The Super Outlaw Karts of Nevada have made their 2003 season finale race into a benefit for racer Ron Williams.
Williams, who has been a mainstay of the 500cc Open division for several years, is battling cancer and his fellow racers want to help defray the horrendous expenses that such a fight entails. Everyone is pitching in: Thunder Bowl Track owner Charlie Brandenburg is donating the use of the track for the event, and all entry fees and gate receipts will go directly to help Ron in his battle with the disease. In addition, many local merchants have donated prizes for a drawing. A Taboo Tiki Bicycle; a Mongoose bicycle; a Black Hills gold necklace; a gift basket from the Wild Horse Resort and Spa; and gift certificates for dinners, merchandise, and services are just some of the items to be awarded.
USAC sprint car driver Amy Barnes will be racing Williams' kart in the Open division, and is also bringing a bicycle, skateboard, scooter, and a host of other prizes, courtesy of sponsor Model Dairy.
"I want to make sure that no child goes home without a prize," said Barnes. She got some time in the Kart last weekend, and found her dirt skills a bit rusty after years on asphalt in the sprint car, but she's confident that she'll be ready when the green flag falls on Saturday night.
Williams' friend and fellow competitor Glenn Bock is the main force behind the event, and has been the main collector of items for the drawing. Bock also enlisted Williams' help in promoting the event, as much to get his mind off cancer as anything. Williams, a carpenter, is unable to work while undergoing chemotherapy, but working on putting the event together has given him a renewed interest in life. Williams, who raced motorcycles for many years before getting into the Outlaw Karts, hopes to race again one day.
The event shows just how much racers are "family" to one another. The response from the competitors has been terrific, and a record turnout is expected at Thunder Bowl on Saturday night, including many local Outlaw Kart racers who have been following California Circuits such as the QRC All Star tour. The Bell sisters, Mackena and Kellcy, will be on hand, as will Tommy and Jennifer Purcell. Also expected are Christian Steele, Jay Primm, and recent returnees like Danae Wilson. Organizers anticipate the largest turnout of the season in terms of car count.
Gates open at 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27. Spectators are asked to bring lawn chairs. Call 265-7813 or 885-9751 for more information, or 884-4200 if you wish to donate drawing prizes for the event.
