During times of trouble or turmoil the propensity of drag racers to come together is one of the very real attractions to the sport.  The racing community has proven time and time again that when individual help is needed, everyone will step up to the plate for those who need support.
 
That is currently being demonstrated again in very real time here in Eastern Canada.
 
Currently, Jackie Mehlenbacher, the eldest daughter of Bruce Mehlenbacher, Director of Operations for the Pro Modified Racing Association and the Quick 32 Sportsman Series is battling a very serious illness, one that is on the minds of everyone involved.
 
When it was discovered Jackie was battling with cancer earlier this year, the drag racing community rallied to the cause.

During times of trouble or turmoil the propensity of drag racers to come together is one of the very real attractions to the sport.  The racing community has proven time and time again that when individual help is needed, everyone will step up to the plate for those who need support.
 
That is currently being demonstrated again in very real time here in Eastern Canada.
 
Currently, Jackie Mehlenbacher, the eldest daughter of Bruce Mehlenbacher, Director of Operations for the Pro Modified Racing Association and the Quick 32 Sportsman Series is battling a very serious illness, one that is on the minds of everyone involved.
 
When it was discovered Jackie was battling with cancer earlier this year, the drag racing community rallied to the cause.
 
Special Team JAXS stickers were made up, and distributed among the racers for display on their race and support vehicles. And to a racer, these stickers were proudly displayed.
 
Team JAXS VIDEO

“This has been a challenging time for our family,” said Bruce Mehlenbacher. “But with the terrific support from everyone, it has given the family a boost.”
 
“This support from the teams has been emotionally overwhelming,” continued Mehlenbacher. “On behalf of our family we want to thank all the racers, the officials and fans who have so generously participated. It means a great deal to us during this difficult period.”
 
Bruce Boland, a dedicated PMRA-circuit racer and two-time PMRA Series Champion summed up the racer perspective.
 
“Bruce Mehlenbacher has done a fabulous job with the PMRA series since its inception, and has continued to do so this season in spite of the extra pressure of Jackie’s illness,” said Boland.  “After we learned she has some serious issues – everyone on the circuit became concerned.   We are all running Team JAXS stickers on our cars to show we care and are hoping for the best.  The situation really puts things in perspective and the feeling is mutual.  Even a lot of racers outside our own circuit are showing their support.”
 
“The PMRA and Quick 32 Sportsman Series teams and I have a business relationship when the series is competing at the venues, and I have significant standards when it comes to how we are perceived by the fans, sponsors and the tracks where we compete,” added Mehlenbacher. “But that doesn't mean we can't be friends. I have a true respect for each and everyone one of them, their safety and the investment they have in their equipment.”
 
"This situation hit close to home, but I'm confident that we in this sport will always be prepared to help those in need of support," he added.
 
Jackie has some difficult days ahead of her, but she did receive some positive news recently that the tumor is operable, contained and isolated and she is scheduled for another surgery on Thursday.
 
Family, friends and race teams have also contributed greatly to the North York General Hospital’s Underwear Affair, a 10K run/5K walk to raise money and awareness of lower body cancers. The event is being held in Toronto on August 29, and will be comprised of participants walking/running in outlandish costumes with underwear a prominent theme.
 
Underwear Affair: LINK

At present, Team JAXS has raised over $14,000 in honor of Jackie.
 
Fans and racers wanting to express their support individually can e-mail Jackie through: Bruce@PMRA.ca or mail: 1209 Kohler Road, Cayuga, ON Canada N0A 1E0
 

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