Big Smile Sets the Day at Meridian Speedway
Big Smile Sets the Day at Meridian Speedway
by Pauline Calkins
June 12, 2010
Racing for Smiles of the Northwest honoree 12 year old Maggie arrived at Meridian Speedway for her special day with a big smile and her hair done in a fancy “up-do”. RFS vice-president LeaAnn Read said, “to me that set the day … We all knew this day would be great!” Along for the day with Maggie were mom Melissa and dad Rich.
The trio met up with LeaAnn Read, Barbara Hayes, RFS Treasurer, and Ed Sonius. After they checked into the office and received the pit pass the group began the trek into the pits to meet the drivers. At first it was a little overwhelming but soon Maggie was into the spirit of the day and would walk up to a driver and when asked say “yes I would like to sit in the car”.
Maggie got to meet many of the drivers among them Latemodel Sportsman drivers, Terry Lydell, Jeff Wilson, Dennis Brodigan, Charlie Hamm Jr and Sr., Jeremy Fuss, Rick Baldwin and Richard V. The ESI Modifieds were also out and Maggie met up with Lee Hackney, Chris Fenton, Jeff Goade, Mike Winchel, and Tom Hill. Many of the Legend drivers came out for a weekend of racing as well and Maggie met many of them including, Rob and Brent Collins, Sara Henry, Cameron Cotta, Racing for Smile President, Ron Hayes, Jamie Leslie, Randy Keckley, Philip Zubizereta, Mark Zursckey, Troy Peterson, Darin Turpin, Austin Hager, Tom Plummer Cameron Madsen, and Travis Anderson.
Maggie was surprised meeting the younger drivers; she didn’t know how they could drive before they had their driver’s license.
The family noticed the drivers, crew and officials were a close family and they worked together to make the experience unforgettable. They wanted to thank everyone involved.
After the races, the family walked through the pits to see the winners and their trophies and walked out with even bigger smiles than when they came in.
Ron Hayes would like to thank Kodiac Stone, Meridian Speedway, Premier Construction, Los Banos, CA, Lamb Racing Engines, Boise Spring Works, ASA (American Speed Association), AA Logos, for the shirts and bags, Joe Shull from Westby’s Bike, and Brian from Idaho Racing News
