Even though the SRL Southwest Tour race was canceled in Tucson, Arizona, Dave Byrd made the best of the lost weekend. First, Dave got a call from Bill Foote of Faith Plating in San Jose, California, a long time supporter of Dave's racing efforts. Bill offered Dave a chance to play in a Golf Tournament to benefit the Athletic Department of Pioneer High School in San Jose. Dave, an avid golfer, jumped at the chance to play for a worthy cause, remembering his own days growing up playing baseball and golf.
"The way I see it, we all have a responsibility to give back," said Dave. "I encourage everyone to find what works for them and to give. I had a lot of opportunities growing up and I like knowing these kids have a place to go and that they have great people, like these sports boosters, that support getting them opportunities."
From here, Dave didn't just take the weekend off. Before the Tucson race was cancelled, a local sponsor needed to be found to cover the long tow to Southern Arizona. Dave had committed to what the local associates of Grizzley Automotive in Prescott Valley, Arizona wanted, a meet and greet with the 17 time driving champion.
Even though the Tucson race was cancelled, Dave jumped on a plane and flew out to fulfill his obligations.
Instead of the planned meet and greet bar-b-que at the Tucson track, life long Dave Byrd Racing supporter Mark Buford of Phoenix, Arizona hosted the Bar-b-que. Using a back drop of the Southwestern Sonoran Desert and with racing atmosphere provided by The Cup Series playing on Big Screen T.V.'s, the improv meet and greet was a huge success.
"Even though the SRL series didn't race, I couldn't let let these people down," explained Dave. "I gave them my word I'd be here and sometimes that's more important than anything."
Dave Byrd and the SRL Southwest Tour Series will resume racing on May 24th at Altamont Motorsports Park, outside Tracy, California.
For more information, race over to www.davebyrdracing.com
Dave Byrd is partnered with: Performance Electrical, Strandwold Properties, Jack McCoy Enterprises, Freight Train Peters Racing Engines, Ringers Gloves, Team Chevrolet, Foletta Bros, Inc., Swendeman Hardware, and Bob Strandwold Racing.
About the Flashco SRL Southwest Tour Series: Celebrating its eighth season in 2008, the FLASHCO SRL Southwest Tour Series is a regional stock car series competing on paved ovals in the southwestern portion of the U.S. The series utilizes cars based on the former NASCAR Elite Division Series rulebook.
