The second annual Racers Giving Back benefit on Friday, Nov. 27 at Wyomissing’s Slick Willy’s Karts and Eats will raise money for breast cancer patient Amy Knappenberger of Macungie and the family of Kutztown’s Michael Bailey, who died in July.
The event, running from 5:30 to 11 p.m., will feature races that anyone attending can sign up for, according to Lisa Christman, one of the event coordinators. New for this year is a 7:30 p.m. championship race in which nine champions from nine tracks will compete. Racers that wish to participate pay $12.95 per race and are asked to bring helmets.
Bailey, a racer himself, died from a heart attack at the beginning of a race. His father Randy, who was a Grandview Speedway and Dorney Park racing champion, will participate in the race. His mother Donna, who started a trust fund for the children, will attend, along with a few other family members. One of Michael’s children is involved in midget racing, but his wife Melissa and three children Madison, Eli and Reese will not be attending, since they moved out of state after his death.
“The whole Bailey family has been involved in racing their wholes lives,” said Christman. “We just want to help out the family in such a tragic time in their life.”
The racers participating in the championship event are Randy Bailey, Billy Pauch Jr. from the Kutztown track, Tim Buckwalter and Brett Bieber of Action Track, Ryan Godown of New Egypt Speedway, Steven Drevicki of American Racing Drivers Club, James Morris of Bridgeport Poker Series, Brett Kressley of Grandview Speedway, Richie Hitzler of New York Poker Series, and Steve Whary of Linda’s Speedway. Local racing favorite Keith Gerhart will sing the national anthem before the race. The top three finishers will receive trophies.
Aside from races, the event raises money through raffle prizes, such as a Dover bus trip, t-shirts, hats, gift baskets and more, according to Christman. The event originally intended to provide money for Knappenberger, but she insisted the money go to Lolly’s Locks, which provides wigs to cancer patients. Knappenberger, who went through treatment and is in remission, suggested making chemo bags, stocked with items to give patients comfort during chemotherapy.
“She said she got one when she was in chemo. She thought it was a neat idea,” said Christman.
If attendees donate items for the chemo bags, they are entered into a raffle for a gift card, donated by Knappenberger.
Her husband Pete will interview racers for his radio show “Racers Roundtable.”
Last year’s event raised $580 for Bradley Heater, a young boy with leukemia. According to Christman, 177 people came to race, and she expects even more interest this year.
“It’s going to be bigger with a special kind of race and the word getting out,” said Christman.
