Paul French’s SK Light Modified outside the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center Wednesday in Hartford
HARTFORD – After years in competition, Stafford Motor Speedway and New London-Waterford Speedbowl SK Light Modified driver Paul French has gotten quite used to the seemingly mundane task of climbing in and out of his racecar.
Wednesday in Hartford, with French’s assistance and the assistance of some other local racers, that simple task of climbing in and out of racecars was brining beaming to smiles to the faces of children.
French was part of a group of local racers who participated in the third Driver Meet and Greet at the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford Wednesday.
French was there with his SK Light Modified. Also on hand were Todd Bertrand with his Midget car, Joey Cipriano with his Midget car, Stafford Speedway Legend racer Andrew Quealy and Scott Allen with his K&N Pro Series East car. The Stafford Motor Speedway pace car was also on display for children.
“Sometimes seeing a kid’s smile when he climbs into you car when he’s sick can erase some bad memories and plant some good ones,” said French, of Andover. “When you can put a smile on somebody’s face that doesn’t have a whole lot to look forward to, it makes you feel good. These kids, they come out and sit in the cars and they’re in a different world rather than walking around the hospital facing doom and gloom.”
The event was organized by Jennifer Hann, an assistant practice manager at the facility’s center for cancer and blood disorders, and Mariah Michalski, fiancé of Bertrand.
“It’s a chance to take time for these kids who can’t go to the racetrack,” Michalski said. “So it’s great that we can take the time and bring the racecars to them.”
In addition to having the cars outside, drivers also meet inside with children that can’t leave the hospital to go out to the exhibition pavilion.
“The kid always remember the racing event and sitting in the racecars,” Hann said. “That’s really special, especially for the kids that are here for days, weeks and months. They have an event and drivers sit with them. And it really gives them something to look forward to.”
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Wednesday’s Driver Meet And Greet at the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford
Wednesday’s Driver Meet And Greet at the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford
Wednesday’s Driver Meet And Greet at the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford
Wednesday’s Driver Meet And Greet at the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford
Wednesday’s Driver Meet And Greet at the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford
Wednesday’s Driver Meet And Greet at the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford
This is a really good thing that’s done for the kids at CCMC. Words can’t convey that enough. A BIG thanks to all the drivers that participated in this. You have know idea how much of an impact it has.
Very cool, all that participated should be applauded.
Wow what a great job thank you guys for showing and giving the kids a great day something that they remember for the rest of our lives
most if not all of these drivers enjoy this more than the kids. racers are a special breed. fight hard on the track but willing to give time to go visit sick children.