RACE FOR THE CURE REMEMBERS, HONORS B. J. PARKER
One of Late Models most legendary promoters, Mr. B. J. Parker, lost his battle with breast cancer in 2011 at the age of 78 at his home in Graysville, Alabama.
The National Dirt Late Model Hall of Famer founded the longest-running series, The Southern All Star Dirt Racing Series.
Parker, was a racer in the 50’s, a track owner/promoter in the 60’s and 70’s. He started a travel series in the 80’s (Southern All Star Dirt and Asphalt Series). Parker single handedly made one of the biggest impacts on dirt track racing in Alabama. Before B J past away in 2011, he was still promoting the Southern All Star Late Model Series that raced at Sayre Speedway twice a year. His wife, Gail, took the series over but she lost her battle with breast cancer this past year.
To honor and remember Parker, a memorial race is held each year at Sayre Speedway in Sayre, Alabama. This years race is July 29, with a rain date of August 5. Everyone is asked to wear pink in support of finding a cure for breast cancer. Our program features seven different classes of cars. Open Wheel Modified, Sportsman, Mini Modified, Street Stock, Buzz, Renegade and Modified Lites.
We want to bring awareness to men and remind them to be screened. We are trying to make sure men know they can be affected by this cancer.
We will have several raffles and $10 t-shirts with all proceeds from the fund raisers going to the American Cancer Society. Other highlights will include drawings and raffles to win an autographed racing helmet, a pink racing flag and a pink and black checkered flag.
About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of 2.5 million volunteers saving lives and fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. As the largest voluntary health organization, the Society’s efforts have contributed to a 20 percent decline in cancer death rates in the U.S. since 1991, and a 50 percent drop in smoking rates. Thanks in part to our progress nearly 14 million Americans who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will celebrate more birthdays this year. We’re determined to finish the fight against cancer. We’re finding cures as the nation’s largest private, not for profit investor in cancer research, ensuring people facing cancer have the help they need and continuing the fight for access to quality health care, lifesaving screenings, clean air, and more. For information, to get help, or to join the fight, call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.