Those who have read the Declaration of Independence know the right to the pursuit of happiness is part of our nation’s founding creed. But when it comes to where to look for it, the instructions are less than clear.
By the way, how is your pursuit of happiness coming along?
Interestingly, a team at Harvard University researched this elusive pursuit and published their findings. The title of their article, “Spending Money On Others Promotes Happiness,” says it all.
But what if you’re a certified lover of all things Corvette? Is there a way to grab that top gear to even more happiness while helping others?
The good news? There is a way, and Kathy Bradley, Atlanta Chapter Director of Speedway Children’s Charities (SCC), has the inside track.
Talking With Kathy Bradley
We were excited when we caught wind of the newly reconfigured Atlanta Motor Speedway opening the doors for a track day. We knew we’d be first in line when we heard it would be held at night under the lights, AND proceeds supported a charity.
But, being inquisitive, we searched for more information about Speedway Children’s Charities. That journalistic pursuit led us to the front door of Kathy Bradley, Atlanta Chapter Director of Speedway Children’s Charities.
What follows is an edited transcript of our much-appreciated discussion with Kathy.
The Start of SCC
Rod Worley – Editor – Kathy, can you shed some light on Speedway Children’s Charity? What’s its purpose, and when did it start?
Kathy Bradley – Atlanta Chapter Director – Rod, in 1982, Bruton Smith formed Speedway Children’s Charities (SCC), a non-profit 501(c) (3). He grew passionate about helping children in need after experiencing the loss of his infant son, Cameron.
The vision of SCC is that every child has the same opportunities no matter what obstacle they face. Our areas of focus are sex-trafficked victims, orphan children, medical needs, educational needs, critical needs, and social needs.
We conduct fundraising events throughout the year to raise money for kids in need.
Funds Help Local Charities
Rod Worley – Editor – Often, when we talk about charities today, the question of fund disbursement comes up. In the case of SCC, do the funds remain local?
Kathy Bradley – Atlanta Chapter Director – Our funds are made available to metro Atlanta organizations through a grant process. The board of trustees and myself research and diligently review each application meeting our criteria and conduct interviews and onsite visits to evaluate the organization.
Funds are distributed at the end of the year. Past grant recipients include Haven House (Haven House’s children’s services seek to help children stabilize, thrive in school, discover developmental delays, and help children learn to live without the fear of violence).
We’ve also supported Operation Lunchbox (which provides groceries to local students in the school systems), Camp Sunshine (supportive programs and summer camp for children with cancer), and In Ryan’s Name (which provides drug education and awareness in our community), to name a few.
Experiencing Atlanta Motor Speedway
Rod Worley – Editor – We experienced the Laps for Charity event firsthand, which was amazing! For those who have yet to have this thrilling experience, what can they expect?
Kathy Bradley – Atlanta Chapter Director – Laps for Charity gives fans the opportunity to drive their own vehicle around the newly-repaved Atlanta Motor Speedway track! For a $60 donation per car, participants will take three continuous laps around the new Atlanta Motor Speedway track behind an AMS pace car.
Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion for driving their vehicle on the track. For more information, you can reach out to us at Speedway Children’s Charities, Atlanta Chapter.
Speedway Children’s Charity
The Atlanta chapter of Speedway Children’s Charity (SCC) is one of seven chapters across the country. They’re based at prominent racetracks nationwide, such as Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, and Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
They also have an SCC chapter at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Sonoma Motor Speedway, and Texas Motor Speedway. Because of their hard work, in 2020 alone, they distributed more than $2 million in grants to 260 charitable organizations.
SCC has impacted the lives of millions of children across America.
Since its inception in 1982, they’ve distributed more than $61 million in funds to needy children’s charities. The late O.Bruton Smith, chairman of Speedway Motorsports Incorporated and Sonic Automotive Incorporated, best summed up SCC’s objective.
“Our sole concern at SCC is to help a child in need,” says Smith.
If you have questions regarding the grant application process, please contact Kathy Bradley at [email protected].
Happiness On 28-Degrees Of Banking
Professional photographers refer to the last hour before sunset and the first hour after sunrise as the coveted “golden hour.” While it might be the perfect light to capture stunning photos, it’s also the best time to drive at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
The setting sun’s soft glow and the overhead track illumination provided a jaw-dropping visual treat not soon forgotten. Also not soon forgotten will be the 28 degrees of banking and the super smooth tabletop-like surface.
We couldn’t help but compare this experience to other prominent tracks we’ve been on, such as Talladega’s 33-degree corners, Daytona’s 31-degree banking, and now Atlanta’s 28-degree rise.
While they are all memorable in their own way, the new Atlanta configuration just hits differently. While the front stretch is more expansive at 61 feet, 6 inches (from 55 feet), the backstretch saw a reduction from 55 feet to 42 feet, and the turns are even more narrow at 40 feet.
We can only imagine what it would be like to wrestle with this beast of a track at NASCAR race speeds. We can say that when the sun goes down, you feel like you’re going much faster than the number the heads-up display is showing on your windshield.
And, of course, that always brings a big smile.
Happiness Found
Hundreds of people found their way around the 1.54-mile AMS track that night. Some drove pickup trucks, some vans, and others Corvettes, but all left with a deep appreciation for the work put into the new configuration.
The finished results speak for themselves.
The fact that we got a chance to experience NASCAR’s newest track for one beautiful night in July was not lost on anyone. Plus, knowing the proceeds went to local needy children made the experience even more significant for all who made the journey to Hampton, Ga.
Because in the end, we were all pursuing happiness at Atlanta Motor Speedway with Speedway Children’s Charities.
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