Sport
21 February, 2024
Strap yourself in for charity
HAVE you ever wanted to take a ride in a Sprintcar?
Here’s your chance to strap yourself in and ride five laps of the Simpson Speedway track in the back seat of a 410 Sprintcar – all the while raising some much-needed funds for the Gillin Boys Foundation (established in 2016 by Christopher and his younger brother Aaron to raise funds for, and awareness of, muscular dystrophy).
Seventeen local sprintcar enthusiasts took advantage of the opportunity last weekend, taking to the track with experienced drivers Tim Rankin and John Vogels.
“Judging by the looks on the faces of those who had a ride, it was certainly an exciting experience,” Simpson club member and vice-chairman of the Gillin Boys Foundation Jess Nolte said.
For just $270, participants can sit in the back of the sprintcar and enjoy five laps of the Simpson track.
While $20 from that amount goes towards the purchase of a passenger license, the rest goes directly to the foundation.
“We raised just over $4000 for the foundation last Sunday which was amazing and we are hoping that racegoers will get behind Green Night over the long weekend where we will raffle off two rides,” Nolte said.
Green Night will be held at the Simpson track on Saturday, March 9.
The crowd is encouraged to wear a touch of green, donation tins will be trackside and raffle tickets can be purchased for the chance to win a ride.
“We held a green night last year and raised just over $13,000 for the foundation so we’re hoping to raise even more this year,” Nolte said.
“Anyone who would like to donate, or purchase a ride in a two-seater sprintcar can just go on to the Gillin Boys Foundation website and follow the links.”
The March meeting at Simpson Speedway will see the running of the Victorian 410 Sprintcar Title, Formula 500s and Junior Formula 500s.
Cars on track from 5pm.
