Drag Racing Association of Women

               "Fast Help for Fast Friends"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

DRAW's motto is "Fast Help For Fast Friends" and our sole mission is providing financial and emotional support to qualified individuals involved in a drag racing accident at a track.

Financial assistance paid 1985-2012 - $4,078,942
Number of families assisted 1985-2012 -  781

Financial Aid Statistics: 2012
Number of families assisted in 2012 - 28
Financial assistance paid in 2012 - $135,500

We paid out $11,500 and helped 11

families in October 2013.
 APPLICANTS FOR THE DRAW BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2014-2015
 
The following people listed in alphabetical order have applied to
fill six seats and two alternate seats on the DRAW Board of Trustees
for 2014-2015
Vicki Aswege- Phoenix, AZ
Accomplishments you would like to share (personal, community,
job, family, DRAW, etc): Retired from Qwest Communications (the
local phone company) in 2002 after over 30 years of employment.
Current or most recent employment (optional): Currently DSR
Hospitality, 3 years with MTS/EMSI, Inc helping with the Mail Terminal
Services Mail from Home program and Cactus Flower Florists
and Back to the Rack.
Job Description (optional): DSR Hospitality, preparing and serving
lunches. I helped with the MTS Mail from Home program at NHRA
national events which solicits words of encouragement written on
postcards that are shipped to our troops in the war zones and deliver
flowers in the Phoenix area and work in sales of Women’s clothing
when not at national events.
Racing Affiliation, if any: past team manager for PSM team. Several
years the President and Treasurer of the Arizona Super Comp
Assoc. Tasks include scheduling, publicity, soliciting sponsorships,
problem solving, as well as running all scheduled events at each of
the tracks.
DRAW Position (s) held: In 2007, I was an alternate on the Board,
in 2008 I was the recording secretary on the Board of Trustees and
since 2009 I have been the Treasurer.
Time Donated to DRAW or other volunteer activities: I have attended
every Board of Trustees Meeting of DRAW in 2008 to present
time and have helped in several of the fund raising projects for
DRAW. I also help organize, raise money, and walk in the City of
Hope ‘Walk for Hope’ held in Phoenix every October in hopes of finding
a cure for breast cancer.
NHRA/IHRA Events you attended in 2012 and 2013: Attended
approximately 18 of the NHRA national events every year.
Other Information you would like us to know: I have been attending
drag races for almost 35 years, as well as various other
forms of motor sports during that time. I was team manager for an
NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle Team for 3 years. When I am not at an
NHRA national event I am usually at a local race. I feel that DRAW
is a very worthy and respectable organization and I am proud to tell
people that I am associated with DRAW and I have enjoyed helping
the organization to grow.
Kevin A. Bennett- Wilmington, Ohio
Accomplishments you would like to share (personal, community,
job, family, DRAW, etc): I have been a DRAW Member since 1998,
served on the Board as a Member and as an Alternate since 2005. I
have performed in my hometown Christmas Community Variety
Show for the last 2 years!
Employment: I am an Event Specialist For Advantage Sales &
Marketing. I have been a seasonal employee for the Clinton County
Board of Elections since 2003.
Job Description (optional): I do Demonstrations & Event s for the
Kroger Company.
Racing Affiliation, if any: I am a former NHRA Super Pro Drag
Racer.
DRAW position(s) held: I have been the DRAW News Letter Coordinator
since 2005. I also help coordinate the DRAW Facebook Page.
NHRA and/or IHRA National events you attended in 2012 and
2013: In 2012 I attended 4 NHRA National Events; Joliet, Norwalk,
Indy, & St. Louis. In 2013 I attended 4 NHRA National Events; Joliet,
Norwalk, Indy & St. Louis.
Other information you would like us to know: I have been involved
in drag racing since the age of 4. I attended my first ever
NHRA national event in 1972 in Columbus, OH.
Karen Comstock- Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Accomplishments you would like to share (personal, community,
job, family, DRAW, etc.): Support DRAW – Wounded Warrior Project
& RFC. Mother of 2, Grandparent of 4 and 2 puppies! Married 42
years to Rodger Comstock
Current or most recent employment (optional): Self-employedevent
coordinator
Job Description (optional): Create and plan events, meetings, etc.
Racing Affiliation, if any: NHRA Sportsman racer (ET, SG, SC, and
ST) and Jack Beckman-DSR Nitro Funny Car-MTS sponsor
DRAW position(s) held: Board-alt
Time donated to DRAW or other volunteer activities: DRAW auctions
NHRA and/or IHRA National events you attended in 2012 and
2013: Pomona (1 and 2), Phoenix, Seattle, Sonoma, Carolina, and
Dallas, Vegas (1 and 2).
Allison Nicole Kuhn- Pataskala, OH
Accomplishments you would like to share (personal, community,
job, family, DRAW, etc): I am a two time OhioHealth Prism Award recipient
for Community Service; Election Presiding Judge; 12 year
American Red Cross Volunteer.
Current or most recent employment (optional): I have been employed
with OhioHealth for 16 years. I am the Business/Marketing
Manager for Women’s Health at Riverside Methodist Hospital in
Columbus, OH.
Racing Affiliation, if any: I am the computer operator, DRAW representative
& scheduling coordinator for National Trail Raceway a
Division 3 track in Hebron, OH. I earned my bronze SFI certified technical
inspector license in January 2011. I am also a drag racer; I race
our 1969 Camaro in the Pro & Sportsman categories.
DRAW position(s) held: Alternate Board Member 2010-2011,
elected as Board Member in 2012. I am the Media Coordinator &
Benevolent Chairman.
Time donated to DRAW or other volunteer activities: I was an alternate
Board Member for DRAW for two years then elected to the
Board in 2012. I am a volunteer for the American Red Cross, Election
Presiding Judge, Operation Feed Co-Chair, United Way Co-Chair, Mid-
Ohio Food Bank volunteer and Groveport Madison Alumni Association
committee member.
NHRA and/or IHRA National events you attended in 2012 and
2013: In 2012 I attended the DRAW auction in Englishtown, NJ,
Summit Racing Equipment Nationals in Norwalk, OH, DRAW auction
in Dallas, TX and the Division 3 banquet in Indy. In 2013 I attended
the O’Reilly Route 66 Nationals in Chicago, IL, Summit Racing Equipment
Nationals in Norwalk, OH and the Chevy Performance US Nationals
