumulate NASCAR points. If he had he would have earned runner-up honors in the Hobby Stock division in only his first year in a stock car. Sugar Hill Speedway's Junior Ambassador program continues to be one of the brightest spots in the R.A.C. Program. Three young drivers Eli Lussier, Josh Currier, and Jacob Dore made up the 2001 Junior Ambassadors. Through candy sales, can tab collections, etc. the kids from Sugar Hill did their fair share for the fight against cancer.
Rookie sensation Ryan Posocco came within six inches of winning the American Race Truck championship for owner Doug Blowers, Sr. The Posocco/Blowers team donated nearly 50% of their winnings to the R.A.C. Program. In addition, a portion of the purse from Posocco's Eagle Leasing team, which fields a Late Model at Stafford Motor Speedway, was added to the tally. Fellow ART competitor Chris Correll was recognized for his efforts as the driver of the Foxwoods Resort Casino #94. Foxwoods Resort Casino matched the winnings of Correll as well as Foxwoods teammates Scott Gregory, NHRA drag racer Mick Smallridge, and the C&D Offshore PowerBoat Team. Each member of the Racing Against Cancer™ team received a plaque during the emotional ceremony.
Jane Walsh of the American Cancer Society was moved by the ceremony. "I have been to a lot of events but I have never been as touched as I am today. This room is filled with wonderful stories and a tremendous commitment." The R.A.C. Program will kick-off the 2002 season at Racearama on March 1-3, 2002 at the Eastern States Exposition. The fundraising effort in '02 will center on the R.A.C Youth Tobacco Awareness Project.
For more information on the project or to get involved with the team contact Scott Gregory at (860) 399-7868 or visit the web at www.racingagainstcancer.com.
Racing Against Cancer™ Team Awards 2001 Raffle Grand Prize
Westbrook, CT (October 11, 2001)
The 2001 fundraising season for the Racing Against Cancer™ Team officially came to an end on October 27, 2001 at Foxwoods Resort Casino with the drawing of the raffle prize winners. Ticket sales kicked off at Racearama in March and culminated at the World Series of Speedway Racing at Thompson International Speedway. Countless numbers of facilities assisted with the fundraising efforts throughout the year, including New Hampshire International Speedway, Seekonk Speedway, Star Speedway, Sugar Hill Speedway, Thompson Speedway, Winchester SpeedPark, and many more.
This year's Grand Prize winner was Mike Wojnowski of Mendon, MA. He and a guest will enjoy a trip to the 2002 Daytona 500 in Daytona Beach, FL. The prize package includes 5 days/4 nights accommodations, round trip airfare and tickets to all speedway events during the week of the Daytona 500. Second prize winner R. Glasson of Wethersfield, CT received a trip for two to the 2002 Coca-Cola 600. Glasson will receive 4 days/3 nights accommodations, round trip airfare, race tickets to all speedway events, and two race shop tours at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte, NC.
Third Prize winner Madeline Abood of Worcester, MA received a trip for two to the 2001 APBA World (Powerboat) Championships in St. Petersburg, FL. Lisa MacLean of Moosup, CT won a complete Kenwood auto/marine stereo system and installation. Fifth prize winner Ginger Thompson of Athol, MA will receive a hand-carved wooden R.A.C.™ Victory Bear Statue suitable for indoor or outdoor display. Mike Ferreira of Chelmsford, MA will enjoy a weekend stay at Foxwoods Resort Casino for his sixth prize. The following individuals will receive a Racing Against Cancer™ Denim Shirt & Cap: Rich Cashol of Saint John, NB Canada; Nancy Jean of Hyannis, MA; Cathy Simard of Chicopee, MA; Mike Peterson of Rochester, NH; Allan Machado of Concord, NH; Donna Baxter of Weymouth, MA; Audrey Galloway of Tyngsboro, MA; Shelley O'Grady of Springfield, MA; Sandra Tynan of Pittsfield, MA.
Congratulations to all the winners and special thanks to the race fans who supported the Racing Against Cancer ™ program. The support of the fans and the great core of individuals who make up the Racing Against Cancer ™ Team, helped the program reach a fundraising record again in 2001.
The Racing Against Cancer ™ team members and various supporters will be honored at the R.A.C. banquet to be held on Friday, December 7, 2001 at the Foxwoods Resort and Casino. The American Cancer Society will be joined by David's House of NH to receive their record contributions.
In racing action this past weekend, young Eli Lussier won his third straight Tiger Sprint race, taking the season finale at Sugar Hill Speedway. Lussier sat on the pole setting fast time and then went on to lead all 50 laps to secure the victory. Hobby Stock rookie sensation Sean Caisse got behind the wheel of Wayne Helliwell, Jr.'s Late Model at Lee USA Speedway's Oktoberfest. After an early race incident Caisse rebounded to finish in the sixth position.
The Racing Against Cancer ™ will now concentrate its efforts on preparing for the 2002 season. Anyone interested in becoming involved in the Racing Against Cancer ™ Program can visit the website, www.racingagainstcancer.com, for more information. Representatives of the R.A.C. Program also will be on hand at the Racer's Day Trade Show on November 10, 2001 at F1 Boston in Braintree, MA. A portion of the proceeds from admission to Racer's Day will benefit the Racing Against Cancer ™ Program.
The Racing Against Cancer Team would like to express it's gratitude to all those who supported the cause in 2001.
The Racing Against Cancer™ team is a non-profit organization dedicated to the raising of funds for cancer research, patient services, youth tobacco educational programs, and awareness. For more information visit www.racingagainstcancer.com.
