Did you know that Mitchell has a race car team called the (m)otorheads? And that they race for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS)? Here's some information about them, and how you can support LLS as well!
Who are the (m)otorheads?
The Mitchell (m)otorheads are a team of automotive enthusiasts who generate awareness and raise money for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society (LLS). The (m)otorheads team is open to all Mitchell employees who wish to join.
What do we do, and why do we do it?
• Build a community of engaged employees who share a common passion for cars and motorsports
• Invigorate the roots of Mitchell’s automotive culture by generating awareness and enthusiasm both internally and externally
• Encourage employees to work together towards common goals and to get their hands dirty working on cars
• Offer the adrenaline-pumping experience of wheel-to -wheel racing to any employee willing to commit the time and effort
• Promote awareness and raise money for a worthy cause —the Leukemia Lymphoma Society (LLS)
Why might someone want to participate?
The Mitchell (m)otorheads team is open to all Mitchell employees, and members gain the ability to build new relationships with other gearheads in the company and to interact with employees in other departments and divisions.
How long have we been around?
The Mitchell (m)otorheads team has been in existence for approximately 5 years.
Any interesting stories?
Every member has his or her own story but member Michael Carteron’s favorite comes from the team’s second LeMons race at Buttonwillow. “We were doing OK in the race. The car was burning oil, so I decided to check the oil while the two other crew members were fueling up the car. That’s a BIG NO-NO. Well, one of the judges spotted this and we were penalized. For LeMons, a time penalty is not enough. We had to pay for our offences. For this offence I carried a large sign with a picture of a crew member on fire over my head while one crew member carried a gas can, and the other a fire extinguisher as we walked around the pit area. I had to yell, ‘This could have been me!!!” while the other two yelled “We want to die!!!”. This is the high desert and it was over 100 degrees out there. We did this until the judges were satisfied we were completely covered in sweat and humiliated in front of all the other drivers and pit crews. I just remember trying to be serious, but at the time it was a lot of fun just to enjoy the experience.”
What the heck is the 24 Hours of LeMons anyway?
The 24 Hours of LeMons is an endurance race where cars valued at $500 (or less) attempt to drive around a racetrack all day (and sometimes night) without blowing up (or crashing into anything). At most venues, the racing consists of tech inspection and track testing on Friday, endurance-race sessions on Saturday and Sunday, and breaks for sleeping, eating, and Band-Aid application every night. Participants and spectators alike should expect plenty of noise, prizes, water fights, and questionably civilized fun before, during, and after the track sessions. Finally, assuming you're still standing, there's the gala awards ceremony, wherein we present trophies, plaques, and winner's purses paid out in nickels.
What makes it fun and crazy?
It’s all about the people. Not only those from Mitchell, but also everyone else who you have the opportunity to interact with during the lifetime of an event, race or build. We eat, drink and play together. This is for anyone one who has ever stumbled onto NASCAR and decided to watch it long enough to see their first crash.
Why Lapping for Leukemia?
Five years ago when this first started we had a coworker, John Foster, whose son Grant was diagnosed with Leukemia. It really touched our hearts, so we decided to dedicate our race to him and raise money for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society (LLS). We did not win but we finished the race. John is no longer with the company, but Grant is in remission and we feel we played a part in his treatments. We still care about the cause, and therefore continue to race on in its name.
What have we done so far?
We started out with two very old, non-running BMWs, took the best of both cars and created a Frankencar. The car ran for three seasons before we decided to retire it due to the availability and rising cost of parts. Our new project was putting together two Mazda Miatas to make the next drivable car. With this new car, we have a better chance of finding parts and the cost factor is down. During all of these builds however, our proudest achievement has been being recognized by LLS for our dedication and contributions.
What are our upcoming goals?
Our main goal of 2014 is a race in June for which we are still preparing the Miata with its safety equipment. We also want to resurrect the Mitchell Car Show and get others to show off their rides. Another hope is to participate in another race organization called CHUMP car, but we want to get through LeMons first. We may not win a race, but we have fun in the process and get to hang out with a lot of great people in the process. Who knows, this might be our year to win! Be a part of it, and find out first hand by celebrating with us in the winner’s circle.
How can others get involved?
Reach out to any of the members of the community and we will welcome you in. You don’t have to drive or even pick up a wrench. We need lots of things done that do not require getting dirty. Do you like to cook for a crowd? Or can you hand out drinks? Do you like to take pictures, or write blogs? All of this and more are opportunities up for grabs in the group. You can do as little, or as much as you want to be a member of the (m)otorheads.
We have three categories of community members.
Followers
• Passively follow topics
• Spectate at events
• Donate to LLS
Contributors
• Actively post content on Chatter
• Participate in events as promoters and/or passengers
• Solicit donations for LLS
Drivers & Pit Crew
• Work nights and weekends to prepare car for racing events
• Participate in racing events as drivers and/or pit crew
• Coordinate Mitchell Car Show
• Manage relationship w/ LLS
For more information, or to donate, please visit the (m)otorheads Facebook page, or visit their donation page today.
