Friday night, the NASCAR
Nationwide Series takes to the track at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the home
track of Mooresville native Bryson Smith. Five-year-old Smith will have an
experience like no other, watching “his” race car being driven on-track by
Robert Richardson Jr.
Richardson learned about
Bryson and his fight with childhood cancer recently, and offered his car as a
rolling billboard to promote Bryson's FUEL, supporting children like Bryson who
are combatting childhood cancer. The car’s orange paint scheme will be adorned
with handprints of children fighting the disease, with memorial handprints honoring
those who have lost their battle.
"The greatest part of
the car that Robert Richardson and R3 Motorsports are running for FUEL is that
it's not just a car for them,” said Bryson’s mother, Heather Smith. “These guys
are excited for our kids and about what this car stands for.
"All of this was Robert's
idea. He offered to do this for us months ago and we got to pick the Charlotte
race, since it is our home track. This car shows our kids that we are making
people aware of what they are going through, each and every day. Robert and his
family and crew are wonderful people that feel like family to us!"
"I have always wanted
to make my car more personable,” said Richardson. “After doing previous work
for children with cancer, doing this for FUEL means a lot. Our guys are pumped
and really looking forward to this race.”
Robert Richardson was/is amazing. He took part in everything with this car, he showed total love and gave attention to each kid that showed up to put their hand print on this car. And, when it was time to go home, he asked his crew to help finish cutting hand prints out and getting them on the car. And, they did. And they smiled and talked and I am so proud to know him and to see there is still great people who do unselfish things for others. Heather Smith is amazing as well. I hope everyone appreciates what this car means.
ReplyDelete