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RACING AND D.R.A.W.
-- A FAMILY AFFAIR!
By Tracy Winters
11/10/05
 
ne of the greatest aspects of drag racing is the role family’s
play in the sport. The sport of drag racing involves the entire
family is some respect. I know the impact family’s have
on the ability for racers to compete in the sport of drag
racing. Unfortunately, the organization D.R.A.W. also sees
the impact an injury sustained during the sport of drag racing
has on the family. The current D.R.A.W. president Beth Hyatt
always understood the role that family’s played in the
sport of drag racing. It was not until she became involved
with D.R.A.W. that she understood how D.R.A.W. helped the
family’s pick up the pieces when a loved one is injured
during the sport.
It was in 1985 that Beth first became involved with D.R.A.W.,
after Shirley Muldowney was injured. D.R.A.W. accepted donations
on behalf of Shirley Muldowney. Later on Beth became more
involved through her constant representation at the races
for Hyatt Racing. In 2002 the D.R.A.W. Board of Trustees asked
Beth to become the President of D.R.A.W. At that time the
role of president was to originally contact the injured racers.
It was than that she made her first call to the family of
an injured racer. Beth explained: I took a deep breath made
the call cried with the wife and it was ok. I later reflected
back that making the call was a good feeling, knowing how
much I had just helped another human being in this world.”
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Since
2002, Beth has brought her business background and organizational
skills from Hyatt Racing to bring the organization to a higher
level. The Board of Trustees can see the fruits of her labor.
A new level of credibility and regulations suggested by the
Better Business Bureau for charitable contributions will be
in place for the 2006 year. It is achievements such as this
that help D.R.A.W. grow and reach out the drag racing community
in their time of need.
Speaking of growth, since the inception of D.R.A.W. over
2.5 Million dollars has been raised, and approximately 50
to 60 families are assisted each year. To date D.R.A.W. is
considered the “Best Kept Secret in Drag Racing.”
The continued success of D.R.A.W. is highly dependent on volunteers
like Beth Hyatt! The next time you are at an NHRA national
event stop by the Hyatt Racing trailer and say Hello to Beth!
Whether you are racing or at home this Thanksgiving have a
wonderful holiday. Be Thankful for your family and make sure
you tell them how much they really mean to you! 
Click
here to visit the DRAW website: www.drawfasthelp.org
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