4/6/2025
The Dirt Track at Genesee
Racer's For Life Car Show to Celebrate 11 Years of Community and Charity
The Racer's For Life Car Show, organized by Gail DeWitt, is set to celebrate its 11th year at BW's restaurant & banquet facility on Perry Road in Pavilion, NY. The event, which will take place from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, promises to be a fun-filled afternoon of cars, food, and community spirit.
Gail, who has been organizing the event since 2014, says that the show has grown significantly over the years, with over 40 cars expected to attend this year. The event features a variety of vehicles, including dirt cars, dirt bikes, pulling tractors, and even a pulling semi-truck. This year's show will also include some asphalt cars, adding to the diversity of the event.
Gail has supported a range of charities, including MS research, diabetes research, Ronald McDonald House, and Golisano Children's Hospital. In recent years, she has focused on charities closer to home, often choosing organizations that have a personal connection to her or her family. Last year, the event benefited Crossroads House in memory of Dale Rissinger's mother, Sharon Rissinger.
Another notable example is the year her sister-in-law was diagnosed with cancer. Gail made the event all about her sister-in-law that year, using the car show as a way to raise money and support for cancer research.
This year, Gail has chosen the Willie Bee Foundation in Spencerport, NY. Gail's decision to support the Willie Bee Foundation was inspired by a young girl she used to watch grow up. The girl, now a teenager, has muscular dystrophy and is involved in various charity work herself. When Gail reached out to her, she learned that the Willie Bee Foundation was one of her favorites.
The first show, held in 2014, featured only 8 cars. By the second year, the number had increased to 15-20 cars. Now, the event boasts over 40 participating vehicles, drawing a substantial crowd from the community.
Gail expressed her amazement at the community's support for the show, which has been a key factor in its growth and success.
As Gail prepares to step down as the organizer, she reflected on what she will miss most about the event. For her, it is the process of bringing everything together that has been the most rewarding aspect.
Gail's preparation for the show begins in January, when she starts reaching out to friends and potential participants. She also receives offers of help from people willing to donate or assist in other ways.
This process of building the event from the ground up has been a labor of love for Gail, and she will undoubtedly miss the sense of accomplishment that comes with it.
The event will also feature an award ceremony at 2:00 pm, hosted by The Dirt Track at Genesee, to honor the top 5 competitors from each class in 2024. This ceremony will recognize the achievements of these competitors and add to the excitement of the event.
Gail DeWitt, has announced that this will be the final year of the event. When asked what led to this decision, Gail explained that her husband Byron DeWitt's retirement from racing was the primary reason.
Last year, Gail initially stated that it would be her last year organizing the event due to Byron's retirement. However, like Byron she also decided to hold an encore event this year.
When asked how she hopes the Racer's For Life car show will be remembered, Gail expressed her desire for it to be seen as a fun family event. She envisioned the show as a way for people to come together, socialize, and enjoy themselves.
Gail also hoped that the event would provide a welcome break from the long winter, giving people an opportunity to get out and see new cars for the upcoming year. Ultimately, she wanted the Racer's For Life car show to be remembered as a chance for people to reconnect and have a good time.
There is several ways to contribute to the show's success. Donations are accepted up until the morning of the event, providing an opportunity for people to give back to the community and support the chosen charity, the Willie Bee Foundation. A dedicated group of volunteers, who have been helping Gail for years, will be on hand to assist with setup and activities on the day of the show.
To support the event, attendees can participate in various activities, including purchasing 50/50 tickets and basket raffle tickets. These activities not only add to the excitement of the event but also help raise funds for the charity.
Gail expressed her gratitude to Dale Davis, the owner of BW's restaurant & banquet facility, for providing the venue for the event over the years. His support has been instrumental in making the Racer's For Life Car Show a success.
Event Details:
Date: April 12th, 2025
Time: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: BW's restaurant & banquet facility, 11070 Perry Road, Pavilion, NY 14525
The Dirt Track at Genesee 2024 Awards: 2:00 pm
Admission: Free
Photo Credit: D&A Drone Service
Article Credit: Jeremy Perry
Submitted By: Jeremy Perry
