On the eve of the first event of the 2023 NASCAR Whelen Euro Series at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, a special Speedy Bear Brigade paid a visit to the Casa Ronald in Valencia, representing the NASCAR Foundation. Seven NWES Drivers – Advait Deodhar, Michaela Dorcikova, Gianmarco Ercoli, Liam Hezemans, Max Lanza, Alina Loibnegger, and Giorgio Maggi – met the young guests of the house to share their passion for racing with them.
The “Casa Ronald”, founded and run by the Fundacion Infantil Ronald McDonald, is located in the close proximity of Valencia’s Polyclinic Hospital. It offers hospitality to kids – and their families – needing a home while undergoing treatment.
The drivers answered questions and showed the new young fans their tools of the trade, from helmets to racing suits and gloves, putting a smile on the children’s faces. The NASCAR Foundation delivered a batch of Speedy Bears to the house and the NWES drivers were all touched by the visit.
“It was a touching experience. I was really happy to be able to bring some happiness to the kids at Casa Ronald and spend some time with them,” said EuroNASCAR PRO veteran and former Junior Trophy champion Gianmarco Ercoli. “It was my first visit to a Ronald McDonald Foundation house and I am grateful to Casa Ronald, the NASCAR Foundation and the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series for the opportunity. I am looking forward to see the kids again soon.”
“I really appreciated the opportunity to visit such an important institution and the families living there. With our presence we were able to put a smile on the children’s faces, receiving so much happiness in return,” said EuroNASCAR PRO driver and former Lady Trophy winner Alina Loibnegger. “This shows how important and valuable the small moments in life are and we should appreciate them much more! Suddenly you realize how unimportant other things become and what really matters in life by becoming aware of time and joy’s worth in our lives.”
“It was an experience that truly touched my heart. As a racing driver, I’m accustomed to the thrill of speed, the adrenaline of competition, and the persistent pursuit of excellence. But what I witnessed at the Casa Ronald was a different kind of strength – a strength that lies in resilience, courage, and unwavering hope,” said defending Junior Trophy champion Giorgio Maggi. “It was incredibly inspiring to see the children, each with their own unique story, yet all bound by a shared spirit of determination. They’re in a race of their own, not against each other, but against their circumstances. They are not just surviving; they are fighting.”
Kids and families were enthusiastic, as were the volunteers of the Fundacion Infantil Ronald McDonald.
The Casa Ronald opened its doors in May 2013, one year before the first edition of the Valencia NASCAR Fest and just celebrated its 10th anniversary in the same year NASCAR is celebrating its 75th anniversary and the 10th edition of the Valencia NASCAR Fest.
Featured image by NASCAR Whelen Euro Series
