Hello guys - I am Bryan Cassell's sister, Laura. I just joined this site today and it was brought to my attention by r6_philly that I had not been posting on this site. I apologize for this and was not intentionally leaving you out.
What I am doing is getting your input on how to spend the money from a Memorial Fund my Dad and I are starting for privateers.
We have had a lot of good ideas from Helmets and leathers for track days and of course, Mills' favorite, the Air Fence. ( Thanks Michael)
Now, my dad and I do not one this to be a one shot wonder, so your ideas and input will be very appreciated and I am proud to announce our first fundraiser, Thanks to T-Bone Racing, 1/2 of the funds raised will go to the new Race fund and 1/2 will go to the fund set up for Heather to cover Bryans expenses and here are the details:
T-Bone Racing Presents........
RIDE FOR LIFE
When: December 13th and 14th 2003
Where: Jennings GP - 4960 NW CR152 Jennings FL, 32053
Why: T-Bone Racing and Jennings GP will be attempting to raise funds for the Bryan Cassell II Foundation. This foundation will help out Privateer riders in their time of need. We all know how difficult it is to get started and some start out with bad tires and unsafe gear. This foundations purpose is to help riders with the proper gear to be safe. We will also be raising money to donate to Bryan's family to help with whatever is needed. It is a tragedy when we lose a fellow rider to unforeseen situations. It is time for us to all pull together and help those who have lost loved ones while living out their dreams of racing.
Cost:
Track Day Pricing
Saturdays & Sundays $125 per day per Rider
Mondays $85 per Rider
Book all three days (Sat/Sun/Mon) for $299 per Rider
Please pre book to avoid disappointment
Block booking discounts & club membership also available.
Call 386.938.1110 or email us at info@jenningsgp.com
All riders are welcome street riders and racers
All Track fees to be paid to Jennings JP.
Please sign up in advance so we can get an Idea of how much food and drinks to bring.
FREE STUFF!!!
We will start the Grill and tap the 1st keg after the last practice session. Food and Beer are FREE compliments of T-Bone racing. Live music and Raffle will shortly follow the lighting of the grill.
For any questions please contact Josh Holley @ Tboneracing226@aol.com or
Laura Bramble @ lauraswckt@aol.com or @ 239-229-4309
Thanks and see you there!!
Thank you all for your support through this terrible time. My family draws great strength from all of your thoughts and prayers.
Laura Bramble
Bryan Cassell's Sister
Nice work, and welcome aboard. We all miss Bryan here on the board. Through the magic of the internet, Bryan touched others throughout the country, and it appears that he will continue to do so.
The Wegman Fund is a great racing charity, and thy could probably give you some helpful advice with your program. Gordy? Any comments?
Thank you - everyday, I find someone new that he touched. I said at his Celebration of Life (funeral) that "It is one thing to know that your brother is great, but it makes my heart swell to know that everyone else did too"
Any help would be great, right now I am just trying to keep my parents - I don't know how to say it - surviving through their grief. I am hoping that this will get my dad out of this terrible depression.
They are both so devistated over this, I have decided to live like Bryan would expect me too - which is not an easy thing to do - but hearing your words and others have really helped me.
I print these for my parents so they can see how many he touched.
Thank you for your kind words. ;)
Laura
Laura,
There hasn't been a day since his fateful crash at Daytona that I haven't thought about Bryan and your family. I hope and pray that your parents will find peace in God's love and take comfort in the fact that the racing community mourns Bryan's passing and celebrates his life with you.
Laura, this is an awesome undertaking. With your blessing, I'll copy this post and "spread the word" to some other forums.
Glad to see you at the CCS site. This is where Bryan spent most of his time. Let me know if ya'll need anything.
Later Mills
Hi Laura... Thank you for sharing your thoughts and words with us and welcome to your extended family. We all miss Brian. Our thoughts and payers are with Heather, you, and your family at this diffulcult time. Brian touched many lives and he will always be fondley rembered for the passion in which he had for racing and this sport.
