Every time Randy MacDonald of Thomasville, NC gets behind the wheel of his NASCAR Craftsman Truck, he has does so with purpose. Generally that goal is a top finish. At New Hampshire International Speedway next weekend, MacDonald’s motivation will be intensified. Recently, the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT announced a one-race deal with MacDonald in a fundraising effort to support the Racing Against Cancer Program. Foxwoods will make a donation directly to the American Cancer Society in the name of MacDonald and the Racing Against Cancer Program in the equivalent of MacDonald’s winnings in the New Hampshire 200. Foxwoods ran a similar program in 1999 with Brad Leighton and the GRIZCO Racing team.. Their winning effort in the event helped to raise over $18,775. This agreement has special meaning for MacDonald, whose father Marrill “Doc” MacDonald is battling cancer. “I’m just trying to do everything a son needs to do,” said MacDonald. “If I can help to raise some money for the fight against cancer, that is just one more thing I can do for my father.” Strong in his faith, Randy MacDonald will make the start on Saturday for his father and for all those that are battling cancer. “We are proud to be affiliated with Randy and the entire MacDonald family,” said R.A.C. Director of Operations, Scott Gregory. “They are committed to racing and totally devoted to one another.. It is people like the MacDonald’s that are the driving force behind the Racing Against Cancer Program.” Involvement with a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series team provides a number of significant benefits to the Racing Against Cancer Program including national television coverage. “Through this partnership with Randy, the American Cancer Society and the Racing Against Cancer Program stands to earn in the area of $10,000 for the fight against cancer,” said R.A.C. Director of Operations, Scott Gregory.. This project has major significance during a season where the economic climate has made fundraising more difficult. It is most fitting that this special opportunity would come at New Hampshire International Speedway, as this is a home coming of sorts for Randy MacDonald. “If I were to call one track home, it would be Loudon,” said MacDonald, whose roots run deep in the northeast. The Oshawa, Ontario, Canada native got his start in the American Canadian Tour and earned NASCAR North Rookie of the Year honors in 1985. NHIS has a special place for the MacDonald’s.. It was where Randy made his first Winston Cup start and it is where he met his wife Gina (when it was still Bryar Motorsports Park). It took 17 years of chasing a dream but in 1996 at New Hampshire International Speedway, with his father proudly beside him, Randy MacDonald made his first start in the Winston Cup Series competition. The Racing Against Cancer Program is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for cancer research, patient services, youth tobacco educational programs, and awareness.. To learn more about this federally recognized non-profit organization please call (860) 388-3444or visit www.racingagainstcancer.com.(9-8-2003)
