Tears are streaming down my face as I write this post….Thank you to all the Veterans that attended our first event (and those to come). How do I possibly put into words the gratitude we feel for your Service and the sacrifices you made. It’s not possible. Having shrapnel forever change your life and yet for you to be such amazing joyful spirits. To have PTSD and yet be so delighted to spend the day at the track and be so gracious about it. To possibly feel unappreciated and forgotten in your pain by your countryman and yet still THANK US for a day at the track.

What words do you put to that type of human spirit?…I’ll tell you what words, WARRIOR & HERO. Plain and simple. To be witness to your smiles, to your laughter, to your HUGE HEARTS was one of the most profound experiences of my life. I thank you for joining us and gracing us with your presence, and I do mean GRACE. I want you to know that every person involved in this event came with a full heart and gave easily because it was for our Veterans. They love and respect you as much as I do. You taught me so much in one day….I am more passionate than ever to continue this journey and cannot wait to host more of you again VERY soon at our next event.

What I know for sure is that I have THE BEST DARN FAMILY & FRIENDS a person could ever hope to have. My friends (old and new) made up all the drivers, sponsors, donors, partners and volunteers of the event. I asked and you came with your open hearts, willing spirits, open checkbooks and a “just say yes” attitude. Not to mention some pretty sweet rides! YOU made this possible. YOU made this an unforgettable day for our Veterans. The affection I feel for all of you is beyond measure. You cannot imagine how proud and humbled I am to have you in my life.

I’d like to personally thank all the people involved in making this event possible, all those tagged to this post, as well as Operation North State, Tarheel Sports Car Club, Sparkjoy Foundation, RideTech, Aegis Performance Coatings, Detroit Speed, No Limit Engineering, Eric Brockmeyer, Robert McCarter Photos & my Dad. Thank you  (& apologies if anyone was inadvertently left off this post)