Autism and NASCAR: A Unique Combination!
Monday May 21, 2007
AutismSpeaks, the nation's largest autism research organization, has made a unique deal with NASCAR that promises to raise both awareness and funds for autism:
From now until June 1, Dover International Speedway will donate $5 to Autism Speaks from each ticket purchased with a Visa card for the June 3 “Autism Speaks 400 presented by Visa” race. Fans can visit www.autismspeaks.org to learn more and donate to this worthwhile cause.Not being a NASCAR fan myself, I don't really know how big a deal this is. For those who ARE fans - is this a big deal? What do you think of this approach to fundraising? (I'm guessing that most people with autism would find NASCAR racetracks a bit overwhelming, but then again there must be quite a few NASCAR fans out there in the autism community, even if they watch from afar!)As part of the entitlement, a special one-of-a-kind experience will be auctioned, with all proceeds going directly to Autism Speaks. The prize includes the opportunity to wave the green flag as the honorary starter for the June 3 race; an autographed flag signed by the starting lineup of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race; the chance to be on stage for driver introductions; a ride in the pre-race parade lap for four guests; four tickets to watch the race from a skybox suite; four pit passes; and a guided tour for four of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup garage. To participate in this unique auction and support Autism Speaks, go to www.autismspeaks.org/dover400.
Comments
There is a good reason that NASCAR and Autism are connected: Artie Kempner, Director of NASCAR on Fox, has a son with the disorder. He is a powerhouse in the Autism community. Prior to the June race at Dover, he has a big golf outing out there that generates a lot of funds for Autism research. He does whatever he can during telecasts to promote Autism awareness (including things like posting the web addresses and phone numbers of the Autism Society of America) I am sure he played a large part in getting the race sponsored by autismspeaks.org.
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NASCAR has been a very loyal supporter of autism charities for a while now. There are also a couple of drivers who have autism in their family - Elliot Sadler and Jamie McMurray, and both of them have their own charities where all proceeds go to autism research and education. NASCAR is the ONLY professional sport out there that actively supports autism and that should be applauded, whether the support is driven by big-wig influence or not. By the way, I have taken my 5 year old son (who has autism) to a NASCAR sanctioned local race and he LOVED it!
Our son Curt is a huge fan of NASCAR and I take him to a few races each year. He watches them every weekend that the races are on. This coming July, my wife and I are taking Curt to Daytona Beach for the Pepsi 400. It would be a great surprise for Curt to meet one of the drivers. Can you help us out ? Thank you for your time and effort. Mike H. South Florida
My little 6 yr old, Jimmy, is on the Autism Spectrum and loves Nascar. Actually, children on the Spectrum may very much loves Nascar, due to some of the things inherent to the sport. Jimmy LOVES Tony Stewart, he got that from his MOM. LOL. He sees his car and says “Tony Stewart Home Depot Chevrolet Number 20.” Some kiddos with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) love letters and numbers, they may have very good, even exceptional, rote memory skills, and while the environment of the track may and certainly would be overwhelming to some, other children would be very happy with all of the commotion. Not all kiddos with ASD have stereotypical Autism traits, although tragically, many do. Some have Asperger’s and seem higher functioning in some areas and some slip through the cracks on qualifying for a certain diagnonis and are called “Pervasive Developmentally Delayed, not Otherwise Specified.” Our Jimmy is there. As a parent, I say THANK YOU NASCAR, thank you drivers, and thank you fans, for your quest to learn more about and support Autism research. There are many very worthy charities out there, and we very much appreciate this exposure. Our families have had a very hard road getting any sort of help whatsoever regarding Autism. Previously, our kids were denied health insurance coverage because ASD was one of the things SPECIFICALLY EXCLUDED. That was tragic and cruel. Finally, the wheels of change are turning ever so slowly. They will be turning around 185mph this Sunday. THANK YOU! Jimmys Mommy
One last thing; the next time that you see a child “throw a fit” or seem to act “immature for their age,” please take a moment to consider that this child may not be merely “misbehaving.” ASD is striking our kiddos and the numbers are rising. Instead, how about giving the child and parent a gentle nod and a prayer? We sure need it. Thank you.
This would be a big deal for my son! He’s 15 and has been a Nascar fan for as long as I can remember - I think my husband had a little influence on him!
Dad finally took him to a race about 2 years ago. As long as he has his ear protectors, he’s fine. We were worried the noise would be too much, but he also goes to watch Monster Trucks!
I tried contacting one of the Nascar drivers last year to see if we could get a driver to meet my son at the Poconos race, but I never got a response - very dissappointing! Do we have to be wealthy to get a little special treatment for our kids who love Nascar??
what a great cause!
My 12yr.old son Steven has autism and he has been a racecar fan for a long time. His favorite driver is Jr. but he admires many of the drivers. He watches all the races on TV and loves to race go-carts. He has always dreamed of going to a race, but we can’t afford it. I think any awarness for autism is great, although it’s kind of cool that is happens to be my son’s favorite sport. If you ever know of a contest we could enter to win ticket’s please let me know. my thanks to nascar and everyone involved for helping raise awareness for autism.
I’m both a graduate student in Speech-Language Pathology and a new NASCAR fan. Whether or not it’s a big deal, the fact that the organizations have teamed up for a good cause is sufficient to put a smile on my face!
My 6 yr old son is on the spectrum and we took him to the Nationwide race in Talladega this year. We took headphones for noise and prepared him ahead of time…he loved it. He loves Kasey Kahne. Tony Stewart won that race and that was fine, too. We enjoyed it so much! We’d love to meet a driver, too! Exposure is key, I truly believe that.