Support John Wilson Through the 2024 AREA Drive for Dreams Charity Race
December 13th, 2024 —
For the fourth consecutive year, AREA iRacing is hosting its annual charity dirt race, an event that brings the racing community together to make a difference. Each year, we rally to support causes that matter, and thanks to the generosity of our community, we’ve raised significant funds:
2021: $1,100 for the American Red Cross for Kentucky Tornado Relief
2022: $1,304 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
2023: $1,552 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation
This year, the cause is much closer to home. Our 2024 charity race is dedicated to helping John Wilson, a cornerstone of Hendry County Motorsports Park in Clewiston, FL.
Why John Wilson?
AREA iRacing has built a strong partnership with Hendry County Motorsports Park over the years, and as league owner, I, Jacob Bell, have a personal connection to the track—it’s my home track, where I began racing at 18 in 2018.
John Wilson is more than just the track prep specialist at Hendry County; he’s the heart and soul of the community. His meticulous work has transformed the track into one of the best in Florida, creating a rare second groove for dirt racing—a feat admired by racers across the state. Beyond his technical expertise, John is a helping hand in the pit area and a key member of the track safety crew.
John’s sons, Trent and Rhett, carry on the family’s racing legacy with Wilson Race Cars, building some of Florida’s most competitive street stocks, factory stocks, and late models. Together, the Wilson family has become an integral part of the Florida racing community.
On December 7th, 2024, John was involved in a serious incident at the track. Despite being injured, John’s dedication kept him at the track through a night of memorial races, including the Cheryl Wilson Memorial, which is deeply significant to his family. He sought medical attention the next day, and while the details of the incident remain private, John faces a long road to recovery.
How You Can Help
To support John and his family during this challenging time, AREA iRacing is proud to host the 2024 AREA Drive for Dreams Charity Race on Wednesday, January 8th, 2025, featuring Dirt Street Stocks at Volusia Speedway on iRacing.
Format: Heat races, LCQ, and a 50-lap feature event.
Entry: Open to all iRacing participants with a minimum $5 donation to this fundraiser.
Broadcast: The race will be streamed on YouTube by IDK Player, one of iRacing’s premier broadcasters with over 35,000 subscribers. It will also be restreamed on the AREA iRacing Twitch channel.
This is a chance for the iRacing community to come together, enjoy a night of competitive racing, and make a meaningful impact for John Wilson and his family. Every dollar raised will go directly toward alleviating John’s medical expenses and providing relief during the holiday season.
Join Us
Let’s make the 2024 AREA Drive for Dreams our most successful charity race yet. Whether you’re a racer, a fan, or someone who believes in the power of community, your support means the world to us and to John. Together, we can give back to someone who has given so much to the racing world.
Donate today and join us on January 8th, 2025 at 8:00pm ET. to race for a cause.
Donation Link: https://gofund.me/e4718724
Broadcast Link: https://www.youtube.com/@idkplayer