Race competition included four classes of vehicles. Besides the normal big wheel toy racers, home-built vehicles were entered in “super modified” races. Standouts among this year’s competition were an “Animal House” racer, a Monster drink-themed vehicle, and a scorpion vehicle, said Steve Petric, one of the race originators.
Four years ago nine families organized the event just for fun, he said. They were: Bonavita, Bunsole, Hurst, Molseed-Dorner, Orbash, Petric, Rittenhouse, Schmitt, and Zapata. More neighbors have joined in each year, he said.
This year’s race winners were Audrey Lundgren (Big Wheel, youth), Steve Rodenruth (Super Modified), Blake Hemelgarn (Other kid toy, not modified), and Alex Hurst (Big Wheel, adult). Greg Orbash, who dressed up as D-Day from the movie Animal House, was voted best dressed.
The day’s event collected about $1,000 in donations. All proceeds from race entry fees, T-shirts, drinks and food are being donated to the Foster and Crockett families in the township, Petric said.
The Crockett family lives in the Wagner Hill subdivision. Lynn Crockett, the father, was diagnosed with brain cancer six years ago, Petric said. “He continues to battle this disease, but is left with significant medical expenses,” he said. The family’s four children attend Bellbrook-Sugarcreek schools.
Lynn Foster, 46, of Kable’s Mill, the sunshine of her husband Steve and daughter Cassie Foster’s life, passed away March 2 after seven months on an organ donor list, waiting for a liver and kidneys, Petric said. Her obituary notice requested that in lieu of flowers, money be donated to her 8-year-old daughter Cassie’s education fund.
Ritter’s Frozen Custard of Beavercreek was on site and donated proceeds for the charity, Petric said. Others helping out included: Personalized Computer Systems, Inc., which provided technical support; Keerigan Roofing & Restoration, which sold hot dogs and donated their proceeds to the charity, and Sugarcreek police and fire personnel who stood by in case of need.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2341 or kullmer@DaytonDaily News.com.
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