Charity 200 Race Weekend will have to leave Orlando Speedworld !

[Rick B.]

After 6 Years at Orlando Speedworld the Charity 200 Race Weekend will move !





Orlando FL - 2-8-12 - After 6 very successful years at Orlando Speedworld the Charity 200 weekend will be moving.



" I am really hurt about having to do this, after 6 years we will have to move. The owner Robert Hart raised my lease by $2,000 and I just can not do that, this is a charity and we can not take on additional major costs like that. This event has been a great positive for Orlando Speedworld and the drivers like the track, so it will hurt both.



I am currently working on a deal with Rex for Auburndale Speedway. He was very generous with an offer to have the race there. I am working on the date as well. Trying to be sure of the conflicts of other tracks that may be racing. It will most likely be Dec 7th & 8th or Dec 14th & 15th with the first being the goal.



I have begun seeking opportunities in the area and folks to help with the event. I am hoping this does not cost us some of our great yearly sponsors as we will need them to be successful and help these families. We are currently accepting nominations for families in need with seriousness illnesses. If you know of someone please go to www.carsevents.com and submit their info for consideration.



I hope folks will not lose sight of the main goal and that is to help children and families facing series and terminal illnesses. I am so thankful for all those who have supported the event for these 6 years and hope you will continue with us.



You can keep up with info at the web site and we will put out press releases to update everyone.

[Jimmy McKinley]

Sorry to hear that, Rex

Good to try and keep it in the cental Florida region, though, to keep traveling costs about the same for the racers.

I think the 1/4-miler would produce some good racing, though

[Alan]

Sorry to hear about this. I like racing at Orlando. But, Auburndale is a fun track, too.

[Bobby Diehl]

Sometimes change is good!!!!

Rick you have worked very hard (put all your heart into it) and maybe now it's time to take it on the road. Having it at a different tracks would give the whole program a grander exposure. My hats off to you for all you do! It's not for the money it's from the heart!!!!
Good luck. And sometimes things happen for a reason.

[Boneman]

Rick, you said you had 5 successful years at Speedworld, wouldn't this be a good time to say "thanks, its been cool, but we are moving on." As it is, you are leaving with a parting shot and dumping the blame on the track.

Speaking as a spectator who has been at most of your events, I think a change will do you good. After 5 years, its time to shake up the show, and a new venue may give you the opportunity to attract more fans and raise more money!

Wishing you the best of luck with this big project.

[dd38]

Rick, You WILL definately get more fans at A-dale! Go for it.

[UREZ2PASS]

As a supporter of the Charity Truck race, it would be beneficial to make public the revenue totals. Many people question the validity of charity events these days because so many people are skimming off the top in other charitable 501C3's. There would be no question as to how charitable this event is if publically reported.

I'll support the event at whatever track is utilized. However, I think it was a cheap shot to Robert Hart in the way it was written. Could there possibly be more to this story than has been made public ?

[ancrdave]

I don't think Rick is taking any "cheap shots" at Robert Hart... he's just stating the facts... an extra $2,000 is ridiculous in this economy...
All in all this will probably be for the best anyway... If Rick does his usual promotion, the stands should be packed at Auburndale and, whether you like him or not, Rex Guy at least promotes his race track...
I think the race would be better, competition wise, if it were held at Citrus or as a part of the rejuvenation of Sunshine Speedway, but the Lakeland-area fans are passionate about their racing so Auburndale should be a winning move...
By the way, Rick always makes public everything he collects, pays out and gives to the families... I'm not sure where you are getting those ideas...

[UREZ2PASS]

I don't think Rick is taking any "cheap shots" at Robert Hart... he's just stating the facts... an extra $2,000 is ridiculous in this economy...
All in all this will probably be for the best anyway... If Rick does his usual promotion, the stands should be packed at Auburndale and, whether you like him or not, Rex Guy at least promotes his race track...
I think the race would be better, competition wise, if it were held at Citrus or as a part of the rejuvenation of Sunshine Speedway, but the Lakeland-area fans are passionate about their racing so Auburndale should be a winning move...
By the way, Rick always makes public everything he collects, pays out and gives to the families... I'm not sure where you are getting those ideas...

Since you in a round of about way ask where I got the idea that some people question the validity of charities. I watch the news and read the newspaper which constantly report ripoff charities. I in no way was accusing Rick of any skimming. However, on another website, Rick recently was the target of a few individuals. I will not state the name of that website because it will attract attention to it and iit is GARBAGE and they moderate out anything that is directed at the owners. Believe it or not, somebody was banned from there for calling them out.

The point of my post was that if all revenue was publically reported, the charity would be transparent. If I thought somebody was ripping off people with a charity, I am very aware that a 501c3 is required by law to disclose it's records with a mere request, and I would have no problem requesting the records.

Rick does a great job wih the charity. Like I stated in the first like of my precious post, I am a supporter.

[UREZ2PASS]

Edit - could not edit previous post on my phone.

Rick does a great job with the charity, Like I stated in the first LINE of my PREVIOUS post, I am a supporter.

[flvideo]

Urez

Rick does publish the totals every year. I did a video for him last year and the totals for all years were there. I too think $2000 is over the top. That's $2000 the recipients wouldn't get. Look at the video and tell me how more public can we get. Its about the kids not the bottom line...

http://youtu.be/eSYWO2_vmt8

[flvideo]

Urez

Rick does publish the totals every year. I did a video for him last year and the totals for all years were there. I too think $2000 is over the top. That's $2000 the recipients wouldn't get. Look at the video and tell me how more public can we get. Its about the kids not the bottom line... Oh and by the way I didn't charge him one red Cent. It was my contribution to the effort. Rick will do well with it because its from his heart. Thanks for reading Bob...

http://youtu.be/eSYWO2_vmt8

[UREZ2PASS]

I watched the video and enjoyed it so much I was going to post it on the thread where people were bashing Rick. Well, the thread was removed. I guess those other guys do have some compassion afterall. I hope my suggestion was not taken out of context, I support the charity truckers event and wish it even more success wherever it may be held.

Please accept my apology if my wording sounded like I was questioning the validity of the charity. That was not my intention, it was a suggestion.

[rknhvc09]

see you at adale!!!! you will have more fans for sure!!!

[flvideo]

Urez

No harm no foul. I just thought I'd set it straight. There's no doubt that Rick does what he does from his heart. He loves the Lord and he loves kids..