Autism Awareness with Miller Motorsports and Bowman Gray Stadium

June 29, 2012 - PRLog -- While I have lived in the Triad area all my life, it was not until a few years ago that I attended my first race at the historic and legendary Bowman Gray Stadium, a.k.a “The MADHOUSE”, or as most of us who are in the pits every week call it, “the stadium”. Shortly after I started going, I met through an online racing forum site (itsallamile.com) a former softball teammate of mine, Stacey Miller. Stacey and I would go online and comment weekly after the races like so many people like to do these days, but neither of us were involved in anyway, until a few years ago when I got involved, and that is a story for a different time. Stacey, who has always been one of the most competitive guys I know, always had the itch to try racing at the ‘stadium’ out. At the beginning of 2012, the opportunity arose that allowed both he and his fiancé Joey Tuttle to become co-owners of a limited late model race car. That being said, 2012 is Stacey’s Rookie Year at Bowman Gray Stadium in the Webb Heating & A/C Sportsman Division and racing in general!

Stacey’s original plan was to stay out of everyone’s way and get a feel for racing, which at the ‘stadium’ is quite a learning experience with its completely flat layout. He wanted to gain respect from the other competitors, try to not make any enemies, and while doing all of that, work on picking up some much needed sponsors.  After a few weeks, and with his car still very much intact, beautifully decorated with pink numbers to signify his mom’s battle with cancer, he was unable to obtain any additional sponsors. Stacey and car co-owner Joey Tuttle, kept feeling led to do more to support a worthy cause, get kids involved in racing, and show everyone of all ages that you are never too old to dream.

Stacey and his team have direct knowledge of a family affected by a form of Autism called Aspergers Disease or Syndrome (AS or ADS).  ADS is an autism disorder that affects language and behavioral development in children. Knowing this and wanting to do more for the kids at the stadium, Stacey and Joey began thinking of a way to bring more awareness to this specific cause. Upon searching around for someone that would give them a deal on a bulk shipment of Autism Awareness decals, they stumbled across Paul Prestera.  Upon explaining their situation, and what it is they were wanting the stickers for, Paul, owner of Artzprinters & Signs (www.artzprinters.com) stepped up and volunteered to donate the Autism puzzle piece stickers that everyone has come to associate with the disease.  ArtZprinters was established in 2006 as a manufacturer of Ultra-Removable decals. Gail Prestera of Pompano Beach, Florida started the company out of her home, manufacturing Ultra-Removable decals for schools and local businesses. ArtZprinters has grown by acquiring two additional companies in the last 18 months; it now has the capability to manufacture a complete range of printed products, from street signage to Tee Shirts. Gail had become involved with Autism Awareness because of a close friend that had a son with Autism. Wanting to help raise awareness for Autism, Gail began donating her time and products, and since 2007 she had given extensively to numerous groups, from charity golf tournaments to Autism charities requesting decals. Her husband, Paul, stated, "Unfortunately Gail passed away suddenly last year from an auto-immune disease, but as her husband I am continuing her effort to raise awareness to Autism in her memory. We are very proud to be able to help Stacey Miller, and Miller Motorsports with Swag Style Racing, raise awareness to Autism that affects so many families."

So beginning this Saturday, June 30, 2012, at Legendary Bowman Gray Stadium, anyone wanting to help raise awareness for Autism, in all its forms, is encouraged to come by before 5pm or after the races to the #22 Miller Motorsports/Swag Style Racing pits. Help become part of something special by helping raise awareness for all forms of this disease.  Stacey said “We want to offer anyone who has had or has a child, especially the children themselves, or a loved one with any form of autism to come by the trailer before or after the races to sign a small puzzle piece of their own and place it on the car”. Stacey continues by saying “I have dreamed of racing for over 25 years and my dream came true this year. Now we want to get the message out that anything is possible, as long as you keep dreaming, no matter what your circumstance or age”.

To reach Miller Motorsports/Swag Style Racing – contact Joey Tuttle at (336) 442-5733
Facebook Page – www.facebook.com/swagstyleracing
(Photo provided by Avesta Everhart)