I would agree with Chris, the Wegman Fund would be a wonderful candidate as well as the Air fence. If you need anything let us know. Were always here for you.
Laura,
Just wanted to say that I didn't get to meet Bryan in person, but we exchanged a lot of e-mails this year. I think about him a lot. You and the rest of your family are in my prayers.
Kris Younger
Hey Laura, glad to see you made it to our board. :) I wish I could make it to the Ride but funds as well as vacation has been tapped for the year. Best wishes. Did you get your tattoo yet?
Let me just start by saying "WOW". You guys are Great, just hearing from all of you is a Blessing in itself!
Please pass the word on! I am not quite as internet savy as Bryan was, so thanks for your patience!
Mills, I think of you often, you and Steve seemed to consume his conversations.
Yes, I did get my tatto - it is tribal art with a huge heart in the middle with #944 in the center of the heart. I have it on my right ankle. You won't believe it, but I felt so at peace after I got it, I know Bryan was laughing the whole time, cause it HURT!
He has been with me the whole time and has sent me little signs to let me know he is here -I know that sounds nuts, but it is true. He was such a strong person, it only seems appropriate that he be a strong Angel! :)
Thank you all for making me feel welcome here, I know why he loved all of you so much.
keep the ideas coming and if you ever need to share something, get anything off your chest, or just laugh about Bryan, email me, call me, what ever you need, because in helping you all it helps me too!
Love and prayers right back at ya!
Laura
laura:
could you post an address where I can send a donation? I would love to go to the trackday, but it is a little too far. But I want to contribute something either to help Brian's wife and/or to be used to help other racers. I would suggest some sort of fund to help defer medical expenses. Supplying safety gear doesn't seem quite right. If you can't supply your own gear, you shouldn't be out there.
Anyway, please let me know where to send money.
sorry for your loss. :'( someone who has access to printing should have stickers [#944] made up so racers can run them on thier bikes in memory of Bryan. Just a thought.
Stumpy is going to make a #944 decal (it's what he does for a living) for his bike. I'm sure he'd be happy to make some for others interested.
Laura, My husband, Stumpy, and I think of your family often--at least daily. I think he's proud you are turning to the racing community rather than against us. You won't find better people to be there for you.
Take care,
Heather
Laura,
I never met Bryan in person, but his article in Roadracing World was definitely the last deciding factor I needed to get into racing. I was always amused by his posts, and he even offered to help me find a new car. Pretty impressive considering I never really knew him.
I hope you find comfort in our posts and that he was pretty cool, even for those that never had the pleasure of meeting him in person.
Best Wishes,
Ray Jones
Stumpy and Heather,
Maybe you could make a few extra "In Memory of #944" stickers and sell them to racers with profits going to Bryan's foundation? Not wanting to step on toes, but I would pay for one.
QuoteStumpy and Heather,
Maybe you could make a few extra "In Memory of #944" stickers and sell them to racers with profits going to Bryan's foundation? Not wanting to step on toes, but I would pay for one.
Me too!!!
That is a great idea... I wouldn't know where to start with shipping and the $$. I was just gonna make them up and give them out. I will make a bunch to bring to the MW/GL banquet.
StUmPy
How about cost/shipping plus $5? Or maybe $10?
I'm sure you'd want to check with Bryan's family about doing this first, but it would seem to be a nice show of support.
Thanks for the responses!! We have stickers made up that say
"IN MEMORY OF
#944
BRYAN CASSELL II
1975-2003
These are more for cars then bikes, but I know that Randy, his pit guy, has the ones for the bikes. I am trying to get some of those to take with me to the Jennings Track day. We also have T-shirts with his Logo and the in memory of. We, Heather and my Family, have been overwhelmed by the desire for these, so we are working on getting more.
My Dad told me tonight that he wants to have a "Gift" for first time winners in Bryan's class, that is as far as he has gotten - I am working on him - he is still so overwhelmed, I have really been pushing this so that he will focus on this and what we can do, rather than the fact the Bryan is gone. We are just feeling out the waters, because we are unsure as to what kind of funds we can come up with. Another idea has been to sponsor a Race, Track day, etc., it really all depends on what comes out of this, funds wise.
