| Hopkins Family Truckers 200 set for December at Orlando SpeedWorld | by C.A.R.S. Motorsports Media
Orlando FL. 7-7-06 - C.A.R.S. Motorsports & Racer Marketing announced today that they have reached and agreement to hold a 200 Lap Truck event at Orlando Speedworld December 8th & 9th. The proceeds will benefit 9 year Old Tommy Hopkins, who is facing a possible terminal illness, and his family that are facing many bills and worry right now.
Tommy was diagnosed first with adrenaleukodystrophy or ALD. The disease causes his body to be unable to break down long-chain fatty acids and eventually causes them to live in a vegetative state. That was in November, then recently they were told that it causes Addison's disease, a disorder of the adrenal glands. This disease effects one in 17,000 males between age 4 and 10.
Tommy now will go into the Shands hospital on July 21st for 8-10 days of chemotherapy followed by a core blood transplant operation. He will be in the hospital for 3-4 months. The family has to locate to a place close by and not all of this is covered by insurance. The bills will be overwhelming and they need help.
" When I heard about this situation, I had to help" stated Rick Bristol. " I had planned to have a truck race and wanted to put it together for a charity, then this came up and the Lord has directed me to do this". " I am praying everyday for Tommy and his Family and have given to it God to work his will in the situation". " I have talked to the father several times on the phone and try to give him hope and encouragement, I know it has to be so hard on them". added Rick. " I am begging the Florida race family to come together for this cause, truly I beg you, If you have a truck show up and support it. If you are a fan be there. All the drivers from everywhere, track officials, everyone who can help, donate or whatever, be there. I have seen the support the race family gives when one needs help, I know they will rise to the occasion and support it".
Several people have already pledged support with donations, sponsorship and 45 truck drivers have asked for the info for the event and pledged to run the event. Many drivers have already indicated they will donate their purse money back, so the kindness has begun. More information will be forth coming over the next several weeks. The truck race will pay a minimum of $2000 to win and $200 to start. Manufacturer bonus money, awards, lap money and sponsor money will be added as the event draws near. If you would like to donate, help, sponsor a part or buy laps please call Rick Bristol at 407-497-0448 or 407-282-4705 or e-mail him at rbmini68@aol.com anytime.
Tickets will be sold between August 1st and the event. We will be contacting school groups, church groups and anyone else we can to sell the tickets. If you can help in this area please contact Rick.
Another division or two may be added to the event and will be announced later. It will be great event for a great cause, we just need you to make it happen.
" I want to thank Rusty Marcus for working with me on this, I appreciate the support and the desire to make this thing huge" stated Bristol. " May God Bless Tommy and his family and all the people that help make this thing happen".
A web page may be set up soon to track donations and sponsors or awards and laps. Already Jack Smith with Karnac has offered to promote the event on his site and sponsor the $100 Hard Charger award. Tommy King with King Motorsports is putting up $100 Fast Qualifier Money and Arnold & Damaris Diaz truck owners from Miami area have committed $100. If you can be a part just call or e-mail Rick Bristol with C.A.R.S. Motorsports and Racer Marketing.
Please remember this family in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you.
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