| Family Fundraiser At East Bay Raceway Park Looks to the Future | By Jack Smith
The focus was on family Sunday at East Bay Raceway Park
Terry Scampton (foreground) and Nashville Express
The 7th Annual Family Fundraiser was held at East Bay Raceway Park this past Sunday, and though the turnout was considerably lower than in previous years the race fans who came out to support the event were not disappointed. Though the final figures were not available at press time, the event raised well over $1000 for the Racers Helping Racers organization.
The track was very accommodating according to Racers Helping Racers President Terry Scampton, "I have my driver back" he said at one point from the stage where the Nashville Express performed.
The organization started the fundraising activity in response to the 1999 death of Sunshine Speedway racer Bill Revard. Terry Scampton held the event for several years at his popular LUGNUTS Bar & Grill in Largo.
In the wake of the closing of both LUGNUTS and Sunshine Speedway, the Racers Helping Racers have had to change their operating basis; one result of that was the locating of the event to East Bay Raceway Park.
(left to right) Bill Green, Todd Hutto, Donna Gilbert and Debbie Hutto
Terry Scampton and East Bay Raceway Park co-owner Todd Hutto have already opened discussions to hold a Summer event at East Bay to rejuvenate the program. The funds raised by the organization are earmarked to go directly to help local racers in need. Often, injured drivers are out of work and red tape with track insurances and other issues can be slow, thus the need for a fund such as this one.
 The popular spot for the many children in attendance was the Space Walk, and children of all ages made sure there was not a dull moment there. Vendors were also on hand, a few race cars brought to the track, and the Motorsports Hall of Fame was represented. Fans were able to watch the NEXTEL championship chase on the big screen in the cafe.
Several hundred adults and children battened Sunday's event, the Hall of Fame Cafe at the track doing a brisk business. East Bay owners and staff were on hand, and many fans traveled from the Bradenton, Port Charlotte and St Petersburg areas to attend.
Terry Scampton is excited about the next event and stressed that the Racers Helping Racers will continue to do all it can to help racing families affected by tragedies on and off the track, as well as the educational needs of our junior race fans.
KARNAC.com, Keels-n-Wheels and KGKI Radio pledged media support for a possible July event if Racers Helping Racers and East Bay Raceway Park decide that is what they feel is best.
For more information and to assist in the fundraising efforts in the future, call Terry Scampton at 727-544-2680.
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