RACING FOR SMILES NORTH WEST HONOREE COMES UP “ACES” AT LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY
By Pauline Calkins


The day started out with a 70 degree forecast. The limo, donated by Las Vegas Limo, picked up the Racing For Smiles staff, and then set off to pick up honoree, Joseph and his parents.

Bernard from “Spooled Productions: was along for the ride to chronicle the event on film.

As luck would have it the group pre-registered for the “track-walk”, so they were able to go directly to the track surface. Once there Joseph met with the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Mascot “Pit Boss” as well as NASCAR’s newest member “Digger”.

When the walk concluded Joseph and the RFSMW staff ended up at the sound stage for “Speed” channel, where Kenny Wallace, John Robents and Jimmy Spencer were waiting for them to arrive.

Joseph’s luck just got better as the day progressed. After meeting the “Speed” crew, there was a question and answer session going on with Jeff Gordon. Gordon took the time to speak with Joseph and give him his autograph.

After the group had their own pit stop, they made their way out to the Media Center where they met with Aubrey Hall, the contact in the public relations department. While the media center, many drivers walked past on their way to the driver’s meeting. Along with the drivers was race sponsor Carrol Shelby, who had a friendly hello for Joseph.

After the drivers meeting 2008 LVMS winner Carl Edwards made time for a photo and some friendly conversation.

When Joseph was out at the pre-race stage is when his day really turned fun. He not only received autographs from AJ Allmendinger, Elliot Sadler, Kasey Kahne, Kevin Harvick and Jeff Burton, but he also received a special greeting from David Ragan. His day was almost complete when he received an autograph from his favorite driver, 2006, 2007, 2008 champion Jimmie Johnson, who stopped on his way off the stage after the driver introduction.

Joseph’s day was far from complete. While still on the track, Joseph met with SMI president Bruton Smith.

After a full day on the track for the pre-race, nothing is better then lunch at the “Neon Garage” and to view the race. While exiting the media center, Joseph and the group had the opportunity to meet and speak with team owner Richard Childress.

With the fantastic day coming to an end, Joseph told Ron Hayes, president of RFSNW, that he will “never forget this day”.

RFSNW would like to thank LVMS Public Relations Department representative Aubrey Hall, Las Vegas Limos, 600 Racing West and Joe Maylish, Premiere Construction Los Banos CA, Stout Creations, Nampa ID, and a special thank to Spooled Productions for the professional photos.

And a very special thanks goes to the Southern Nevada Make-a-Wish Foundation.