John Force answers a question

[ssladyracer]

quote: posted by Bruce Noland "As the story goes - about ten years ago. A collection "bucket" for an injured Sportsman racer was placed near John Force's pit at Pomona. Force noticed the "bucket" and asked his staff what it was doing there - they told him the story. His response... Get rid of the collection bucket and let the Sportsman racers take care of themselves."

I don't know about "As the story goes" but I have to come to John Force's defense in this area. I know all of you have heard about the Kaylee Greer accident in the junior dragster back the end of March. John and Ashley both sent a substanial donation to her and many other gifts. They also personally called the hospital and spoke with her parents 'if' she had been able to speak at the time I am sure they would have spoken to her. There has also been follow up calls to check on her progress. Chad, her father attended the US Nationals as a spectator and John welcomed him into his pits, trailer, motorhome and introduced him to many of the pro racers. Chad was very impressed by the down to earth attitude with the Force family. I know they have helped the Greer family out and both John and Ashley want to some day personally meet Kaylee. She still loves to watch drag racing and continually watches John and Ashley compete. She was very upset over the accident John was involved in. I am not saying that "As the story goes" did not happen, but I have seen the proof of what he has done for one sportsman racer and it was well beyond just a donation. The man has a heart along with the rest of the Force family. Our thoughts and Prayers are with the Force family. God's Speed for a complete recovery.

Donna Morris

ps Mr. Noland nothing was meant against you as I am sure this was a story you were told by someone. I just had to tell what I know John Force has done to help out a racer and her family in need.

[Joe Schweigert]

I would like to hear more about Vandergriff's statement who can verify it ?

[Joe Schweigert]

I would like to hear more about Vandergriff's statement who can verify it ?

[Kenny Wigington]

If there is anymore to that bit on Vandergriff, I would really like to know that too.
I know the Sr. didnt like the trucks,and damn sure doesnt care for the ProMods. I have never heard Jr. say anything about sportsman racers though.

[Bruce Noland]

Thumprint,

You failed to answer my question. Where are the two wrongs?

Using the word retard should apply only to timing on a racing site. Many of us take offense to you calling any one a retard.

[ssladyracer]

Mr. Noland,
I am a friend of the Greer family and was told the story about the phone call and the donation through Kaylee's parents one day when I visited the hospital. Many of my family members were involved in the benefit for Kaylee. What I am saying is this was not told to me by just anyone, so it is not a rumor. John and Ashley both have continued to ask about Kaylee. On the US National program Ashley even spoke of Kaylee (I missed that part but received a phone call right after telling me about how Ashley had mentioned Kaylee's name on National TV). As I said before I don't know about the other 'story' but I do know John and Ashley have stepped up in a way for Kaylee that is well beyond just a donation. Many other Pro racers have sent different items to her.
I don't think the start of this post was 'against' John Force just a statement of how sportsman racers do not receive any recognition. I do feel the Pro racers job is to plug for their sponsors and I am sure that was the main thing that entered John's mind when asked the question. I do hate that sportsman racers seem to be in the background but everything today revolves around money and I hate to say it but as far as the National events "most" of the spectators do come to see the big boys. That is just reality. I wish there was a way for the sportsman classes to receive more attention and publicity. We use the same products and run the stickers to support the same sponsors or vendors that the Pros use and advertise. If all the sportsman racers were gone and did not purchase their products where would that put the (sponsors/vendors) business?? Again, the Pros get the air time and that is what the vendors want. I assume the money isn't there to produce and air sportsman races.

If you want to read about Kaylee's recovery go to www.caringbridge.org type in kayleegreer (no spaces) in the visit a website and you can read everything her parents have posted about her accident and recovery.

God's Speed to John Force for a full recovery and prayers for him and all his family.

Donna Morris

[Bruce Noland]

Ms./Mrs. Morris,

Thank you for your response, even though you incorrectly "read into" my question?

I will visit the site that you offered.

Mr. Noland

[Ron Ortiz]

Mrs. Morris,

That is one of the nicest, most logical, and accurate responses I have ever read.
Thank you,

Ron Ortiz
U/SA .........................