The following is from Sonoma Raceway…
The motorcycle community came together earlier this week (Monday, November 18) at Sonoma Raceway for injured rider David Stanton, and the results were impressive.
The Monday event, hosted by 3J’s Motorcycle Track Days, generated more than $75,000 for Stanton, a Bay Area resident and long-time American Federation of Motorcyclists (AFM) competitor, who was paralyzed after a racing crash in June.
In all, more than 400 people participated in the track day, attended the evening reception or stopped by to give Stanton their best wishes. Some of motorcycle racing’s top stars were also on hand to show their support, including AMA Pro Racing riders Josh Hayes, Melissa Paris, Jake Zemke, Joey Pascarella, Steve Rapp and more.
“I am just absolutely blown away,” said Stanton, who was able to visit the track with his family during the event. “To see this many people here and to experience their support and generosity is just mind blowing. There is no way to say ‘thank you’ enough.”
The day’s activities also included two-up rides with Jason Pridmore and Shawn Reilly and a track walk with national racers discussing their favorite sections of the course, plus a 100-item raffle and silent auction. Napa’s Donald Haagstag was selected as the raffle winner for a brand-new Yamaha WR250.
“Dave has been active in the motorcycle and racing community for a long time,” said Jere Starks, co-founder of 3Js and vice president of facilities at Sonoma Raceway. “It was incredible to see how everyone rallied to truly make a difference for him and his family.”
3J’s Motorcycle Days is run by Starks, Jenah Smith, Sonoma Raceway operations logistics manager, and longtime rider and Santa Rosa resident Jim Randolph. Together, the group hosts one or more motorcycle track day benefits each year, which have raised more than $275,000 for worthy causes since 2003.
If you could not attend the fund-raiser but would like to make a donation to Stanton, you can donate online at www.stanton53support.com/blog/donate/ or a make a check payable to Dave Stanton and mail c/o Jenah Smith at Sonoma Raceway (Highways 37 and 121, Sonoma, CA. 95476). For more information on future 3J’s Motorcycle Track Days, please visit www.3jsmotorcycledays.com.
