SPARTA, Kentucky (September 25, 2015) — For Sarah Cornett-Ching, she doesn’t have to look very far for a cheering section during Friday night’s ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards event at Kentucky Speedway.
In fact, the newly announced partnership between Cornett-Ching and the Tim Horton Children’s Foundation has blossomed into something more than just an association, it has already created bonds and friendships that will last a lifetime.
On Wednesday, Cornett-Ching and her team visited Tim Horton Camp Kentahten, about two hours southwest of Kentucky Speedway.
The Summerland, British Columbia native spent the day speaking with campers and local elementary students about her racing endeavors.
The children received a guided tour of the RACE 101 hauler, equipment demonstrations from the team and a personal meet-and-greet with Cornett-Ching and her No. 2 Tim Horton Children’s Foundation Chevrolet.
“Our experience at Camp Kentahten this week was awesome,” said Cornett-Ching. “It was the opportunity to meet a bunch of great kids and not only show them what I do, but also teach them that dreams do come true with a lot of hard work and a never-give-up attitude.
“To see their eyes light up when they toured the hauler, put the radios on their heads, and asked questions about racing was indescribable. Interacting with them was a memorable opportunity for me and my race team.”
The Tim Horton Children’s Foundation was started by restaurant co-founder Ron Joyce and is committed to providing enriching camp experiences that develop lifelong skills for children and youth from low-income families. The organization maintains seven campsites across the United States and Canada, including one in Campbellsville, Kentucky (Camp Kentahten).
“The values instilled in kids at these camps are things I had to put into practice in order to launch my racing career to where it is,” explained the driver of the No. 2 car. “I think it’s important for anyone, kids especially, to see that no matter what your background or current situation is, you can accomplish your dreams if you’re willing to work towards them and, as many campers have said, ‘just give it a try.’ I’m fortunate enough to now be in a position where I can be a role model and mentor for these children.”
Turning her attention towards Friday’s event at Kentucky Speedway, Cornett-Ching knows every time she climbs in her No. 2 Chevrolet, she’s spreading a message – a message that she is determined to deliver in more ways than one.
“The whole point of this partnership is an effort to boost the Send A Kid To Camp campaign,” she explained. “We have an in-car camera for the race, plus a freshly designed paint scheme and other efforts designed to spread the word and do our part.
“Surely, if we can have a good night at Kentucky Speedway that will help the cause immensely.”
On Tuesday, Cornett-Ching turned her first laps around the 1.5-mile layout in Kentucky, quickly getting up to speed in her No. 2 Tim Horton Children’s Foundation Chevrolet. And despite an unplanned meeting with the inside wall late in the session, the team is staying focused on Friday night’s race, where the 24-year-old hopes to earn her sixth top-10 finish of the season.
“Kentucky reminds me of Chicagoland Speedway,” offered Cornett-Ching. “We had a real good run there in June. The test was beneficial on Tuesday. I learned a lot about the track and the bumps, but unfortunately, the car broke loose with about half an hour left in the test and has a little bit of damage.
“Our backup car should be in good shape and we’ll utilize practice on Friday to get it dialed in. A strong qualifying effort would be the momentum that we need for the race.”
With only two races remaining before the end of her rookie campaign in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, Cornett-Ching currently occupies sixth in the championship standings with a 55-point cushion over her next closest challenger in seventh.
Cornett-Ching is not only searching for a career-best finish on Friday night, but also the opportunity to pad her lead over seventh in the standings. If she is able to maintain her current positioning following the finale in three weeks at Kansas Speedway, Sarah will tie former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Shawna Robinson as the highest finishing female competitor in ARCA Series points. Robinson set the record in 2001.
For a brief video recap of Sarah’s experience at Camp Kentahten, see the post on her website at www.sccracing.com.
Stay social with Sarah and her new Tim Horton Children’s Foundation partnership by following her on Twitter (@SCornettChing) and on Facebook (facebook.com/sccracing). For more information on the Tim Horton Children’s Foundation and how to make a donation, please visit www.sendakidtocamp.com.
The ARCA Racing Series Crosley Brands 150 at Kentucky Speedway, featuring an in-car camera on the No. 2 Chevrolet, will be televised live on FOX Sports 1 at 8pm ET. Live timing and scoring is also available throughout the day at ARCARacing.com.
About Tim Horton Children’s Foundation:
Founded by restaurant co-founder Ron Joyce, the Tim Horton Children’s Foundation was established in 1974 to honor Tim Horton’s love for children and his desire to help those less fortunate. Their programs are designed to change the way young people from economically disadvantaged homes think about themselves and the opportunities that exist for them. By the end of 2015, the THCF will have served more than 215,000 children since its inception in 1974.
