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Driver J.R. Wheeler is racing to help TAPS and raise awareness of its work to help families of our fallen military for very personal reasons. His former crew chief, Steve Downing, was killed in action in Iraq in 2004. Inspired by his friend’s sacrifice, Wheeler retired from racing after having his biggest year in the pro series. He enlisted in the Army at age 31 and joined the Army Infantry Air Assault. While serving in Iraq, Wheeler suffered severe injuries in a helicopter repelling accident. He was told by his doctors that he would never be able to run, ride a horse or race again. Wheeler dedicated every minute of his rehabilitation to the memory of Downing and after 13 surgeries and years of strenuous rehabilitation; he is racing again!
One hundred percent of all race winnings and merchandise sales for Wheeler Motorsports go directly to TAPS. “Wheeler Motorsports is not only raising funds for TAPS but they are dedicating their spare time and money to leverage their race team as a tool to raise awareness for this very worth cause,” said Joe Dussol, Director of Marketing for Powerteq. Dussol continued, “We all take time to reflect on those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country over Memorial Day Weekend. This partnership will help to keep our employees engaged throughout the year to support the families of those that have fallen. Edge and Superchips have different product offerings and markets that we target but the common thread with Wheeler Motorsports and TAPS is something both brands can rally around.”
“We can never fully give back to the families who have lost a spouse, a mother, a father, or a loved one. All we can do is the best we can to show them that we recognize the sacrifice that was made so that we can live free,” said Derek Povinelli, Director of Public Relations and Promotions for Wheeler Motorsports. “Support from Edge and Superchips will help us to continue to do just that. Both Superchips and Edge Products have avid followings in the marketplace amongst many of the same people that come watch us race” said Povinelli.
In addition to sponsorship for the 2012 season, Edge and Superchips will be delivering a check in the amount of $1,000 made out to TAPS. Additional initiatives this year will include a campaign to raise awareness for TAPS and numerous grassroots events to be held in support of the cause.
Founded out of tragedy in 1994, TAPS has established itself as the front line resource to the families and loved ones of our military men and women. TAPS provides comfort and care through comprehensive services and programs including peer based emotional support, case work assistance, connections to community-based care, and grief and trauma resources.
For more information, visit www.taps.org.
