Once racing is in your blood it becomes a lifestyle that feeds your soul and propels you forward. Racing also connects people through a shared interest and a common bond. That bond has always been strong for Ian Admiraal, his family, and his friends. This Friday night Admiraal and his team will debut the Alberta Cancer Foundation sponsored car in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Alberta Has Energy "300" at Edmonton International Raceway.
The race will be significant for Admiraal for many reasons, least of which is that the event will mark his first ever career start in the popular NASCAR series. "I've been looking forward to racing in the top division of motorsports in Canada for a long time," Admiraal offered. "I've been preparing for this race for years. I'm no stranger to the series as a crew chief or car owner, but this time I'm here as a driver. It is going to be an incredible experience."
Admiraal will be racing in front of his hometown family and friends which may put some additional pressure on the 21-year old buisness entrepreneur. "This will be my first start in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series but I am very excited for the opportunity afforded to me by DJ Kennington and Admiraal Racing. Most of all I am thrilled to partner with the Alberta Cancer Foundation - racing has never meant so much to me."
The newly repaved and reconfigured quarter-mile paved oval will challenge teams and competitors for 300-laps but the challenge is so insignificant campared to those who are battling cancer.
Recently, the Admiraal team lost a valued member and big supporter in Brenda McKinlay to cancer. That loss has fueled new passion for the team to create new awareness around cancer research and support. "With the recent loss of Brenda, my heart is heavy," Admiraal confessed. "Racing is what Brenda loved what she would want the team to go out and compete. I just hope to make Brenda and her family proud and show my support to those families who are going through what we just did."
About the Alberta Cancer Foundation
The Alberta Cancer Foundation is committed to making a difference for the 43 Albertans who hear the words “you have cancer” every day. As the fundraising partner for the Cross Cancer Institute, Tom Baker Cancer Centre and 15 associate and community cancer centres across Alberta, we invest in the things that matter most to Albertans: earlier detection, better prevention strategies, improved treatment and enhanced quality of life. Donations and support for the Alberta Cancer Foundation can be made by clicking Here
