The Origin
Racing go-karts was an event Mr. Mansfield shared with his son and, after his devastating loss, racing was the one thing that could help clear his mind and relieve stress.
The Purpose
Mr. Mansfield created the annual ‘Kart Racing for Heroes’events in an effort to combat the stress facing returning veterans, police, fireman and first responders. The events introduce these heroes to karting as a means of reducing stress without the use of alcohol and drugs.
The Events
The Kart Racing for Heroes events are held annually (but quickly expanding) in Grand Junction and Denver , giving local communities an opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to the people who protect us everyday.
OUR MISSION:
Generate public awareness about all forms of impaired driving.
Introduce military, police, firemen and first responders (the Heroes) to kart racing as a means of reducing stress without the use of alcohol and drugs.
Provide an opportunity for the community to thank those individuals who protect and serve us everyday.
KART RACING FOR HEROES events are held several times each year at karting tracks throughout Colorado. At each event, between 5 and 10 five-member Heroes teams race go-karts in a fun-filled competition for awards and bragging rights. At no cost to them, the Heroes are provided with karts, equipment and track support, a meal, beverages and snacks as well as awards and T-shirts commemorating the event. During these events, the community can interact with the Heroes, visit an information booth on the inherent hazards of impaired driving and try 'fatal vision' goggles that simulate the effects of alcohol-induced impairment.
These events are a catalyst to raise awareness of the devastating consequences of impaired driving and provide an opportunity for local communities to say ‘thank you’ to the people who protect us and deal with the carnage that impaired driving leaves on our roadways everyday.