LEXINGTON, Mich. — Former Lakeport Speedway standout Derek Thorn, now a top driver on the ASA Late Model Series circuit, won”t only be racing to win, but the 2007 Pat Bourdow Memorial Rookie of the Year runner-up also will be “Racin for a Cure” in 2008.
Thorn”s agent, Scott Pfei-ffer, suffers from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), better known as Lou Gehrig”s Disease, but is always there for Thorn”s races. Thorn hopes to return the favor and, along with Pfeiffer, has formed a new team, “Racin for a Cure,” for the 2008 season.
In conjunction with Shawn Keep Inc., Thorn will drive a new No. 44 car in the ASALMS Challenge and Northern Division in 2008, and he”ll also be helping his friend, Pfeiffer, in his fight against ALS, a life-threatening disease.
“Racing for a Cure” is going to be a great program for the 2008 season,” Thorn said. “It”s going to raise awareness and help find a cure for the disease ALS, which my agent is suffering from. Being able to do my part while doing something I love will be a win-win situation for me and the families affected by this ever-devastating disease .”
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons eventually leads to death. Patients in the late stages of the disease may become totally paralyzed.
“Derek and Soctt have been such an inspiration not only to the ALS families and Association but to all who have been confronted with a battle, one where you need to step up to the plate and fight,” said Mary Druml, president of the ALS Wisconsin Chapter.
“The number of people Derek can reach in one race is unbelievable. He exemplifies the teamwork needed to make a difference in the ALS fight,” said ALS Executive Director Melanie M. Roach-Bekos.
