Lightning McMead’s Joy Rides For Kids In Need.

Lightning McMead’s Joy Rides For Kids In Need.

Media Release                                                                                 23 November 2014

By Brett Swanson (Pirate Media)

Since painting his Commodore Speedway Sedan in the colours of Disney Pixar’s Lightning McQueen from the movie “Cars”, Rosebud Businessman Dale Mead has experienced firsthand how strong the character was in attracting the attention of young fans.

Painted by his crash repair business, RADAR –Rosebud And District Accident Repairs, the car has always looked first class whenever it hit the speedway tracks primarily at Gippsland’s Nyora Raceway.

But then one night last season a chance meeting with a young fan has changed the course of Dale’s racing career.

“It was after a race meeting and a woman and her grandson came down to look at the car and I asked would he like to sit in the car, which of course he did,” explained Dale. “I went to lift him up into the car and I said, gee he’s very light, and his Grandmother said he had terminal cancer, and that was why he was so light. I felt really bad for what I’d said and for the child but it got me thinking that there would be many others out there similar to him and that there was something that I could do to bring a little bit of happiness to these kids in need.”

As a result Dale has created Lightning McMead’s Joy Rides For Kids In Need.

Dale has decided that on any given race night, during interval, he will give a child in need the opportunity to strap into the passenger seat of his 600 horsepower speedway sedan and go as fast or slow as they want and hopefully give them a joyful escape from their day to day concerns.

“I don’t care if they want to go fast or slow or just get their picture taken in the car,” stated Dale. “So long as they enjoy it and leave with a smile on their faces, I’ll be happy too.”

Already some great people have had an input with Warrick Taylor from Taylor’d Fabrications building and installing the seat and the safety aspects of the car for the cars precious cargo.

K1 Race Gear have come forward with a range of fully embroidered race suits so the kids will look the part and Darren’s Mufflers has also chipped in with some exhaust work.

Tim Law is currently constructing a website and will also be part of the hands on team.

Initially the plans are to conduct the rides at Nyora but the car will also be seen at Redline Raceway in Ballarat and possibly other venues.

Lightning McMead will be on display next weekend, November 29^th, at the opening show of Nyora Raceway, with the first ride scheduled for the same venue on December 27^th.

Parents, friends or carers who think their special need or disadvantaged child would like to experience some laps in Lightning McMead can contact Dale via the facebook page “Lightning McMead’s Joy Rides for Kids In Need”

Dale is so excited by this prospect that he is already planning on an expansion to a two car team with a blue “Sally” version to be run alongside Lightning.

The car has already been a big hit at a number of area schools and Dale looks forward to continuing that aspect also.

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    LOCATION                                                                    Website: www.nyoraraceway.com.au

           Nyora Recreation Reserve, Grundy Ave Nyora.

Nyora Raceway was originally established in 1960 and is still known as Gippslands home of motorsport today.

We offer a wide variety of club classes with something for everyone - from the youngest to oldest of speedway supporters – it is a great night out for the family  too.

MOTOR SPORT IS DANGEROUS AND INVOLVES RISKS AND DANGERS TO PARTICIPANTS AND SPECTATORS.

Section 74 of the Trade Practices Act ("the act") implies a warranty of due care and skill into contracts for the supply of services to consumers as defines in the Act. Where such warranty applies, it cannot be excluded. Subject to provisions of section 74 of the Act, if applicable, all persons entering this venue do so at their own risk and neither the owners  of lessees nor the promoters, sponsors, participants or other persons involved in any way in the running or promotion of any event or events at this venue ("the Promoters") will be liable either in sort or contract for any personal injury or loss of property to any person, whether caused by negligence of the Promoters or otherwise.

CANCELLATIONS

Should it become necessary owing to rain or mechanical fault, or any other cause whatsoever, to abandon or cancel this speedway meeting before the sixth event, then passes for the following meeting may be applied for at the pit box and the main gate, but any cancellation after the sixth event, will see the meeting deemed complete, no passes will be issued.

NO MONEY WILL BE REFUNDED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES