Racing For Smiles of the Northwest Makes Day For Area Youth
Meridian ID - by: Pauline Calkins


It was a great day for racing as Jak, Racing for Smiles of the Northwest, honoree, along with family members, mom, Keely, and younger brother Will, found out.

All arrived at ASA member track Meridian Speedway around noon to meet with RSNW President Ron Hayes to take a quick tour of the pits and meet with some of the drivers.

Brother Will was the umph behind Jak’s wheels with the entourage, consisting of Hayes, LeaAnn Read, Barbara Hayes, and photographer Brian Calkins, from Xtreme Motorsports Media, in tow.

Drivers were still arriving, but Jak was able to meet up with some of the early birds. Terry Lydell was the first to greet Jak along with fellow Super Stock drivers Rick Baldwin and Dennis Brodigan. Non-winged Sprint drivers Don Kithcart, Johnny Geisler, Brittany Poedy, Sharde Bement, as well as Ally Clark all had a few words with Jak. Cody Veenstra, Chris Rattarree, and Steve Freeman, the Winged Sprint car drivers took a few minutes out of their race day to spend a few moments with Jak. Jak was able to take home with him a remembrance of the day as each driver he met autographed his souvenir t-shirt. 

Jak and his family were also able to catch up with track promoter Adam Nelson, who told him to “call him as soon as he got an engine on his wheelchair”. Sounds like maybe Adam has a new class coming on the horizon.

Vintage Race Car Driver and track co-promoter, Don Newman, also had a few words for Jak and gave him a hat to shade his eyes. Jak also spent a few minutes with Al Russell non-winged sprint car owner and track co-promoter.

Jak wrapped up his trip through the pits and made plans to return later that evening to view the races and hand out trophies, but unfortunately Jak and his family were unable to return to the track and his special day was cut short. Jak’s mom wanted to thank all those who made the day so special for him.

RSNW President Ron Hayes wanted to thank ASA (American Speed Association), Meridian Speedway, Lamb Cylinder Head, Revv It Up, Fantastic Sams on Overland, and Boise Spring Works.