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VOL. 53 ISSUE 32 AUGUST 16, 2016 P119 kind of the vehicle that's driving it, but it's the fans and sponsors who really make this happen." Since founding the charity, it has put on a vari- ety of unique fundraisers to allow fans to interact with the riders. Everything from golf outings to parties, tent gatherings, auctions, catered din- ners with legends, you name it. "Every year we're trying to step up from what we've done previously with new and fun things to do to raise money and get fans involved," Roberts explained before going right into talking about this year's events during the Labor Day Weekend Springfield (IL) Mile. "This year we're having our sixth-annual golf tournament and then after that on Friday night we're doing an AMA national number reunion. Every rider that ever earned a national number is invited to Springfield and on Friday night the city of Springfield is closing the street behind the state capital for our second annual 'Party in the Street.' We've got vendors like Vance & Hines, Dunlop, Crosley Radios and we're hoping to have about 300 former national number riders attending. On Sunday we'll honor them all on the front straight- away at the Springfield Mile." That's a photo op not to be missed. The lead up to the Springfield weekend will also feature a Race for Racers on Sunday, August 28, 2016 presented by AMA Flat-Track Rookie's Class of '79 and Friends at the American Legion Fairgrounds, 1401 West Main Street, Jerseyville, Illinois. Another important aspect of the charity is the fact that when you give money it goes directly to riders in need. Class of '79 was able to do that with the help of corporate sponsors who pitched in to defer the administration costs of the organi- zation. All of the riders involved are thrilled that they've been able to take a spur-of-the-moment idea at a friendly golf outing and turn it into one of the big- gest rider charities out there today. Since it was created by former racers, they know firsthand the help the organization gives. "It's really good that we can help injured dirt trackers because one of the biggest concerns of being a racer is when you get injured and the insurance only covers so much," said Wayne Rainey, three-time Grand Prix World Champion and Class of '79 member. "When you race motorcycles, if you get injured, you have medi- cal bills so anything we can do to offset that is a good thing. As former racers, we understand what the current guys are going through and what it takes to live that profession. This is our way of giving back to the sport that we all love and I'm proud of what we've been able to do as the Class of '79 to raise funds and awareness for dirt trackers." For Scott Parker the legacy of giving he and his fellow Class of '79 riders are leaving is something he hopes future generations of riders will build on. He also credits others for taking the reins and running with it to make the charity grow. "It's really Chas' and Jackie's work that's helped make this thing grow to what it has," Parker said of the work put in by Charlie Roberts and Jackie Mitchell. "Tommy Duma and Tom (Seymour) at Saddlemen really got the thing off the ground. It's just cool something that started off so simple has really taken off. It makes you happy when you see people you've helped out." To be a part of the Class of '79's efforts click HERE and consider a contribution. Seven years ago the riders from the Class of '79 could have thrown down a few beers, waxed nostal- gic, had a couple of laughs and call it a day, but they decided to do something that would leave a lasting legacy, and the sport is better for their efforts. CN Subscribe to nearly 50 years of Cycle News Archive issues: www.CycleNews.com/Archives