NASCAR History: For the first time in NASCAR’s half a century existence a race will be absent of the famous words, “Gentlemen, start your Engines.” Instead the race will be started in American Sign Language at the Raybestos Brakes Northwest Series, NASCAR Touring Northwest Racing Enterprises 150 on September 28 in Wenatchee, Wash. Through the overwhelming support of the racing community both in the Northwestern and the Southwestern United States 12 year-old Peter-John, profoundly deaf and legally blind will be signing the start engine command. “I think it is a thrill not only for the track, the fans and the teams, but also all the handicapped fans that will be represented by Peter-John”, said an enthusiastic Melinda Moulaison, owner of Northwest Racing Enterprises. “He will not only start the race, but he will be honored at the closing of the race when he stands with Kevin Hamlin [no not the #31 crew chief] and the race winner in victory circle.” The chase for the championship may be virtually locked up, with racer Kevin Hamlin simply needing to start the event to win.(Racing West and NASCAR.com)(9-28-2002) (9-27-2002)
