Tom Clothier Jr. Trucking Raising Suicide Prevention Awareness

August 08, 2016 (Malta, NY) – As if the annual Northeast Crate Nationals event card at Albany-Saratoga wasn’t already a must see event on every race fan’s calendar, thanks to Tom Clothier Jr. Trucking things just became even more rewarding for those in attendance. On September 9th there will be a $2,400 to win Small Block Modified event joining the Northeast Crate Nationals, CRSA 305 Sprints, and Meltz Lumber Street Stock special.

 Small Block Modified racing has always been part of Albany-Saratoga Speedway and its history. This week track promoter Lyle DeVore touched base with Tom Clothier Jr., which resulted in the beginning of something special. Tom Clothier Jr. Trucking wanted to bring awareness to Suicide Prevention through the dirt track racing platform. After their conversation the pair agreed on a Small Block Modified feature event to honor the cause and raise awareness. Adding it to an already popular race card was the easy part.

During the race night activities Clothier will have his International 9900i Eagle big rig on hand, as the center of operations to raise not only awareness, but also money to be 100 percent donated to the American Foundation For Suicide Prevention – Capital Region division. It’s more than an opportunity to work with Albany-Saratoga; it’s a subject that hits close to home for the Stillwater resident.

“In high school I experienced a friend take his life. I thought about it for years, and then last summer a very good friend of mine lost his son to suicide. It hit me hard at that point, because we were close and I knew his son very well. I would’ve never thought he was suffering from bullying until it was too late,” said Clothier.

To bring about suicide awareness Clothier wanted to use the dirt track racing platform. The racing community is often supportive of causes that aid in positive things such as saving a life. He expanded on his commitment to suicide prevention by next speaking about United States veterans.

“My family has served our country for years, some still do. I feel veterans who fought for our freedoms deserve so much more than what’s offered now. Especially when it comes to PTSD, which is a large part of why an estimated 22 veteran soldiers per day commit suicide. If we can just raise awareness and help in any way, it’s very important to me,” concluded Clothier.

Yellow ribbons, bracelets, and other trinkets will honor the cause to raise awareness along with a bike raffle. Two bikes lettered by DE Signs and Designs will be raffled off to raise money to donate along with collection buckets stationed by the Clothier Trucking rig.

The race itself will be 40-Laps in length for Small Block Modifieds only. It will pay a cool $2,400 to win sponsored by Tom Clothier Jr. Trucking. Stars and cars from Albany-Saratoga, Lebanon Valley, and other tracks are sure to travel in to the great race place for the Nationals festivities and race card.

Dean’s Electrical Service is sweetening the pot as well. Dean, a big supporter of the Northeast Crate Nationals, has also offered up a $250 bonus during the 40-Lap Small Block Modified event. To claim the bonus is simple; be the first Albany-Saratoga regular across the finish line at the end of the race.

Mark down the date September 9th and visit Albany-Saratoga for an action packed racing card during the Nationals race program; 100-Lap King Of Dirt Northeast Crate Nationals, 40-Lap Suicide Awareness & Prevention Small Block Modifieds, 25-Lap CRSA Sprints, and 30-Lap Meltz Lumber Street Stock Nationals.

Prices are $12 general admission, kids 11 and under $2, $20 for the pits with a license, and $25 for the pits without a license. Gates open at 4 PM, warm-ups at 6 PM, racing at 7 PM.

For more information visit www.albany-saratogaspeedway.com or visit the great race place on Facebook.