Mooresville, NC (6-8-09) – With the way his race turned out, Tom Hessert’s day at the Pocono Raceway in the ARCA 200 wasn’t exactly what the team was looking for, breaking a main shaft in the transmission coming to the original green. “It was new and I am told it happens” stated Andy Belmont “It’s still a tough pill to swallow”. The ABR team changed transmissions and sent Hessert out to “log laps” and gain as many championship points as possible, hanging onto seventh in the championship chase. It made for a long day for sure at the tricky triangle.
“My guys did an awesome job getting me back on the track” affirmed Hessert. Tom was credited with a 28th place finish. But his day was not done!
Once the festivities concluded at Pocono and most drivers were headed home, Tom headed to West End Quarter Midget Racing Associations (WEQMRA) track at the West End Fairgrounds for the benefit race for six year old quarter midget racer Jack Culbertson.Tom was able to meet with Jack & take some pictures before Jack ran off to play football with his fellow quarter midget drivers.
“This is a good weekend for Jack” explained benefit organizer Karen Wimmer.“Jack goes for chemo five days straight and then has two weeks off” added Jack’s father Dan Culbertson.He has been feeling better and better each day but come Monday when he starts another round of chemo he’ll start feeling bad again.”Jack will have to go through five more rounds of chemo before having a procedure done to cleanse his bone marrow of the cancer cells.After this procedure Jack will then go for surgery to remove the remainder of the tumors in his abdomen and throat.
After signing, cars, helmets, and trailers for the kids Tom was asked if he wanted to get in one of the quarter midgets and take a few laps.“I didn’t think I could still fit in a quarter midget, I did though and man was it a blast” proclaimed Hessert.Glenn Macomber who drives the Mod class at WEQMRA and his father were very kind in allowing Tom to get in the car.After getting out of the car Tom presented all the driver’s with their trophies before getting a very special presentation from Jack.Tom was presented with a participation trophy from the night along with some hats and shirts autographed by Jack.“This was such an incredible event” stated Hessert “Jack is an incredible kid and I am so glad that I was able to meet him and be a part of this day.”“Jack and the WEQMRA have invited us back when we race at Pocono in August.I can’t wait to come back now to see how Jack is doing.”
Andy Belmont racing has extended garage passes to Jack and his family for the Pennsylvania ARCA 200 in August.“I hope that Jack is up to coming to the track in Pocono for the August race” stated Belmont.We would love to have Jack and his family as honorary ABR team members”.Belmont has also pledged a portion of the winnings from the Pennsylvania ARCA 200 to Jack for his medical costs.” The Culbertson’s have an incredible battle in front of them we are glad to be able to help” Belmont affirmed.
“This kind of put our day in a better perspective” Tom stated. “You think it’s the end of the world when your car breaks, then we get to meet Jack and it kind of changes how you look at things”.
Autograph requests can be sent along with a self addressed stamped 9x12 envelope to:
Andy Belmont Racing 169 Laurel Glen Dr Mooresville, NC 28115 andy@andybelmont.com Phone: (704) 682-3410