World of Outlaws Professional Sprint Car Drivers Bring Thrills to Shriners Children’s St. Louis Patients
Ahead of the Ironman 55 in Pevely, professional drivers brought sprint cars, racing gear and personal encouragement to young patients facing serious medical challenges.
ST. LOUIS - World of Outlaws race car drivers brought joy, smiles and thrills to patients at Shriners Children’s St. Louis. In town for the Ironman 55 at the I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park in Pevely, drivers made time for local patients and signed autographs, showed off racing gear and even gave patients a look at the sprint cars and a McLaren GT up close.
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Five different drivers from World of Outlaws helped patients get in and out of the cars and answered questions about their job as professional drivers. They brought helmets and four different vehicles to show to patients, including two sprint cars, the McLaren GT and a pace truck. Children of various conditions, whether in halo traction or recovering from surgery, climbed into the cars and, for a moment, got to experience what it’s like to be a professional race car driver.
“The drivers coming here give the kids an opportunity to see and experience something they might not have otherwise,” Shriners Children’s St. Louis Senior Certified Child Life Specialist Cara Greenwald said. “For our kids in halo traction and those who have long stays here, it really helps them break up the day and gives them something exciting to look forward to. It really means a lot to our patients, and they were waiting all week for this. The fact they’re allowed to get into the cars, even with the adaptive medical equipment, is so exciting and special."
The drivers also passed out goodie bags with signed checkered flags and posters, sprint car toys, pennants and more. Senior Manager of Public Relations and Editorial Content at World of Outlaws Nick Graziano said drivers love interacting with children and fans in local communities.
“Our drivers understand that without fans and support from everyone in the community, they don’t get to be professional in the sport they love,” Graziano said. “A lot of our drivers are dads and love to interact with kids, especially to bring them joy while they’re going through medical care. The drivers know that the kids get super excited to meet them and watch them race. It’s nice to give back, and we truly love meeting with the kids and bringing them happiness.”
About Shriners Children’s
Shriners Children’s improves the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, conducting innovative research, and offering outstanding education programs for medical professionals. Children with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care, regardless of the families’ ability to pay or insurance status, and receive all care and services in a compassionate, family-centered environment. For more information, please visit shrinerschildrens.org.
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