(Image Credit: Lisa Dynes)
As the biggest 10 days in Sprint Car racing gets underway, we are heartbroken to report the passing of the man known simply as Big Al on Thursday, August 6, 2015 at the age of 40. Al had been dealing with several health issues at the time of his passing.
The found of Big Al’s Kids in Motorsports, based in Stanwood, Wash. the foundation got its start in 2011 with Kelan Knowles. Al was his Make-a-Wish Sponsor and brought him to the Cottage Grove Speedway for a weekend double header with the Lucas Oil American Sprint Car Series. This began a wonderful relationship with a man whose heart and generosity knew no bounds.
“I can’t express how much Big Al changed our lives. The joy he brought to children who wouldn’t have had a chance to attend a race, or much less see a racecar, you just can’t put it into words what Big Al did for so many children,” said Ashleigh Ward who, along with husband Matt Ward who heads the American Sprint Car Series, first met Al at the Cottage Grove Speedway in 2011. “Kelan was the first kid he helped, and from there it’s just bloomed into something special. He was four when we met him, and now he’s eight and full of energy thanks to what Big Al and his foundation did. If we ever needed anything, Al was there for you. He was always thumbs up. You never knew how sick he was because he never stopped smiling.”
He helped a lot of kids, he even went out of his way to find me a ride at Deming Speedway just because he wanted too,” said Matt Ward. “I just know that this isn’t the end of Big Al’s Kids in Motorsports. ASCS is going to keep on supporting his cause. I know Barry Martinez with SpeedMart will continue to support his cause in the Northwest along with countless drivers and teams across the country.”
A Go Fund Me account has been setup to help support Big Al’s Kids in Motorsports. We are asking for donations to help continue the cause and vision that Big Al had for his foundation.
Account Link: gofundme.com/52fan95c
Big Al was supposed to be headed for Knoxville this weekend and was going to have a Pinewood Derby on Saturday during the FVP Knoxville Nationals. Children and parents involved with the Foundation will hold the derby in his honor, with all fund raised going to continue the Big Al’s Kids in Motorsports Foundation. Times for the Derby will be announced as they are made available.
- Bryan Hulbert on Aug 07, 2015
- Article Date: 8/7/2015