From an e-mail to Roadracing World Air Fence Fund founder John Ulrich:

We’ve never met, but I wanted to write you this e-mail to thank you once again.

From all accounts (and they still keep coming in), the crash I had at Road Atlanta this past weekend would have been devastating if it weren’t for the Air Fence. I don’t remember the details of the impact other than I was running in third place and we were flying when the crash occurred.

Instead, I walked away (moments later) with a bike that appears (key word here) fixable. In fact, I actually made the restart on a different bike, although my intentions, at that point, were geared more toward rounding Turn 3 successfully and not ending the season on a crash.

I can’t help to imagine if the Air Fence weren’t there and what would have happened the few times I raced there prior when the Fence wasn’t there. My only concern now is what happens the next time I visit Road Atlanta, run through that corner, and realize there is no Air Fence. That is something that I’ll need to work on until we can get more people to understand the importance of this Fence.

After the crash (torn and dazed), I walked up to personally ask Chris (Ulrich) (whom I’ve never met) to thank you for me and tell him what a great person you have been to this sport. Unfortunately, Chris wasn’t there. He’s fortunate to have someone like youself so involved.

I’m embarassed that my procrastination in donating had to wait until I needed it, but just the same, it has been made and I will probably donate more as my funding allows. I made it a point to explain to everyone in the pits, after the crash, the importance of the Air Fence and that everyone should donate. My exact words were, “I wouldn’t be standing here if it weren’t for the Air Fence.”.

Again, I just wanted to thank you. Please understand that my thankfulness includes that of everyone around me.

I hope your efforts to Take Back the AMA work. I live in a different region (Pittsburgh, PA), but if there’s anything I could ever do to help you help others, please do not hesitate to ask.

Thanks again,
Keith S. Reed
Empty Pockets Racing (#34)