AAS/DIRTFISH STAY ON TRACK RALLY CAMP
On July 12-13, four injured veterans will have the opportunity to skid and tear their way across coarse terrain as guests at a two-day training being donated by the DirtFish Rally School (www.dirtfish.com) in Snoqualmie, WA.
The training is the kick-off event in a rallycross train-and-race series called "Stay on Track." The series is part of Adaptive Action Sports (AAS), Inc's veteran-specific programming called "Veterans in Action".
AAS is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create and promote Action Sports camps, events and programs for youth, young adults and military personnel/veterans who live with permanent physical disabilities. Since its founding in 2005 by Amy Purdy, a below-the-knee double amputee, and board sports enthusiast Daniel Gale, AAS has primarily made skateboard and snowboard opportunities available to that segment of the disabled population who thrive on meeting the challenge and risk offered by these sports.
"In 2010, we expanded our existing programs to include a Veterans-in-Action focus," explains Daniel Gale, AAS Executive Director. "Our first two AAS Veterans Learn to Ride and Race snowboard camps, held in 2011, were very successful. From these camps, we learned that 'getting back in action' is the preferred means by which many injured military personnel successfully cope with their disabilities."
In response to Veterans' requests and with help from sponsors like Freedom Innovations and the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), AAS is launching continuing opportunities for Injured Military Personnel and Veterans to learn and improve their rally racing skills through "Stay on Track." The Track will eventually provide competition opportunities.
The camp will be held at DirtFish Rally School, North America's premier rally training facility. Dirt Fish's 315 acre property offers a unique learning environment. With mud, gravel, and dirt surfaces peppered amongst abandoned warehouses and buildings, DirtFish offers a classroom akin to a real-life video game. DirtFish recently hosted the second stop on the Global RallyCross circuit.
DirtFish offers a range of training programs for all levels of drivers. In addition to many passionate thrill seekers, DirtFish has also worked with action sports stars like Dave Mirra and Shaun White.
"We're thrilled to support Adaptive Action Sports in its mission," said DirtFish President, Ross Bentley. "We're really looking forward to working with these students and giving them a great foundation of skills on their quest to be professional rally drivers."
Participants at the July 12-13 camp will learn left-foot-braking, advanced steering skills, handbrake turns, braking on various surfaces, skid control, advanced cornering skills, competition starts, the use of pace notes, and techniques for reading the terrain. Courses will include asphalt, gravel, dirt and mud surfaces to be experienced in whatever weather conditions prevail. Each camp day will include approximately six hours of driving and instructed observation time.
Experienced AAS staff and volunteers will be on hand to address the "adaptive" needs of camp participants. Adaptive Moto X two-time Gold Medalist and accomplished racecar driver Chris Ridgway, a single below knee amputee, will address the special needs of an adaptive race car driver.
On Day 2, one camp participant will be selected (by a to-be-determined method) to be awarded transportation to, and a full access pass for, the 2011 ESPN XGames 17 where he/she will have the opportunity to meet top rally drivers.
A long-range "Stay on Track" goal is to provide sanctioned, recognized rally racing opportunities for adaptive drivers. "Our down-the-road vision," Gale said, "is to gain adaptive divisions within regional rally racing events and of course potentially an adaptive X Games rally contests."
For additional information, contact AAS Executive Director Daniel Gale at 619-770-0240 or Bruce Cleland of DirtFish Rally School at 425-577-2616.