Grandfather Spot on Pit Crew
By Brenda L. Holmes
Flyer Staff Writer
Dan Lambert of Mooreland, and that admiration recently paid off in a big way. She entered an essay contest called "Salute Your Hero," sponsored by Bill Estes Chevrolet. The hero she wrote about was her grandfather, or, as she refers to him, "Papaw."
The essay was chosen as the winner, earning the elder Lambert an honorary spot on Buddy Lazier's pit crew for the Indianapolis 500. He was watched this year's race from the Hemmelgarn Racing Team pit.
"It was quite exciting and very intense," Lambert said. "It was a rewarding experience."
Sarah says her grandfather deserved the honor.
"I thought it was neat that he rode his bike across the U.S. to raise
money for cancer research," she said. In her essay, she wrote, "Papaw rode
through rain, hail, sleet and snow so he could say on schedule."
Lambert said he decided to ride across the country raising money for
the American Cancer Society after his sister, Jane Lambert, died of the
disease.
"There are so many people suffering with cancer and its treatment,"
he said.
He started the trek in California and made it to Florida 39 days later, raising more than $10,000 along the way.
At the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Lambert says he was given VIP treatment. He was able to spend some time with the team's owner and met several celebrities including David Letterman, whose team was set up next to Hemmelgarn Racing.
Sarah was awarded a $2,500 U.S. Savings Bond and a matching donation to her school. She is hoping the funds can go toward new uniforms for the cross country team, of which she is a member. She also participates in band, yearbook and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.