in Indianapolis, IN. I am also planning on attending the
Division 3 Banquet in Indy in December 2013.
Other information you would like us to know: I am highly interested
and dedicated to giving back to my community and the drag
racing family. I have seen over the years how DRAW has helped injured
racers and their families and I am proud to be involved in this
great organization. I am a 2005 graduate of Franklin University with
my bachelors in business administration and marketing.
Steve LeSueur- Fork Union, VA
Accomplishments you would like to share (personal, community,
job, family, DRAW, etc): 35 years of involvement in Drag Racing, having
worked for Sunoco Race Fuels, Winnebago, Impact, Monaco
Coaches.
Current or most recent employment (optional): Partner in Motorsports
RV. We specialize in motor coaches, motor homes and haulers
for the racing community.
Job Description (optional): Sell, buy and owner consign motor
coaches, motor homes, trailers, hot rods, race cars, etc. My connections
with manufacturers and wholesalers allow me to be your “personal
shopper” in these matters.
Racing Affiliation, if any: Not attached to any particular race team
at the moment
NHRA and/or IHRA National events you attended in 2012 and
2013: NHRA winternationals 2012-13, NHRA Arizona Nationals
2012-13, NHRA spring Vegas nationals 2012-13, NHRA U.S. Nationals
2012, NHRA fall Vegas Nationals 2012, NHRA California hot rod
Reunion 2012, Bakersfield March Meet 2012-2013, NHRA World Finals
2012-13
Rosalee Noble- Charleston, IL
Accomplishments you would like to share (personal, community,
job, family, DRAW, etc.): Terry and I have been married for 53 years.
We have two sons, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
In addition to working full time when the boys were growing up, we
were involved in all of their school activities, Jr. bowling, scouting,
4-H, church, camping and racing.
Current or most recent employment (optional): Retired from Eastern
Illinois University after 37 years of service.
Job Description optional): Administrative Secretary – Career Services
Racing Affiliation: Bracket Racer (Care Wagon Racing – Sportsman
Class – 1991 to Present – Coles County Dragway)
DRAW position(s) held: Member of DRAW since 1986. President
– 1993 & 1994 – Fundraising Chairman – 1995 to Present. I manage
the National Booth and oversee all the fundraising projects and chair
both the spring and fall auctions. I also coordinate getting the injured
racers on aid and the calling committee for them.
Time donated to DRAW or other volunteer activities: I am a Full
Time DRAW Volunteer – 1999 to Present. I also serve on a committee
at church.
NHRA and/or IHRA National events you attended in 2012 and
2013: All the NHRA events except the Reading, PA, races.
Other information you would like us to know: The most rewarding
part of working for DRAW is all the people we meet and when an individual
who has received aid from DRAW stops by the booth or calls
to tell us how important DRAW’s assistance was to them. It’s that
“warm fuzzy feeling” that makes all the hours worthwhile.
Pat Shaeffer- Hanover, PA
Accomplishments you would like to share (personal, community,
job, family, DRAW, etc.): DRAW Award 2002 – Outstanding Volunteer,
York County (PA) Therapy Dog Nursing Home Award, DRAW member
since ,it was formed.
Current or most recent employment (optional): Retired
Job Description (optional): Black & Decker Accountant for Company’s
401K
Racing Affiliation: Manzo Racing, Aragona Racing
DRAW position(s) held: Area 1 Coordinator since 1993, Board
member (current), Financial Committee Member (current), Coordinator
Liaison
Time donated to DRAW or other volunteer activities: DRAW-National
Booth at northeast Nationals (2), National Booth at Norwalk
& Gainesville, work booth at 6 Divisional and Regular events, work
booth at 1 open race. Happy Tails Therapy Dogs (over 30,000 miles
of travel) hrs (to many to count). Yorkshire Terrier Club of America
Rescue.
NHRA and/or IHRA National events you attended in 2012 and
2013: Gainesville, Englishtown, Norwalk, Maple Grove
Mary Turkal- Plainfield, IN 46168
Accomplishments you would like to share (personal, community,
job, family, DRAW, etc): Owner of Mary Turkal Independent
Designer@Oregami Owl
Current of most recent employment (optional): Oregami Owl
Custom Jewelry
Job Description (optional): Manage 18 women and each/direct
them on building their business. Admin and Accounting
Racing Affiliation, if any: Husband works on US Army Dragster,
He has been in racing since 1997.
DRAW position(s) held: None
Time donated to DRAW or other volunteer activities:
Fundraise for JDRF
NHRA and/or IHRA National events you attended in 2012
and 2013: 2012- Phoenix, Las Vegas, Joliet, Norwalk, Indy, St.
Louis, Las Vegas, Pomona. 2013- Phoenix, Las Vegas, Joliet,
Norwalk, Indy, N.C., Las Vegas, and Pomona.
Other information you would like us to know: I have experience
with administration, accounting, and fundraising.
Lynne VanVallis- Shelby Township, Michigan
Accomplishments you would like to share (personal, community,
job, family, DRAW, etc) : I have served on the board as
an alternate for 2 years. I have worked on the DRAW Auction
at Chicago, Dallas and New Jersey for several years.
Current or most recent employment (optional): My husband
and I own a business that I play an active role in.
Racing Affiliation, if any: I am an avid fan of racing, but
have no affiliation.
DRAW position(s) held: Alternate on the board for 2 years
Time donated to DRAW or other volunteer activities: Many
hours logged at the DRAW Auctions for many years.
NHRA and/or IHRA National events you attended in 2012 and
2013. New Jersey, Norwalk, Dallas
Other information you would like us to know: I love drag racing.
I feel very strongly about the benefits that DRAW contributes to the
sport. I will work hard to help draw contribute to the industry.
Yokie Van Vallis- Chesterfield, MI
Accomplishments you would like to share (personal, community,
job, family, DRAW, etc): Married for 49 years to Chuck Van Vallis, former
ProMod racer. Mother to three and grandmother to eight.
Current or most recent employment (optional): Kleen Way, Inc.,
an industrial service firm in Michigan.
Job Description (optional): President
DRAW position(s) held: Vice President, Recording Secretary, Press
Secretary, currently in charge of membership cards.
NHRA and/or IHRA National events you attended in 2012 and
2013: Englishtown, Norwalk, and Dallas
Other information you would like us to know: I believe in DRAW
and the good it provides to injured racers.
 
