San Luis Obispo, CA – The Canidae Racing Trophy Truck Team has added Jase White of Phoenix, AZ, to its team roster for the last race of the 2012 BITD season, the Henderson 250, to help raise awareness and honor those fighting the disease.
While symptoms of ALS are often mild early on, they generally do not develop until age 55 on average. Jase was only 28 years old when he was diagnosed in the fall of 2011. “It was a pretty devastating blow,” White said of his diagnosis. “People are born with different diseases every day. I gave it all to God and that’s when I started living a better life. I know that with everyone’s support and the research that doctors and organizations are doing, I’m pretty sure they will come up with a cure so I try and stay positive. The love and support of my wife Tina and our two beautiful children Savannah and Chase keep me going every day.”
ALS is a progressive and fatal motor neuron disease that weakens muscles and the respiratory system. ALS is one of the many diseases supported by the Muscular Dystrophy Association, providing support for families and funds for research. What White really wants people to know is that ALS is not just an “older person’s” disease. “Many people think it just affects an older generation of people,” according to White. “It affects the younger generation too. Working together with the ALS Association of Arizona it’s important we continue to raise awareness of how it affects families and younger families,” added White
Jase grew up around off road with his grandfather building dune buggies and sand rails and his father and sister both competing in off road motorcycle racing. Recently, after watching a documentary about off road, he realized he would love the opportunity to get a ride in a trophy truck, one of the “baddest machines” on earth.
“I started calling around to see if I might be able to work something out,” said White. “When I called Canidae Natural Pet Foods they put me in touch with Team Manager and co-driver Scott Gailey and after we talked a bit things just took off from there. I was totally surprised by their generous offer to not only get me into the truck for a ride but to bring me out and be a part of the team for the entire BITD race weekend – totally unexpected and just amazing,” added White.
After talking to Jase, Gailey approached Canidae Pet Foods founder and race team owner and driver Scott Whipple and together the plan was put into action to not only get Jase a ride, but to fly him out for a complete weekend adventure as a guest of the team. “We’re happy we are in a position to be able to help Jase fulfill one of his wishes and we’re really looking forward to having him with us over the full event, said Gailey. I’m sure it is going to be great fun and a memorable weekend for all.”
The weekend for Jase will begin with him flying into Southern California where he will be met by the team and then caravan out with everyone to the race site in Henderson. Jase will room with the team and participate in all the weekend’s activities with them before flying home on Sunday night.
The BITD Henderson 250 is the last race of the 2012 season and promises to be an exciting and competitive weekend for spectators and racers with several championships still up for grabs. Before drivers take the green flag on Saturday morning, the city of Henderson will help create a great atmosphere for fans by closing the downtown city streets to regular traffic on Friday allowing race vehicles, contingency sponsors and street vendors to take center stage for all to enjoy. Race fans and their families are invited to stop by the Canidae Pet Foods demo area, where free samples and coupons for the complete line of Canidae Pet Foods products including Canidae for dogs, Felidae for cats, and gourmet treats for pets will be available. All the members of Team Canidae are dedicated pet lovers who enjoy sharing the Canidae message of Responsible Pet Ownership through proper nutrition and care with race fans across the country.
LIVE BLOGGING ANNOUNCEMENT: Race fans can follow the Canidae team’s progress before and during the Henderson “250” race by visiting the team’s Facebook page at http://on.fb.me/tdHKWZ or http://www.canidaeracing.com. Both will feature continual reports and photos direct from the team.
Canidae Racing would like to recognize all of their sponsors for their generous support including: Canidae Natural Pet Food Co., Lucas Oil, Tap It Brewing, Magnaflow Exhaust, Rigid Industries, Torco Race Fuels, JE Pistons, Fox Race Shox, Geiser Bros. Design & Development, K&N Air Filters, Racepak, CalTex Freight, McKenzie’s Performance Products, Specialty Fasteners, XRP Hoses and Fittings, Norco Tires, GET Performance and RSP Shock Prep