Speediatrics 200 at Iowa Speedway Benefits The #NASCAR Foundation

The NASCAR Foundation was thrilled to be showcased during the Speediatrics 200 at the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) race at Iowa Speedway.  This first-ever opportunity allowed the Foundation to highlight its Speediatrics Program, which is expanding to make children's health our biggest priority.  Our efforts focus on providing much needed health care and assistance to children who need it the most.

On Thursday, NCWTS driver Ben Rhodes visited Mercy Children's Hospital in Des Moines, delivering Speedy Bears to children. And on Saturday, the Foundation hosted two families from the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) of Des Moines for a VIP Experience at Iowa Speedway.

The families started their day by taking a ride in the official pace car with a garage tour and visit to the MRN Hauler to learn how the radio broadcasts are put together.  The day continued with being introduced in the Drivers/Crew Chiefs Meeting, greeting the drivers on the pre-race stage. 

The most famous words in racing - - Drivers Start Your Engines - - was delivered by Emmett (age 6) who has been staying at the Ronald McDonald House while undergoing cancer treatments joined by his brothers, Chandler & Tate (ages 10) and Alec (age 12). 

Jacy (age 16) who also has been going through cancer treatment and staying at the RMH was chosen to drop the green flag from hi atop the flag stand.  Following the pre-race festivities, the families enjoyed the race from a luxury

 suite provided by Iowa Speedway and celebrated with race winner William Byron in victory lane. 

Emmett’s mom, Cora said, “the race was a new adventure for our family. We now have racing fans in our household and have already been asked "when can we do that again?"

And Jacy’s mom, Kerri, remarked about the experience as follows, “The NASCAR Foundation truly gave Jacy a once in a lifetime experience that I know he will never forget (and neither will his mom!). You have four new race fans who are very grateful for a magical day!”

At The NASCAR Foundation, we are so happy to provide opportunities for children to take their mind off of an otherwise scary time in their lives.  Hopefully, we can create ten more fans in the process!