When Racing Helps Others, Everyone Wins

While creating the calendar listings for the premier issue of Diecast Racing Report two weeks ago, something jumped out: a pattern of sorts. Among the details that declared whether a car could be modified with custom axles, or what the maximum weight can be, there was another bit of information that kept cropping up: “Racing for Charity”.

It seemed as though there were a significant number of people hosting races for the express purpose of raising funds for worthy causes.

When you look at the calendar listings in this issue, you will once again see that there are a number of races that are being hosted for the good of others.

We contacted the folks who are running these races, so that we can share with you what they are doing, and how you can get involved should you so choose.

Westfield 500

Hosted by Indiana Diecast Racing. This race is raising funds for the Westfield Washington Library. Jim Desaulniers is a scout leader, and the library has provided a lot of support for his efforts, “so I thought I could return the favor,” says Desauliers. Each participant in the race made a $5 donation per car. So far, $50 has been donated. More cars are likely to have arrived since we spoke yesterday (I know for a fact that my cars had yet to be collected from the post office), so that number will be higher by race time.

It’s too late to submit a car, as the deadline was July 1. However, if you are interested in making a contribution, you can contact Jim at the Indiana Diecast Racing facebook page.

Poppa Speed Invitational

David Currin has a busy summer ahead of him. And it hasn’t been devoid of activity up to this point. He is coordinating Charger Summer for Redline Derby, he hosted the first series of races, and will host the final installment of the event after the cars get back from the 5 other tracks they’re going to. In the middle of all that, he’s helping his college-aged daughter move back to campus.

He’s got a lot on his mind. One other thing is on his mind. Currin lost his father to cancer last year. To honor the memory of his father, and to raise funds for Cape Fear Hospice in order to help supply their Kitchen which supports families of those in hospice.

Most racers know Currin as “League of Speed”. His tournament is called the Poppa Speed Invitational, and he is donating $300 plus $1 for each car entered into the tournament. A full field will result in another $320 donation. Added to those two amounts will be those donations sent in by participants. Currin hopes to have the total donated be $1000. Information on making a contribution and on entering cars into the races (there are five divisions) can be found at RedlineDerby.com

St Judes Children's Research Hospital

Silverback Racing Diecast is hosting a fundraiser for St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital in tandem with Tune Trax Speedway. This event isn’t a mail-in event, so it won’t be appearing on our deadlines calendar. It is, however, discussed at length in the article about Silverback Racing Diecast, which can be found on page 14 of this issue. Further info is available on Silverback Diecast Racing’s Facebook announcements page.