A day for smiles

  • Published
  • By Tim Norton
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD, Fla. --  Over 100 pediatric patients with chronic illnesses from Baptist Children's Hospital were treated to a special day during the Rides-N-Smiles Track Day at Homestead-Miami Speedway Nov. 26.

The children enjoyed the thrill of being driven around the track in exotic, high-performance cars courtesy of Southern Automotive Media Association and various automobile manufacturers.

Members from neighboring Homestead Air Reserve Base were on hand to help escort kids and families to the various vehicles. Cars including a Corvette ZR1, Ford GT, Porsche GT3RS, Ferrari 458, Porsche 911GTS convertible and Ford Mustang Boss 302, were some of the vehicles that participated in the event.

Professional race driver and event organizer Mr. Bill Adam said he wanted the kids to have a day to take their minds off of other things and just have fun. The emphasis is not on speed, but on the exciting experience of driving around the speedway in "dream," high-performance street cars.

"The kids can ride in as many cars and as many times as they want, this day belongs to them" Adam said.

Mr. Adam is also the honorary 482nd FW commander.