The teams of the Get Screened America Pro Mod Challenge presented by ProCare Rx may compete on the
track, but this weekend in Bristol they collaborated to give back to the local community and
remember one of their own.
Steve Engel, who died as a result of injuries sustained in a racing accident in Indianapolis last
season, celebrated his 2008 Thunder Valley Nationals win as his first - and only - win in the
Challenge. As a way to honor his legacy as defending champion, fans and Pro Mod Challenge team
members gave donations at this year's race to the Southern Appalachian Ronald McDonald House in
Engel's name.
Rowina Bailey, executive director of the Ronald McDonald House, attended the final day of racing
and was given the collections totaling more than $5,700 during the Winner's Circle ceremonies at
the event.
"When you ask for donations of ten dollars a night to cover the cost of a family staying with us,
you can see that $5,700 does so much to help. It provides more than just meals, it provides heat,
water, power, lights. The essentials that allow us to provide for these families," Bailey said.
"I wasn't a drag racing fan until today but this is really exciting!" she said. "Thank you to all
the fans and teams, and for doing this to remember Steve."
The Ronald McDonald House has been open and operating in the Bristol area for the past twelve
years. Their mission is to provide a "temporary" home-away-from-home for children and families of
seriously ill children receiving medical care in any local hospital, and throughout those twelve
years they have provided a temporary home to around 18,000 people, 4,000 of them children.
Pro Mod Challenge series director Matthew Brammer said, "We wanted to do something to remember
Steve this weekend because he was a special part of all of our lives, and he is dearly missed. He
won his first race here so we chose to make a local contribution in honor of him because it was a
special place for Steve and his family.
"I've spoken with Tonya [Engel's widow], and she wanted to let everyone know how much she
appreciates what we have been able to do here this weekend, and is deeply touched by all the help
and support she has received in the past several months," Brammer said.
"I think it's important to remember the ones who make a difference in our lives, and carry on the
legacy of kindness that Steve possessed, and I'm especially grateful for all of the folks who gave
to make this drive a success," he said.
