The Racing for Smiles of the Northwest Program provides young race fans that are suffering from a serious injury or illness, a once in a lifetime dream come true.

With help from local Childrens Organizations, Children's Hospitals, race tracks, local businesses and caring volunteers, Racing for Smiles of the NorthWest brings a local child to the speedway where they can meet the drivers, receive autographs, participate in track ceremonies and possibly get to sit in some of their favorite cars.

Most importantly, they have fun!

MANY thanks to Spooled Productions Racing Videos & Photo's for their very generous help by providing pictures of the Racing For Smiles Northwest kids.

To see the most recent pictures,  CLICK HERE .

3-1-2009.
By Ron Hayes



Out day started with a nice 70 degree day ahead of us.  After our limos picked us up (donated by Las Vegas Limo), it was off to pick-up Joseph and his parents.

All of the photos from the day were going to be taken by Spooled Productions, who agreed to accompany us to Las Vegas. 

Once at the track our busy day started.  Being pre-registered for the track-walk was a plus.   We all made our way to the track surface, being down there Joseph got a chance to meet up with LVMS Mascot Pit Boss and NASCAR'S newest member digger. 

Plenty of smiles were there for pictures.  After the walk, our day took us to the speed stage where Kenny Wallace, John Robent's and Jimmy Spencer were waiting.  

Just our luck, after meeting the speed crew, a Q and A session was going on with Jeff Gordon, who had just enough time to speak Joseph and give him an autograph.

After our own pit-stop, we made our way to the Media Center to meet up with Aubrey Hall, our contact in the P.R. Department. 

While in the Media Center many drivers came past on their way to the driver's meeting, along with the race sponsor Carrol Shelby, who had a friendly "Hello" for Joseph. 

After the drivers were coming from their meeting 2008 winner Carl Edwards made time for a photo and always a friendly conversation.

While out at the pre-race stage is when Joseph had the most fun of his day. He not only got autographs from A.J. Allmindinger, Elliot Sadler, Kasey Khane, Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton and a special greeting by David Ragan, but he also his favorite driver's autograph, 2008 champion Jimmie Johnson, who stopped after the driver intro walking off the stage.  While still on track, Joseph met up with SMI president, Bruton Smith for a hello and a picture. 

After a full morning on the track for the pre-race, nothing is better than lunch in the Neon Garage and view the race.

While we were exiting the Media Center we got the chance to meet and speak with Richard Childress. 

With a full day coming to a fantastic end, Joseph told Ron Hayes, president of RFSNW, that he will "never" forget this day. 

RFSNW would like to thank LVMS Public Relations Department Aubrey Hall, Las Vegas Limo's, 600 Racing West and Joe Maylish, Premiere Construction Los Banos, CA. Also Spooled Productions for the Professional photos. 

Also special thanks to the Southern Nevada Make a Wish. Also Stout Creations of Nampa, Idaho.

August 30, 2008

Meridian Speedway welcomed 12 yr. old Baylee Enrico for the "Racing for Smiles of the Northwest" August 30th event.  She entered the pit gate with mom, Melanie, dad, "D" and brother, Joshua. They were excited to meet drivers, get an "up close" look at the cars and ask questions.

This time was just for them! The "Idaho Racing Legend" Ken Hamilton was the first driver to meet Baylee, she was told he is the track co-promoter with John Wood, and they make it possible for all of us to enjoy racing the Meridian Speedway. 

Baylee received a "Pink" t-shirt to have the drivers autograph, credentials identifying her as the "Racing for Smiles" guest and a bag of NASCAR accessories donated by "Revv-it-up". She started her pit walk by meeting all of the legends car drivers there for the second annual "Austin Christopherson" Memorial race. As Baylee met more drivers, her smile got bigger. 

When Baylee met Lloyd Bigler, who drives the #10 legends car, she got an added bonus. The #10 had a special friend, their pit dog named Patches, who made friends with Baylee like she does with everyone. 

Baylee also got to meet last years Inaugural event winner, Nick Johnson from Bonney Lake, Washington. 

Baylee met many modified drivers, Joe Daily and Lee Hackwey had, what she said were, "cool cars". She also thought all of the legends cars were just as "cool" because they were more her size.

Returning to the concession patio, Baylee and her family were given the nights racing schedule, and were told about the "Austin Christopherson" Memorial race. This second annual event brings his family to the track and they will meet Baylee, and present the trophy to the winner of his race. 

She will also meet the winner and have pictures taken at the presentation. Co-promoter, John Wood, stopped by to meet the family, and told them they had "VIP" privileges that night. They could enjoy the hospitality house for this event!

As the family left the track for the afternoon, they thanked everyone and were anxious to return for the night of racing action. 

Baylee also got the opportunity to meet the director of 600 Racing West in Las Vegas, Joe Maylish. 600 Racing West in a supporter of RFSNW by allowing them to have an event at the Legends Car Nationals in Las Vegas in 2007. 

Baylee was present when the legends main event was over to present two defending champion Nick Johnson, the "Austin Christopherson" Memorial cup for the second straight year. 

After an entire night in the VIP hospitality suite, and the races were finished, Baylee and her family came to the pits to thank John Wood and Ken Hamilton. 

They also thanked president of RFSNW, Ron Hayes. 

RFSNW would also like to thank John Wood, Ken Hamilton, Joe Maylish 600 Racing West, Kodiak Stone, Stout Creations, Revv-it-up, Premiere Construction, Los Banos, CA, Spooled Productions, Meridian Speedway employees, 

AND ALL THE RACERS AND THE FANS.