VOL. 53 ISSUE 25 JUNE 28, 2016 P31
POLE POSITION HOSTS
DESTRY ABBOTT
FUNDRAISER
A
fter being diagnosed with leukemia in May of
2016, Destry Abbott is currently undergoing
chemotherapy treatment. Meanwhile, the off-road
industry is continuing to rally support around the
five-time National Hare & Hound
Champion in fundraising efforts
to aid the Abbott family. The
most recent "DA8 Strong" event
took place at Pole Position
Raceway in Corona, Califor-
nia, June 21, where hundreds
gathered for kart racing, food,
raffles and live auctions, all in the name of sup-
porting Destry's fight against cancer.
Kawasaki made a big show of support with
plenty of bikes on display and gear up for auction.
Dano Legere played the important role of emcee
during the event and the live auctions while plenty
of off-road and motocross racers made cameos.
Jim Holthus and Dan McGranahan did a live
remote broadcast of their Toyota of Escondido
Action Sports radio show, and of course, plenty of
kart racing went on throughout the event.
"As soon as we found out that Destry was bat-
tling leukemia, we wanted to be able to do some-
thing that was going to make a difference," said
Ken Faught of Pole Position Raceway.
"It was devastating for everybody in the off-
road industry when we heard about it," said Ron
Purvines of the Purvines Racing Team. "We're not
sure Destry's outcome, but we're all hoping for the
best. As long as we can keep helping him fight
we're going to. "
The donations and money raised is helping not
only with medical costs, but with living expenses dur-
ing this time that Destry is unable to train and coach
at his DA8 Training Facility in Peoria, Arizona. Destry
was not present the event, as he is undergoing treat-
ment, but his two kids, Kelsey and Cooper Abbott,
were happy to attend and see the outpouring of sup-
port from the industry, fans and fellow racers.
"I think he's going to be excited," said Faught.
"Coming into this night everything collective
with the other fundraiser that was in Arizona, the
GoFundMe page, the KX500 raffle, we've already
raised about $190,000. It's staggering."
In lieu of Destry's presence at the event, he was
able to say thank you in a short video presented
during the fundraiser.
The raffle for Destry Abbott's KX500 two-stroke
is still open, and will be until July 13, Destry's birth-
day. Find more on the raffle at https://road2re-
covery.com/experiences/da8kx500/.
Jean Turner
The raffle is still
open for Destry
Abbott's DA8 KX500
two-stroke. The
drawing will take
place on July 13
(Destry's birthday).
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY
MARK
KARIYA
