Brad Brickel
January 24, 2011

Forest Hill, MD. – As in years past, large crowds packed the aisles of The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center. Exhibitors, racers, fans and promoters took in everything racing at Motorsports 2012 Presented by SEF Small Engine Fuels Race Car and Trade Show.

NASCAR Sprint Cup star Matt Kenseth, four time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday, five time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion crew chief Chad Knaus, and former NASCAR star now SPEED TV personality Jimmy Spencer all took their turn at autographing and then spinning The RAACE Foundation’s “Giant Wheel” and at the same time took a few seconds to learn why it is “Time to Talk” about child abuse for all of us.

Vendors of all types from Martinsville Speedway to DMI Racing Products to Brickel’s Racing Collectibles filled more than 600 exhibit areas and no less than 250 race vehicles representing a wide variety of motorsports were on display and enjoyed by the fans, including the TeamRAACE vehicles of: Ashley & Brian Therien, Dave Shirk, Dakota Kohler, Ryan Rost, Kyle Weiss, Gary Weisgerber Jr., and Don Kanka.

Sunday was “Family Day” sponsored by MetalFab, where The RAACE Foundation’s Big Wheel races where held. Joshua Fisher led Jacob Reinfendifer and Cody West across the finish line in the 7-9 year old division of the Big Wheel racing action. Shane Rothman topped the 5-6 year old division with Bryce Smith finishing second and Gunnar Zeiner (son of late model racer Zane Zeiner) in third. Mia Hirschman, granddaughter of asphalt modified racer Tony Hirschman Sr., won the 3-4 year old division with Mackenzie Adams and Lainden Hinds finishing second and third respectively.

Sunday also saw the Checkered Flag Charity Auction presented by Hoseheads.com take the stage where race used sheet metal, collectible diecast, uniforms & helmets, and much more took to the auction block to benefit The Race Against Abuse of Children Everywhere.  Top items included – the Dale Earnhardt Sr. Autographed Die Cast 1/64th Scale Hauler@ $150, TeamRAACE Driver Dave Shirks Race Used Autographed Helmet @ $150, The McDonalds front bumper of Jamie McMurray@ $100.00, and The Kevin Harvick Autographed Helmet & die cast display raffle brought in $443.00. 

The RAACE Foundation would also like to thank Len Sammons and his AARN staff and volunteers for being fantastic hosts and for making the show such a huge success, not just for The RAACE Foundation but for everyone in motorsports. Of course, without our sponsors Korey Homes, 84 Lumber & 84 Components, Durham Carpentry Services, Green Flag Home Improvements, Rider Insurance, Zemco Speed Equipment, DMI Racing Products, Weikel Sportswear, Harford Rental, Maryland Concrete Foundations Inc., Bel Air Carpet, Schmitz Press, Horne Concrete, Jarvis Appliance, Christopher J. Salon, Leavitt Building Group, American Racing Mower Association, Party Party, Forest Hill Airport Industrial Complex, and Sub Stop, we would not be able to continue the Time to Talk Awareness Tour.

The RAACE Foundation plans for the 2013 edition of the Motorsports show will be announced shortly. Companies wishing to get involved can do so by writing to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Race teams and fans can also get involved by joining TeamRAACE at: http://www.raace.org/join-teamraace.html.

Click here for more pictures.