Showers and chilly temperatures reeked havoc on the this year’s Williams Grove National Open, but it wasn’t a total loss.
Despite Saturday’s $50,000 finale getting washed out and moved to Sunday, the R&R Enterprises National Open Benefit pressed on under dreary conditions and reached a record high for the extravaganza.
A solid fan turnout braved the conditions for the Barbeque lunch and auction. When the numbers were finally tabulated, the benefit raised a record-breaking $47,000, which will be divided between six charities.
The total broke the previous mark of $34,000, which was set last year. Since 2012, the National Open Benefit has raised $129,000.
“It’s absolutely amazing what we have been able to do over the last few years with raising money for these charities across the country,” said Kolten Gouse, organizer of the National Open Benefit.
“This year’s success is truly a testament to all the fans, volunteer workers, race teams and sponsors that have supported this event.”
The World of Outlaws Benevolent Fund, York County Racing Club and Steve King Foundation will receive $12,000 each. The Kevin Swindell Recovery Fund will garner $5,000 of the money raised, with the Kevin Gobrecht Memorial Fund and Eastern Museum of Motor Racing getting checks for $3,000 each.
“We had the worst forecast possible during the National Open weekend and to be able to set a record … I’m at a loss for words,” Gouse said. “Thank you to everyone who supported this year’s event and made it great.”
Sprint Car legend Brad Doty was in attendance at this year’s event. Other highlights were raffles on the Brian Brown helmet raffle and 2016 Polaris Four Wheeler. Winning tickets for both raffles will be drawn Nov. 9.
2015 R&R National Open Sponsors:
R&R Enterprises, FK Rod ends, Ohio Logistics, Mohawk Northeast, Weedsport Speedway, All Pro Heads, Engler Machine, Freedom Powersports, Maxwell Industries, Factory Kahne, KSE Steering, Dan Olsen Products, RK Designs, DKW Transport, CJB Motorsports, Shell Shock , Bell Helmets, Durst, Capital Renegade, Maxim Chassis, Dyers Top Rods, Fragola, CMC Coating, DB3 Imaging, Akers Fleet, Lobar Construction, Wings Unlimited, Rider Engines, Drop Of Ink, Blazers Body Shop, highlands powersports, Beer Hill Gang, MagTech, Abc West Bowling, Ham Signs, Indy Race Parts, Hoosier Tire, HRP Wings, Saldana Products, Rockewell Security, Weld Racing, Moose LZ Bar, Wounders Canopy, Zemco Headers, Wilwood, Pig Tails BBQ, Speedway Motors, Pomco Marketing, Roth Motorsports, Moose Blocks, J&K Salvage, Sage Fruit, Middelsworth Chips, Driver Websites, Waterman, Premier AutoWorks, All Star Performance, Stepping Stone Genetics, Rob Peters Motorsports, Doug Smith, Winters Performance, Panchos, GW Signs, Rucker Computers, Bruners Service center, Baker Carburation, Kelly Fuels, Fastener Specialties, Hanks Performance, MOTI, Adam Wright Designs, Wayback burgers, Wes Irwin Entertainment, Gary Johnson/Keebler.