Jeff Arend, driver of the DHL Toyota Solara Funny Car, has a very special remembrance riding along with him and his 300-mph race car at the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway in Bristol, Tenn.

Jeff Arend, driver of the DHL Toyota Solara Funny Car, has a very special remembrance riding along with him and his 300-mph race car at the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway in Bristol, Tenn.

“Our family, in particular my daughter Jenna, 9, has been closely affected by brain cancer,” Arend, a 46-year old resident of San Dimas, Calif., said. “Jenna’s friend, Julia Lujan, was diagnosed with a brain tumor in January, 2008.  On November 4, 2008, Julia lost her battle with her brain cancer. So this weekend in Bristol and at the next event in Topeka [Kansas], our DHL Funny Car is going to wear a grey ribbon for Julia and try to bring NHRA drag racing fans’ attention to Brain Tumor Awareness Month.

“We had grey ribbon decals produced to help us remember Julia, and to show our support to her family and everyone that has to cope with brain cancer.”

Arend’s wife, Windy, added, “Julia’s mom, Leann, and her entire family have remained close to us and all the children in Jenna’s class. We can’t bring Julia back, but hopefully we can make people more aware and get more help to those who are suffering and to their families.”
 

Advertisement