The seventh annual JASPER Shootout was held October 25th at Capitol Raceway in Crofton, Maryland. The event was another record breaking success thanks to the efforts of event founder and coordinator David Winward, a JASPER Factory Representative serving our customers in Northern Maryland. The JASPER Shootout raised over $7,000, with all proceeds going to the Youth Outreach Foundation (YOF), a nonprofit organization committed to helping at risk teens redirect their lives.
The JASPER Shootout has grown in popularity among Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and Pennsylvania state racers who desire the opportunity to “test and tune” all afternoon. David attributes the event success to limiting the number of entry participants, which insures that everyone can get plenty of runs in throughout the day. The day also included a gambler’s shootout and even some cash for a lucky spectator. This year’s 50/50 raffle was approximately $1400.00.
The Youth Outreach Foundation has helped teens stay out of trouble, as well as those in detention centers, since 1993. Through counseling and financial aid, YOF Director Hal Sparks estimates the organization has reached out to over 50,000 of these teens throughout the United States. A team of 14 volunteer board members and 22 counselors have traveled to about 50 detention centers providing motivation and support to the teens who wish to redirect their lives. Among the many that the YOF has helped have become college graduates, tech school graduates, recipients of needed support such as transportation to and from stable jobs as well as assistance with tattoo removal expenses.
Hal Sparks and his counselors hear a common theme from these young adults, some now with families of their own: “I wouldn’t have made it without your help.” On their behalf, we at Jasper Engines & Transmissions wish to thank David Winward, his sponsors, and all who participated in this worthwhile event.
