I recently read about a wonderful non-profit group of racing aficionados called Racing 4 A Reason. This organization got its start as a grassroots movement raising funds for worthy causes. As the group become more solidified, they set out to raise both awareness and money for selected charities by soliciting pledges for each lap their racecars completed in specific competition races.
Today, Racing 4 A Reason has a very influential partner in Factory Five Racing. In fact, just last December, Racing 4 A Reason ran four Factory Five vehicles in the grueling 25 Hours At Thunderhill endurance race.
25 Hours At Thunderhill is the longest, and quite possibly most brutal, closed-course motorsport competition in North America. Imagine, 25 solid hours of pitting yourself and your racecar against not only other competitors, but also weather conditions, weariness, and the inevitable mechanical challenges.
This year, the Racing 4 A Reason team brought a team of four seasoned racecar drivers for each of their four entries in the Thunderhill event, making a total of sixteen highly experienced drivers. Add to that number a sixty person pit crew, and I believe they comprised one of the largest teams participating in this race.
The #14 FFR Challenge Car dedicated its race to the United Spinal Association, with all funds earned through per-lap donations going to this very worthy cause. The United Spinal Association is a non-profit organization that's dedicated to helping to improve the quality of life and independence of Americans suffering from spinal cord injuries and disorders.
Another racecar in the Racing 4 A Reason stable at the Thunderhill race was the awe-inspiring Factory Five GTM. This particular GTM, completed literally hours before the race began, ran a great race despite having to overcome some significant issues. At times, this GTM ran as high as fourth place, and it finished with a very respectable 11th place in its class.
Here's a quick excerpt from Grassroots Motorsports about the GTM's run: "This Factory Five GTM was completed just hours before the start of the race. Transaxle troubles and a sick driver put them out of the running, but for a fresh car, it was impressive."
Racing 4 A Reason relies on corporate as well as personal donations to keep their cars and drivers on the track raising money for great causes. So if you'd like to find out how you can be a part of this outstanding organization, visit their website at www.racing4areason.com.
To find out more about the 25 Hours At Thunderhill endurance race, be sure to check out http://www.nasa25hour.com.
