Racing 2 Save Lives, an organization that brings together motorcyclists to help raise funds for children’s charities, wrapped up its second event of 2008 at VIRginia International Raceway in Alton, Va., on August 11-14 by donating net proceeds of $16,000 to charity. Riders from no less than 14 states took part in the four-day event, during which, in exchange for a minimum donation, they were able to ride their bikes on VIR’s South Course, without the pressure of competition. The $16,000 raised by these generous riders was donated to charities including the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and Western Virginia, The Children’s Fund For Glycogen Storage Disease Research, The American Red Cross Halifax-Charlotte County Chapter and the Ethan Gillim Benefit Fund. “Over the past five years, we’ve donated nearly a quarter-million dollars to children’s charities,” said R2SL President Sharon Foxworthy. “When we started R2SL in 2004, we had no idea we would achieve this level of success. We’re extremely grateful to every participant, volunteer and sponsor who helped us reach this milestone.” R2SL at VIR was enhanced by the participation of several professional riders, including Yamaha’s Jason DiSalvo and Jessica Zalusky, along with up-and-coming racers PJ Jacobsen, Emerson Connor and Jake Quick. DiSalvo generously donated his time to offer one-on-one coaching sessions with two lucky participants who bid on the opportunity to ride with DiSalvo at racing2savelives.org. “This was a great experience for all the different people from different avenues,” said participant Oscar Solis. “For my first time on this track it was awesome ? a great event for a great cause.” Trackside tire vendor Quentin Mize, whose Mize Mobile operation provided tire support at VIR, was another first-time attendee. “I am already starting to tell my racers and customers about next year’s event,” he said. “It’s a rare opportunity to have so much fun and support something good at the same time.” R2SL Vice President Ralph Forsythe commended participants for their role in ensuring a safe, fun event. “We promote a culture of safety and smart riding, and it shows in our safety record,” Forsythe said. “We’d like to thank our volunteer rider coaches from Cornerspeed and Team Pro-Motion, who helped riders of all levels experience the thrill of track riding.” R2SL gratefully acknowledges the contributions of its sponsors, including Vitamin Water, Corporate Express, Pirelli, Leo Vince, Cornerspeed Schools and Team Pro-Motion; along with a special thank-you to VIR’s staff and managment for their support. R2SL organizers are currently planning events for 2009. For more information on participating or volunteering, visit R2SL’s web site at www.racing2savelives.org or call 303-767-RACE. Racing 2 Save Lives is a 501(c)3 charity that operates unique track-day events for motorcyclists, with proceeds donated to deserving children’s charities in the communities where R2SL takes place. Since its founding in 2004, R2SL has donated $246,000 to charity.