The Detroit-based ‘Racing for Kids’ organization has raised more than $6 million for children’s hospitals since it was created in 1989. They’ve also had professional drivers visit hospitals all over the world. On Thursday they made a stop in their own backyard at Children's Hospital of Michigan in Detroit.
A very special group of kids got an up close and personal race car driver experience. It was obviously pretty cool for the kids but it was just as special for the drivers.
"It’s being a part of something that’s unselfish, you get to do something good and you get to bring some smiles and sunshine back into their life," said WeatherTech SportsCar Champion Christina Nielsen.
"Being a part of this is really a big deal to me. It’s the first time I’ve been invited here, my first time racing at the Detroit Grand prix and to be able to have the opportunity to try put smiles on these kids faces it’s awesome," said Trans Am Series driver Jordan Bernloehr.
Getting autographs from drivers they’ll see this weeken and exploring a real race car right up close really was awesome for these families.
10-year-old John Webb described it as "amazing".
Nielsen said her hopes for the day were pretty simple.
“I hope it’s a distraction. I hope it’s a distraction from what they’re going through in life. And that they get to experience something they didn’t know was cool," she said.
And of course these kids get to take home some incredible memories. Webb says he plans to tell his friends all about it.
"They probably won’t believe me," he said.
