The 4th Annual NESBA Midwest Chili Cookoff to benefit the Road Racing World Action Fund took place on September 4th at Blackhawk farms. A new record was set for the event with an amazing $10,397.00 being raised for Air Fence at Blackhawk Farms.
After a fantastic day on the track the Midwest NESBA members present at the event gathered in Blackhawk’s pavilion for the Chili cookoff, raffle and auction. The 24 chili cooks certainly did not disappoint the 144 people there to taste test the best chili this side of the Mississippi. Jan Boogaard took home 1st place with chili connoisseurs giving his offering the nod. Heather Levita, wife of NESBA Control Rider Eric “Smiley” Levita took home the 2nd place trophy and rounding out the competitive field, Jeff Taylor managed to secure the final spot on the chili podium.
In the following hour those in attendance dug deep into their pockets to buy raffle tickets in support of the Air Fence Fund at Blackhawk Farms. Generous donations from Yoshimura Suzuki, Woodcraft, Yoyodyne, Vesrah, Cox Radiator guards, Arai, Trackdaystore.com, NESBA , Mike Shinville, John Laconte meant there were many items up for grabs with some very nice high dollar items finding a new home.
In between the ticket numbers being called a few items were auctioned off as well. Ayden Lee Racing donated a TR1 leather racing suit valued at $799.00 to the cause with Jim Foreman coming out on top as the high bidder. Trackdaystore.com and XT racing donated a GPX pro GPS laptimer valued at $679.00 which also proved to be a hot auction item. The final item of the night, a Snap On rolling toolbox donated by Snap On of Crystal Lake Illinois and valued at $1500 was rolled out and the bidding started out high and climbed rapidly over the next few minutes. A final standoff left Turn One Racing’s Joe Denowh taking home the toolbox with his high bid.
NESBA’s Midwest Director Fred Duncan commented about the chili cookoff “I had a feeling this would be a good year for the Chili Cookoff, but I was blown away when I saw we had broken our previous fundraising record by $2000!!! I’m just overwhelmed how this small group of people comes together each year and raises this much money for air fence. I’m proud to be associated with this group and appreciate the efforts of everyone who helped put this together.
More about NESBA:
The Northeast Sportbike Association (NESBA) is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization, formed in 1996 by sportbike enthusiasts and former racers who understand and appreciate the difference between riding fast and riding well.
Our purpose is to get sportbikers on the track where they can ride to their fullest potential without the limitations, distractions, and hazards of the street. We operate on the premise, “Ride Fast, Ride Safe”. We believe riders can and should do both “¦ in a structured environment. For more information on NESBA or NESBA track days, visit www.nesba.com
More about the Roadracing World Action Fund:
The Roadracing World Action Fund advocates and promotes the use of soft barriers to prevent racetrack injuries, and provides education on the value of adequate pre-race practice, rider training, and proper racetrack preparation. The Roadracing World Action Fund also addresses other health and safety education issues concerning motorcycle racing, such as tobacco advertising, the use of certified helmets and leathers, and setting rider safety as the top priority on race day.
Contributions to the Road Racing World Action Fund can be made here: ~https://secure.echoalley.com/actionfund/~