Las Vegas --– Christopher, a seven year old child with an immune deficiency, had the time of his life Sunday. For the 2nd consecutive year the “Racing for Smiles” (RFS) program and the Las Vegas Motor Speedway came together to brighten the life a child.
Christopher waited anxiously outside his home as the Limousine arrived to transport him and his Dad to the track. (Las Vegas Limousine Service donated their time and service to ensure Christopher had a great day) Ron Hayes, Vice President Racing for Smiles, meet Christopher as he approached the Limo a presented him with the RFS t-shirt, that hopefully would be filled with autographs before the day was over. Premier Construction, Las Banos, Ca, donated a Juan Pablo-Montoya hat and Jeff Gordon t-shirt. These are Christopher’s two favorite drivers.
Christopher was very excited about going to his first Nextel Cup Race. Once at the track Christopher and his father were given passes for the Neon Garage area as well as infield passes. They then met Alisha Osborn from the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Media Office. She went out of her way to show Christopher Juan Pablo-Montoya’s car but it was not in the garage. So she took Chris by the hand and they walked around the garage area until they found Juan car in the technical inspection line. Alisha stayed with him as he watched in amassment of the inspection process.
Alisha then presented everyone with Pre race events tickets, which allowed us access to the track for the pre race activities. Prior to pre race activities Ron took Christopher to the driver souvenir trailers located outside the speedway. After a looking at all the souvenirs a chance to sit in a mock miniature USAF Thunderbird F-16 it was time to return to the Neon Garage and lunch, where according to Christopher, “That’s the biggest cheeseburger I ever saw.”
It was now time for the pre race ceremony. Christopher walked through the pits and was able to see the cars close up on the way to the track. Once on the front stretch Christopher meet his new friend Alisha who quickly took him by the hand again and lead him to the front of the stage where he had the best view to see the Blue Man Group perform. Christopher then met several drivers as they made their way to the stage for introductions. Kenny Wallace, Dale Jarrett, Casey Mears, Greg Biffle, Scott Riggs and ESPN’s Marty Smith all took time out to say hello to Christopher and sign his RFS Shirt. Unfortunately his two favorite drivers made their way to the stage from the opposite side that he was on.
After pre race Christopher and his Dad went back to the Neon Garage and watched the race. They also had the best seat in the house to watch crews scramble to get cars back into the race after they were involved in incidents on the track.
Christopher’s day ended 8 ½ hours after it started when the limo delivered him safely back to his house tired but with a smile from ear to ear.
Christopher’s day would not have been possible if not for the support of the following people and organization’s:
Las Vegas Motor Speedway especially Jeff Motley, Tara Barkis, and Alisha Osborn from the Media Relations Office, Las Vegas Limousine Service and our driver Randall who gave Christopher and his Dad the royal treatment. Premier Construction, Idaho Excavation, Stout Creations, American Speed Association and Doris Adams also supplied gifts and funds for the event.
