Wow! What a weekend we spent with our Children's Tumor Foundation friends at a Racing4Research event. This was exactly the weekend we all needed (we're still waiting for MRI analysis results). Travis was in his element this weekend since we were immersed in race cars and drivers. He looked forward to Saturday all week long, as we all did. He woke up Saturday morning ready for race day, a dream come true.
Racing4Research is a part of the Children's Tumor Foundation that raises NF awareness and funds for research. Justin Bell raced the No. 50 eBay Motors / Tiger Racing Ford Mustang Boss 302S at Miller Motorsports Park this past weekend. Justin Bell and the entire team are big supporters of CTF.
We met with Jill Beck, the Racing4Research program director, along with other families from the Utah CTF Chapter on Saturday at the track. Our families had the opportunity to meet several racers and teams that supported CTF over the years, past and present. The drivers allowed the kids to get into each car and ask questions. There were several highlights along the tour, capped off by everyone getting to meet Justin Bell and the kids having the opportunity to sit in the No. 50 eBay Motors / Tiger Racing Ford Mustang Boss 302S with the Racing4Research CTF logo on the rear wing/spoiler.
Scott tweeted earlier in the day that Travis was excited to go to the race and included Justin Bell on the tweet. Justin replied to the tweet and he and Travis hit it off almost immediately. Justin even asked us to take a pic of he and Travis when T was in the car, here's the tweet "My pal Travis a CTF kid in my mustang - makes me both cry and fast! ".
 |
| Justin Bell helping Travis into the #50 eBay Motors / Tiger Racing car. |
Wow...powerful. We captured great images of Nolan and Barrett in the #50 car and a pic of Travis by the wing/spoiler. More pictures available on the Racing4Research - Children's Tumor Foundation, Neurofibromatosis Utah - Children's Tumor Foundation, and my Facebook pages.
 |
| Nolan in the #50 |
 |
| Barrett in the #50 |
 |
| Cute pic of Travis |
|
Since Justin Bell has had 2 first place finishes and another finish on the podium, he gets weight added to his car to help "even out" the field. Unfortunately Saturday was not the day for another podium finish. :( However, we are still proud of Justin, his race, and the team. After the race we had the opportunity to meet with Justin again in the garage. Here was an incredible moment between T and Justin. On the way over to the garage, Travis asked me if we won. I said no, not this race. After meeting with the families Justin was shaking hands with the kids. Travis said to him, "Can I ask you a question? Why you lose?" Justin explained to Travis what happened, comparing it to a race where his (Travis') friends are faster than he (Travis) is, there were 9 faster cars this day. Then, Travis looked at Justin Bell, starts to pat Justin's back, consoling him. Several people were in tears. Here's a pic Jill Beck took during this exchange.
 |
| Travis and Justin Bell after the race |
Justin's tweet from after the race "Awful race i'm bummed, then CTF Hero Travis put his hand on my shoulder and said it'll be alright ". Wow.
eBay Motors graciously offered the CTF families the opportunity to perform the ceremonial start to two races on Sunday with "Gentlemen, start your engines" and waving the green flag if they were available today. We went this morning for the 10:40 race. Travis wanted to say "Gentlemen, start your engines" and asked Barrett to join him. Nolan and Scott were able to wave the green flag. AMAZING experience for all!!!
 |
| Getting ready for "Gentlemen, start your Mazda engines" |
 |
| Let's go racing! |
We watched the race in the VIP section and the boys presented trophies to the winning drivers after the race. Travis presented the trophy to the 3rd place driver, Jon Brownson. He was so moved, he asked that his picture be taken with T and took T to show him the race car. One fabulous day followed by another.
 |
| Travis presenting Jon Brownson his trophy. |
 |
| All 3 boys for the L2 winner trophy presentation. |
This weekend was an incredible experience for our family, and the other families that also joined in this experience. This was a great time for each NF family to set aside what we're facing with in our family's NF journey for a while.
God continues to provide for Travis and our family. He leads the way and opens amazing doors for us when we follow His will/direction.
No comments:
Post a Comment