      DRAW BOARD OF TRUSTEES – 2014-2015ELECTION BALLOT
 (BALLOT MUST BE RECEIVED BY MIDNIGHT PST, DECEMBER 27, 2013)
Listed below in alphabetical order are ten (10) candidates seeking to
fill the six (6) seats on the Board of Trustees for 2014-2015 term.
VOTE FOR ONLY SIX (6) BY CHECKING THE BOX IN FRONT OF THEIR
NAMES OR E-MAILING THE SIX NAMES TO THE ADDRESS BELOW:
                                  __  Aswege, Vicki
                                  __  Bennett, Kevin
                                  __  Comstock, Karen
                                  __  Kuhn, Allison
                                  __  LeSueur, Steve
                                  __  Noble, Rosalee
                                  __  Shaeffer, Pat
                                  __  Turkal, Mary
                                  __  VanVallis, Lynne
                                  __  VanVallis, Yokie
Your Name: ________________________________________
Your DRAW Membership Number: ________________________
(Your DRAW Membership Number is located above your name on the
address label of this newsletter)
When the ballot is complete, Mail to:
DRAW 2012-2013 Trustee Election
c/o Kathi Vandermeer – 16889 Rose Briar Lane – Nampa, ID 83687
Or Fax – 208 442-5274 Or E-Mail – kathi515@cableone.net
 
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The Tracy Winters

2013 DRAW Volunteer of the Year Award

 Lisa Sterner from Div 1 is the The Tracy Winters, 2013 DRAW Volunteer of the year award winner. She has been at almost all the division one races for at least 3 years working the DRAW booth and Englishtown National Event and every Division 1 race and selling 50/50 tickets in the pits.
 