R.A.C.™'s Posocco & Lussier Score Prestigious Columbus Day Weekend Victories
Westbrook, CT (October 4, 2001)
Keeping with the tone set for the regular season the Racing Against Cancer™ Team members continue to rack up victories. The end of the racing season is traditionally marked with prestigious races that bring added pride for the drivers who can walk away with the trophy. Columbus day weekend found R.A.C. competitors Ryan Posocco of Stafford Springs, CT and young Eli Lussier of Northfield, NH in victory lane with special victories.
Ryan Posocco took down the win in the American Race Trucks feature event that was part of the 10th Annual D. Anthony Venditti Memorial celebration at Seekonk Speedway. Posocco's Eagle Leasing #2 was untouchable as he led green to checker in a dominating performance. The Foxwoods Resort Casino/Racing Against Cancer ™ teammates Chris Correll and Scott Gregory each brought home a top-ten finish. Correll earned a strong third place finish while Gregory, who had a tire going down in the late stages of the event, hung on to finish sixth. The NEMA Midgets competed in a 25-lap feature at the D.A.V. with Bobby Seymour charging to a fourth place finish.
Eli Lussier, ardent supporter of the Racing Against Cancer™ Team, has quietly racked up an impressive string of top five finishes this season in his Tiger Sprint at Sugar Hill Speedway. He is wrapping up the season with a roar, having won the last two races. Lussier, the youngest of the Sugar Hill Ambassadors at age 10, took down the victory in the final point race held on September 30th with a late race pass for the lead. He capped that off with the victory in the 50-lapper held during Sugar Hill's presentation of the Coca Cola 100 this past weekend.
The victories could not have come at a better time for the 10-year old from Northfield, NH. Eli has been hit especially hard by the tragic events on September 11th with the loss of a friend in the attacks. Forced to deal with a very adult problem the youngster has shined. After winning the race on September 30th Eli dedicated the race to a family friend who was lost on flight 93.
Lussier was presented with a rather large trophy for his Columbus Day weekend victory. He was also awarded a new motor from Atlantic Power, a pair of racing gloves donated by Piedmont, and an embroidered checkered flag to commemorate the Sugar Hill Speedway Coca-Cola victory. Young Eli looks to continue his winning streak at the Fall Challenge on October 20, 2001.
This weekend R.A.C. team members will be in competition at Lime Rock Park, the Waterford Speedbowl, Lee USA, Star, Hudson, and Martinsville Speedways. The season officially wraps up at the World Series of Stock Car Racing at Thompson on October 20 & 21, 2001. The R.A.C. team will be well represented during the feature events. The final fundraising event will be held during the weekend as well. For more information on Racing Against Cancer™ events scheduled for the World Series visit the website at www.racingagainstcancer.com.
The Racing Against Cancer™ team is a non-profit organization dedicated to the raising of funds for cancer research, patient services, youth tobacco educational programs, and awareness. For more information visit www.racingagainstcancer.com.
The Racing Against Cancer™ Team Looks for a Strong Finish to the 2001 Season
Westbrook, CT (October 4, 2001)
Only a few laps remain in the season and the Racing Against Cancer™ team is looking to make a strong finish. The 2001 season has been a tremendous success for the program with the continued support of great drivers, tracks, and sponsors. New programs like Thompson Speedway's "Simply the Best", Jerry Morello's "Take the Challenge", and Star Speedway's pledge drive along with the unexpected donation from Wirtgen America helped to make this a record-breaking season.
The Racing Against Cancer™ Team will make one final fundraising appearance prior to the drawing of this year's raffle on October 27, 2001. The final fundraiser will take place during World Series Weekend at Thompson International Speedway on October 20-21, 2001. On the schedule for the World Series of Speedway Racing are the Featherlite Modified Series with Jerry Morello and his "Take the Challenge" program, ISMA Supermodifieds, the NEMA Midgets, American Race Trucks, Sunoco Modifieds, the Pro Stocks, Late Models, Ltd. Sportsman, and Mini Stocks. There will also be special appearances for the Southern New England Modifieds and four divisions of "Outlaw" racing.
Racing Against Cancer™ Team volunteers will be on hand at Thompson accepting donations and selling raffle tickets for great prizes that include a trip for two to the 2002 Daytona 500, the Coca-Cola 600 or the 2001 APBA World Championships in St. Petersburg, FL in November. The drawing will be held on Saturday October 27th, 2001 at Foxwoods Resort Casino. All proceeds from the sale of raffle tickets will go directly to the American Cancer Society. For a complete list of prizes visit www.racingagainstcancer.com.
The R.A.C. competitors will use these last few race weekends to add to their season long fundraising tallies. The American Race Truck teams of Scott Gregory, Chris Correll, and Ryan Posocco will compete at Seekonk, Waterford, and Thompson in successive weekends. NEMA Midget ace and R.A.C. teammate Bobby Seymour will do the same in his Wirtgen sponsored #9. At Thompson's World Series, Posocco will do double duty, as he will climb out of his truck into his Late Model.
Foxwoods Resort & Casino has matched the winnings of both Gregory and Correll this season. Gregory has raised funds from behind the wheel of both his Foxwoods Sunoco Modified at Thompson and select races on the American Race Trucks events. Correll has completed every race on the ART Tour. Posocco and owner Doug Blowers, Sr. have donated 25% of their ART purse this season, backed up by a 10% donation from the Posocco family.
The Racing Against Cancer™ team is a non-profit organization dedicated to the raising of funds for cancer research, patient services, youth tobacco educational programs, and awareness. For more information visit www.racingagainstcancer.com.
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