Plaid 19 Race Against Autism 75
The Plaid #19 wishes to thank the Rolling Thunder Modifieds for the chance of a lifetime. On September 27th the RTM's took the track in the Plaid #19 Race Against Autism 75 at LangIey Speedway, Hampton, VA.
It was wonderful to see all these people coming together to help us bring Autism Awareness to everyone on this very special night.
The day started off as a normal laid back afternoon in the pits watching AJ practice and having a good time and hoping that the rain would stay away. Then it happened...
AJ on the backstretch in turn 3 headed for the dirt...engine blown. Now the tempo of the day increased as a new motor had to be brought in from Richmond...Would it be in time?? Little did I know my day had just begun as AJ's appeared to be ending. Soon it was time for the drivers meeting so I thought I would take a short break...WRONG.
Jerry Sink, the president of the division, comes up to me and says, "come with me". Next thing I know I am speaking in the drivers meeting, which I must say was quite an honor. Then, as I was turning to leave, Jerry revealed the trophies for the day. They were beautiful. The Plaid race logo adorned each one and the winners had gold puzzle pieces up the columns . It was such an honor to see that, finally on this night autism was in the forefront. Soon I was to find out there was much more in store as Jerry again approached me to say, "we have a surprise for you"... you will be dropping the green flag on tonight's race. My first thoughts...please don't let me actually drop the darn thing.
Meanwhile, the engine arrives for the #99 and the race against the clock began...
The race night began by the announcer telling fans about this very special night, about the Plaid #19, who we are and what we do, the Hermie and Elliott Sadler Foundation and a background on autism that brought many to tears, this would be repeated many times through the night. The pace truck glistened with an Autism ribbon shining on the door. The trophies stood ready who would take them home. Then as I started to climb the flag stand stairs came the news that I did not wish to hear. The driver and car that had worked so hard to bring us to this night would not be able to start the race...no oil pressure...the #99 would not ever see the track. I finished the climb with a heavy heart. AJ had worked so hard to bring us to this moment on this very special night, and he would not be there. Soon I reached the top, and it was time. Green, green, green...
I thought my night was to end there and I would have been glad, but no, off to a suite to watch the race...
Special thanks to...
#30 Joe Scarbrough who donated half the winners’ purse; and he and his family for inviting us to his suite for the race.
#06 Gary Wheaton, Jr. who has donated all of his winnings
#99 AJ Winstead who has donated his winnings
The Rolling Thunder Modifieds for...well everything
Langley Speedway for their donation
The other racing Divisions for their donations
All of the Plaid #19 members, and helpers who took pictures, climbed through the stands, counted money and so much more.
Copyright Notice:All photos were taken by the Plaid #19 during the RTM race weekend . These photos are the property of the Plaid #19. Exclusive permission is granted for use to the Sadler Fan Club and Winstead Motorsports. These photos may not be reproduced or tranferred without the express written consent of the Plaid #19.