The Charlotte Motor Speedway race weekend will be a meaningful one for Michael McDowell and the Leavine Family Racing team as they honor a Davidson, N.C. child who recently lost his battle with cancer. Pieter Cornelis Swart, IV, age 5, passed away on Sept. 21, 2014 after a long battle with Neuroblastoma, an aggressive pediatric cancer. Pieter was diagnosed at age 3 and his family stated ‘he fought with dignity and strength, inspiring many along his journey.’ McDowell’s son Trace, 5, has been a preschool classmate with Pieter for the past three years. To celebrate Pieter’s life and bring awareness to this type of cancer, Pieter’s Pals will be placed on the hood of the #95 KLOVE Ford Fusion. ‘It’s really special to me and I’m thankful that Bob and Sharon (Leavine, team owners) are so supportive,’ McDowell said. ‘It’s great for their friends and families and all the kids at the school to see. We want to bring some awareness to what this particular neurological cancer is and try to help prevent this from happening in the future.’ Race fans can offer words of support and find more information at the Pieter’s Pals Facebook page. The family has stated that memorials may be made to: Pieter’s Pals at DCPC Preschool, P.O. Box 337, Davidson, NC 28036. The donations will ‘be distributed to organizations helping kids & their families battling cancer and groups committed to finding a cure for childhood cancers.’(Leavine Family Racing), see an image of the car on the #95 team paint schemes page.(10-8-2014)
