'Local race team partners with Advocates'

Don Hill, founder of Po' Boy Racing, along with team members Matt Blevins, Thomas Oddone and Bill Gould, wanted to do something for a non-profit group in the community, yet be able to do it while participating in their favorite hobby, racing.

When Po' Boy Racing introduced its fund-raising ideas to Advocates to End Domestic Violence, the Advocates were a little surprised, but welcomed the ideas.

"No men have ever come to us for a fund-raiser and these guys are coming up with some good ideas," said Carrie of Advocates to End Domestic Violence. (Last names are not used for safety purposes.)

The Po' Boy's race team consists of two Ford Torinos -- the first driven by Hill, the second by Oddone, Gould and Blevins. For every lap completed by the second car in a main event, the team will donate $1. If the main event is 30 laps long, the Advocates get $30. All races and fund-raisers will be held at Champion Speedway.

Where the real money comes in is Po' Boy Racing is asking its sponsors to donate per lap as well as other drivers and the race fans in the stands.

"This money is coming out of our own pockets," said Hill. "Which is OK.

"What makes this a challenge for us is the No. 2 car is an old, tired beater that has sat on blocks in my yard in true redneck fashion for the last two years," said Hill with a laugh.

"We don't know how many laps it will complete in a main event -- if any at all.

"But I have to thank the sponsors I have now; Bully's, Jim's Plumbing, Merillat Cabinets, Eagle Valley Electric, Excal Construction, Triple Check, Don Keith Construction, Killer B'z Graffx, Carson Valley Wholesale Flooring and MCi. Without them, we wouldn't be able to do this."

Carrie is excited at the possibilities this program will bring.

"This is our year of racing," said Carrie. "This is a whole new market we haven't tapped into yet."

Advocates and Po' Boy Racing agree Champion Speedway is a prime market because it promotes a family atmosphere. Children watch racing in awe of the fast competition, the possibility of wrecks and the excitement of meeting the drivers after the night's activities. It's an event many families plan their weekends around.

"I think it's great they came to us," said Carrie. "We're fortunate they picked us to help out.

"And Matt did all the work. He came to us with a package, very well represented, and had the agreement from racetrack management to do this. He did all the leg work, all we have to do is provide the kids. I know they'll have a great time."

Residents of the Advocates' shelter will be treated to a night of racing at various times during the race season. Representatives of Advocates to End Domestic Violence will be on hand throughout the season, making available information on their programs.

Advocates to End Domestic Violence is a voluntary, nonprofit agency founded in 1979 in Carson City by concerned citizens. Programs available include Crisis Hotline; Rape Crisis Intervention; Domestic Violence Response Team; Teen Dating Violence; Shelter; Transitional Housing; Counseling; Support Groups; Life Skills; Bilingual Services and Parenting Skills.

"At one time or another in our lives, everybody is affected by domestic violence, either physically or mentally," said Hill.

"That's why we chose them. We wanted to help."