|
In a time where sprint car racing is suffering as a result of the Kevin Ward loss, here is a great story to remind us how uplifting the sport can be.
In a scene reminiscent of the movie Rudy, Saturday night at Park Jefferson Speedway became the place where dreams come true. After leading all 25 laps of the American Sprint Car Series race Isaac Schreurs, who lost the use of his legs at age 14, pulled into victory lane. But unlike other victory lane photos, the driver didn’t quickly exit the car. Instead, with the crowd on its feet, a four-wheeler appeared with Schreurs father appeared from the pits. Rushing to the side of his son’s car, the elder Schreurs leapt off the back and reached into the cockpit and scooped his son up in his arms. Then, father and son went around to the front of the car where the crowd roared its approval to the young twenty one year old. In doing so, Schreurs became the first paraplegic to win a major sprint car race.
A front row of Schreurs and John Klabunde led the American Sprint Car Series event to the green flag. Schreurs quickly took the lead. Facing multiple challenges from third starting Cody Ledger, he continued to lead until lap 17. Ledger put a slide job in front of Schreurs but the yellow flag flew placing Schreurs back in the lead. Schreurs once again led the field green until a violent flip from Jack Dover off of turn 3 which saw him flip over 50 feet until his car came to rest. The accident was the result of a broken front axle. Schreurs was able to hold the lead for the final laps to take the checkers. He was followed by Cody Ledger and Billy Alley rounded out the top three. Schreurs will next take on the American Sprint Car Series at the upcoming 36th running of the Jackson Nationals on Labor Day Weekend, August 29-30. Tickets and information are available at www.jacksonspeedway.com.
See a couple of great pictures at www.facebook.com/parkjeffersonsd.
|
