| xc | WEEK ONE OF SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE AT BETHEL A HUGE SUCCESS; DRIVE TO CONCLUDE THIS WEEKEND
Photo by Lisa Andresen
Tracy Chirico Sep.07.2011 Photo: Bethel 2009 Bandolero champion and Saturday night feature winner Joseph Graf Jr. (center) poses with his parents and some of the school supplies collected at Bethel Motor Speedway this past weekend. BETHEL, NY – Racers are characterized as fierce competitors, tough to the core. But when it comes to times of need, racers are the kind of people who stick together and make things happen. And that is exactly what happened this past Saturday, after the speedway management announced a school supply drive for Sullivan County youngsters in need. When all was said and done, drivers, crews, and fans had donated several large plastic bins full of everything from notebooks, pens, and pencils to calculators, glue sticks, and pocket dictionaries. More than a dozen backpacks were also collected. All of the donated items were delivered on Tuesday to Sullivan County Family Court, where special advocates will handle the distribution. At the conclusion of last Saturday’s racing program, Bethel’s 2009 Bandolero champion Joseph Graf Jr. – fresh off of two feature event wins that night – took some time to pose with just a fraction of the supplies that were collected. Graf Jr., who is entering seventh grade himself, has been an integral part of the Young Racers Program since its inception three years ago and has been involved in several of the charitable projects undertaken by the speedway. “The response to the school supply drive was tremendous,” stated Bethel’s Business Operations Manager, Tracy Chirico. “Speed is key to racers and fans, and that always equates to a fast response to the needs of the local community.” Back in February, the speedway conducted a food drive in conjunction with a Young Racers Program fundraiser, and Bethel Motor Speedway was able to donate a large box of nonperishable food items to the Bethel food pantry. The school supply drive at Bethel Motor Speedway will continue this Saturday, September 10th. Anyone donating school supplies will be entered into a raffle drawing for a prize donated by track photographer Andresen Racing Photography. The racing action at the speedway this weekend will include the Sportsman, Legends, Bandolero, Pro Stock, Street Stock, BMS Modified, and 4 Cylinder classes. Grandstand admission is just $5. Grandstand gates open at 1 pm for spectators and early pit registration, and lunch is available at the concession stand. Pit gates open at 3 pm, and hot laps get underway at 5 pm. Racing action hits the pavement at 7 pm. More information is available at www.bethelmotorspeedway.com |
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