Richard Y., 69, Rochester, New Hampshire

Richard Young Sr., a resident of Colonial Hill of Rochester Care and Rehabilitation in Rochester, New Hampshire, was granted his Twilight Wish to return to the New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) one more time, thanks to a partnership between  Twilight Wish Foundation and the operator of the Colonial Hill care center, SunBridge Healthcare.

Young, 69, grew up around the racetrack, traveling with the crew and working in the pit at the NHMS.  Now a nursing home resident, he is wheelchair-bound and, because he has beenunable to get to the track on his own, feels that part of him is missing.  When asked by Colonial Hill activities director, Phil Wittmann, “If you could have one wish, what would it be?”  Young replied, with tears in his eyes, “I would love to get back to the track, one more time.”  His poignant wish came true on Sunday, September 25, 2011 when Young, his best friend, Robert Smith, and Wittmann, returned to the NHMS for the Sylvania 300, the second race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.

Special thanks to NASCAR and the New Hampshire Motor Speedway for donating tickets and credentials to allow them access to the pit and track before the race.