The children Sue Ziegler will host at tracks this spring and summer will likely receive more accolades than the drivers who win the races.
They’ll get trophies, T-shirts, hats, racing-related goody bags and a buffet dinner with their families.
They’ll receive white racing helmets so all the drivers can autograph them. And they’ll sit in race cars for victory laps around the track, all thanks to Ziegler’s Checkered Dreams children’s charity.
Ziegler, 44, started the nonprofit organization in 2003, when she and her family lived in Pennsylvania. She wanted children with disabilities and illnesses, and their families, to enjoy a fun day at the track.
As a girl, Sue Ziegler cheered racing legend Cale Yarborough. Driver Michael Waltrip became her favorite after she met him when she was pregnant with Jackie.
Concord Speedway, Hickory Motor Speedway, East Lincoln Speedway and Carolina Speedway in Gastonia have all agreed to host a day this year for Checkered Dreams children. The kids even get interviewed by the track announcer if they choose.
Ziegler said volunteers and such sponsors as Denver Tire & Auto and Highway 16 Produce help her cover costs of the day. Highway 16 Produce donates fruit for the buffets, and families volunteer to prepare food. Ziegler takes a 25-cents-a-spin roulette wheel to raise money at various community events.
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