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Canuso is ‘1 Crazy Lady’ for DRAW - How about you?

Jill Canuso has announced the launch of her ‘1 Crazy Lady’ Booster T-Shirt Fundraiser. All funds raised will go directly to the Drag Racing Association of Women (DRAW.) Here is your chance to show your colors and support this wonderful organization. The Limited Edition T-Shirt will be available for purchase at www.booster.com/1crazylady until November 30, 2013. 

“When we reach our goal of 125 shirts sold, we’ll have raised about $1,000 for DRAW. This will be a notable achievement, but I’m optimistic that the generosity and support of the racing community will push us well beyond 125,” said jet car driver Canuso. The ladies fit T-shirts feature the ‘1 Crazy Lady’ logo with motto, “It’s Time to Set Your World on Fire,” and are made of 100% certified pre-shrunk organic cotton - Small to 3XL. Also, they’ll make the perfect holiday gift, as all shirts will be delivered approximately two weeks after the Nov. 30 closing date. Ms. Canuso stated that in addition to the funds generated by the Booster T-Shirts, a percentage of all ‘Crazy Lady’ merchandise purchased at CrazyLadySuperStore.com will also be donated to DRAW for the entire year.
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Dallas 2013 Highlights
 
 
This year we had three auctioneers. They were Steve Libby, Ozark Modeling Group & Grim Boss, Jeff Mohr aka Gypsy, DSR Hospitality, and Joe Costello, NHRA announcer. They did a great job of getting top dollar for the items. We raised over $57,000. The bidding got lively when a package to “Shadow a Driver for a Day” was presented for auction. The drivers were Alexis DeJoria and Jack Beckman. This is the first time we have had drivers as an auction item but hope to continue it at future auctions. The Chevy Pit Car was the highlight of the evening. Billy Meyer purchased it for $6,000 and donated it back at which time it sold for $5,000. We had great help for the evening: Vicki Aswege, Karen Comstock, Olan and Judy Gotcher, Chris and Karla Hardesty, Beth Hyatt, Sarah and William McLemore, Terry and Rosalee Noble, Lance Sisson, Sharon Smith, Yokie VanVallis, Yvette Williams and Kathy Gallo. We were delighted to have four junior dragster drivers also help with the auction. Austin and Aaron Philpot passed out auction fliers in the pits. Brooke Hackel and Bethany McLemore carried auction items around during the auction so that the bidders could have a closer look at the items. It was great to get some young people involved. They are the future of DRAW. DRAW would like to give a special thank you to Billy and Deborah Meyer and the Staff of the Texas Motorplex for hosting the auction.
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Document
 Englishtown Auction
 
For all the people who didn’t attend the auction, they missed a great show. In addition to “Fast Jack” Beckman and Steve Libby who were the primary auctioneers, they had help from Ron Capps and Antron Brown.  Antron kind of stole the show. He got into a bidding war with Zack (an adorable seven year old).  Zack won. Later in the evening, Antron got Terry McMillen into a bidding war with Zack. Antron stood Zack on a chair so he could give Terry “the look”.  Zack let Terry have the bid. Spencer Massey is now a certified DRAW Volunteer.  He took care of the Holding Pit all evening. The PROs in attendance were:  Antron Brown, Jack Beckman, Ron Capps, Spencer Massey and Terry McMillen. We put all of them to work. Terry Chandler, Johnny Gray’s sister and co-owner of his funny car, was also in attendance and she was the top bidder for the evening.  We raised a total of $20,140. An auction can’t happen without the volunteers.  A special thank you to: DSR for allowing us to use  their hospitality tent and their staff for lending a helping hand.  Announcers:  “Fast Jack” Beckman and Steve Libby, OMG  and Announcers’ Assistance:  Antron Brown and Ron Capps. The lovely ladies from Ozark Modeling Group who presented the items for auction to the audience. Mickey and Beth Prestridge for providing the PA system.  Spencer Massey for working the Holding Pit. The DRAW Board members – Vicki Aswege, Beth Hyatt, Sarah McLemore, Rosalee Noble, Yokie Van Vallis, Yvette Williams and Theresa Tilford, Area 3 West Coordinator.  Board member, Pat Shaeffer keep the DRAW Booth open all day.   
 
