Hundreds of car enthusiasts were at Saskatchewan International Raceway, just south of Saskatoon, on Sunday.
The roaring engines and melted tires are all a tribute to 59-year-old Robert Carignan.
“I woke up this morning with one of those ‘why me?’ days,” Carignan said. “Thanks to Kevin (Carignan), this turned out to be the highlight of my summer.”
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Carignan lives with Kennedy’s disease, which limits his mobility and gets progressively worse.
His cousin Kevin encouraged him to do the things he loves while he still can, like driving a shotgun in a race car.
“I know he loves cars,” added Kevin Carignan. “I just thought it would be a great day. I love my cousin. He is my inspiration.
With Kevin’s help, Robert takes a ride with someone new – runner Sheri Gordon.
“I feel joy putting smiles on other people’s faces,” Gordon said.
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As the disease progresses, Rob will become less and less able to enjoy the speed he loves so much. Before that happens, Kevin tries to get Rob to go even faster.
“I’m trying to convince him to jump out of a plane,” Kevin said. “I said I would do it with him. There are places where you can tandem jump and they can become paraplegic.
Up to the jump, Rob says he’s happy with the race track.
“Two words – speed and fun,” added Rob. “It’s something I can’t do anymore. It’s fun to be part of it.
He says revving the engine is his favorite part.
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