Kyle Busch and Sam Ard are two unique and different individuals with a common thread. Kyle Busch hails from Las Vegas and has found success in the higher levels of NASCAR as a young man. While his career has seen a few peaks and valleys, the guy they call "Rowdy" has a promising future in the sport of stock car racing.

Ard was born and raised near Asheboro, North Carolina in a time when things were harder to come by and he learned at a young age where an honest days work could take you. He has enjoyed success in the Nationwide Series, winning twenty two races and back to back championships in 1983 and 1984. Ard became known as the "King" of Martinsville and his Thomas Brothers Country Ham sponsored 00 always gave this writer a thrill whenever it took to the track.

Sam Ard's world changed on October 20, 1984 when he was involved in a violent crash at the North Carolina Motor Speedway in Rockingham, North Carolina. The accident ended his career and, according to doctors, in all probability contributed to his Alzheimer’s Disease, which, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, "is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys a person’s memory and ability to learn, reason, make judgments, communicate and carry out daily activities."

The racing community has been well aware of Ard's struggles. There have been many who have donated to help Ard with his mounting medical and living expenses and the Ard family have publicly been very grateful for the support.

Kyle Busch rolled into victory lane this past Saturday at the Texas Motor Speedway after winning the O'Reilly Challenge and announced, "I have been thinking about this a lot and I am going to give Sam Ard $100,000 to try to help him out."

There are numerous definitions of a racer and what Kyle Busch is doing for Sam Ard makes him a true racer in this writers opinion.

For more information visit www.samard.com or to make a donation please contact:

Sam Ard Care Fund
Wachovia Bank
PO Box 1089
Lake City, SC  29560
Account# 1010151706802