 
!Attention!
Volunteers Needed!
 
The Drag Racing Association of Women needs volunteers to work the DRAW Booth at every NHRA National event. If you volunteer to assist at the booth for a race weekend you will get a FREE general admission ticket for the race!
If you are interested please contact Rosalee Noble at rnoble@consolidated.net or via phone at 217-345-6537.
Its a great way to help out one of the oldest and best charity organizations in the drag racing industry plus see and feel the sounds of the track for FREE!! Laughing
 
 
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Make sure to visit the DRAW Booth at every NHRA National Event this 2013 season!
The Drag Racing Association of Women will have a booth setup at every NHRA Mello Yello Series National Event this 2013 drag racing season!
The booth is located in the Holley,K&N Filters and Lincoln Welders display on the manufacturers midway. Look for the DRAW sign under the black awning. You can buy ladder sheets for all the classes. Purchase all types of DRAW hats, pins, jewelry, shirts, etc. at the booth. You can also find all the Division shirts, pins, stickers and patches there.
Stop buy and say hello to all the volunteers and make a purchase or a donation to DRAW!
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The History Lesson by Deb Thompson
 
 
Last month I ended talking about volunteers leaving behind their contributions to DRAW as well as their friendships. One such person was recognized as “Person of the Year” in 1996, Mr. Bob Frey. If you ever attended one the auctions, you remember him, always promoting and supporting DRAW. In his thank you note to DRAW he said about us“…one of the finest groups in all of motor sports.” The 1950 Red Ford Panel Van metal bank was introduced for sale first in 1996. I think back on this item as well as other items no longer available and realize that these items are now considered drag racing memorabilia. It’s fun to think that DRAW has been around long enough and is important enough that some of our items have become collector items. I have my DRAW bank in a display case. In 1997 our new President of DRAW was Susan Epler. In reading through the newsletters, as far as I can tell, it appears this was the first year DRAW offered ladder sheets and qualifying sheets at 4 NHRA National events. Racers have
now come to depend on DRAW having those ladders sheets available at all events throughout the year. The auction at the US Nationals was a big event that year, bringing in $83,000.00 and lots of special moments shared. Several of our injured racers attended that auction to talk about their recovery and what DRAW meant to them. Susan focused on remembering to send cards to our injured racers. Sending cards to the injured racers listed in the Newsletter is still and always will be a small way that makes a big difference in an injured racer’s day. One last thought as the holidays approach, consider purchasing DRAW merchandise for those on your gift list, giving more than just one gift by helping the injured racer as well. I’m thankful for being a part of DRAW and that DRAW was created and has grown by our volunteers to help so many special people. There was a quote in Sandie Wojnowski’s Area 3 news that I thought was worth sharing again: “Volunteering is the rent I pay for the space occupy on this earth.”
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                                           E-Mail Address Correction Form
This will be the last Newsletter that will be delivered by mail to those of you that want it delivered by e-mail. It is imperative that we have your correct E-Mail address to insure that you continue getting this publication.
Please, if your e-mail on the front of this newsletter is incorrect or missing, please fill out this form if you wish to have your newsletter mailed electronically each month. Be sure to print as legibly as possible to ensure that we get your e-mail correctly entered in your membership record. This will insure a timely delivery of the newsletter via the internet. For the Members that still want mail service, it will continue as normal in February. We rarely have a newsletter in January and it is very likely that will be the case again this year. February 2013 should be the next newsletter both electronically and by Postal Service.
Members Name __________________________________________
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can be found on front page above your name
E-Mail Address
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Confirm E-Mail Address
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Mail this form to:
Olan Gotcher
102 Walnut Dr
Oak Leaf TX 75154
or e-mail the above information to Olan at:olan@jographix.com.
 

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Committee and Volunteer Opportunities for 2013
In 2013, DRAW will mark its 28th year of providing "Fast Help for Fast Friends." It takes the time and talent of many people to make our mission a reality. There are many ways you can help make 2013 DRAW's best year ever.

DRAW's lifeblood is dedicated volunteers. You can make a valuable contribution to DRAW by joining one of our committees: Website, Newsletter, Membership, Fundraising, Injured Racer Calling, and others that might arise during the year. If you are interested in volunteering or joining one of DRAW's committees, please submit an application to Rosalee Noble, 4 Hance Dr., Charleston Ill. 61920 Email: rnoble@consolidated.com