I am taking all of your ideas and approaching him with them.
I am going to grandstand a moment, as far as helping with equipment for racers, I disagree, Money should not keep talent off the track - if that were the case, this would be like Golf for Goodness sake. I grew up flat-tracking with people that had 5 and 10 kids, with one that was making it for the family and then people that had TONS of money - guess who had the talent. Safety is a big issue for me and for my family, even though Bryan had the best safety equipment and it didn't save him. Maybe, just Maybe, it will save one of you. So I have to disagree with that statement.
ok off podium
Addresses:
Bryan Cassell II Memorial Foundation (this is the race fund)
Attn: Bryan Cassell SR.
1691 N. Hermitage Road
Fort Myers, FL 33919
For Heather - Bryan Cassell II Trust (make checks out to this)
Brinker Brown Fastner & Supply
Attn: Holly
11351 Metro Parkway
Fort Myers, FL 33912
Ok - so I am long winded like Bryan - remember, I came first! lol
Thanks again for you love and prayers!
Laura
Stumpy & Heather:
If this is the kind of thing you do, maybe we could talk and I could have you print abunch and we could raise some money that way.
Email me if you are interested and I will call you or you call me.
That would be great!
Thanks for you kind words Heather, they mean a lot!
Hey look - I wasn't long winded! ;D
I have been in contact with Heather as she asked if we could help her. I am waiting for a reply from her at this time.
As for the racer fund for safety gear etc.. That is a great idea but I think implementing it could get to be a nightmare. There are so many questions I have already.
Laura, email me and we can discuss things a bit more.
QuoteStumpy & Heather:
If this is the kind of thing you do, maybe we could talk and I could have you print abunch and we could raise some money that way.
Email me if you are interested and I will call you or you call me.
That would be great!
Thanks for you kind words Heather, they mean a lot!
Hey look - I wasn't long winded! ;D
Great ideas on the stickers. Suggestion: offer them on the mightduc website, and set it up for PayPal.
My suggestion was giving to the air fense fund in the florida region in Bryans memory. We have no air fense at the regional tracks and I'm was hoping the fund could be named after Bryan to memorialize him for a very long time. The only air fence in florida is at Daytona and there are a couple of sections of Homestead and Moroso that could really use the Air Fence sections.
Steve already had stickers made with Heather's approval so I believe he has some left. Tom had a good idea of setting up a pay pal account on the Mighty Duc web sight for people to buy shirts and stickers to raise money for the fund.
That is it all up to Heather - I will pass that on to her.
I understand where you are coming from Michael and I know Bryan was a big supporter of this, But my dad wants it to be something he is in control of, not someone else. We have not had any control over anything since he passed, that has been Heathers unfortunate job.
We are not saying we are NOT going to give to this fund. What some people don't understand is that MY BROTHER IS GONE! My parents are having a terrible time coming to terms with this, as am I. We are still grieving, and I hope that none of you EVER have to understand what we are feeling.
This Fund is a way for me to get my parents focused on doing good for individuals, like Bryan, trying to get their foot in the door and on there way to the AMA racing.
The Cassell family totally supports the air fence and will contribute to it. When I spoke to Heather, she said she had been talking to you about getting it going here - that is great. But this fund is ours, as stingy as it sounds and we want to give to the little guys in the trenches. I hope you understand that.
I hope everyone does.
Laura
QuoteStumpy and Heather,
Maybe you could make a few extra "In Memory of #944" stickers and sell them to racers with profits going to Bryan's foundation? Not wanting to step on toes, but I would pay for one.
I would pay for a few stickers, along with a t-shirt. Whatever your family decides to do with the funds receved for Brian is fine by us. We totally understand where you are comming from. We will support you in any decision you and your father makes. We understand totally about your father having controll over where the funds will eventually end up.
ship them in bulk to supporting dealers and provide to CCS to hand out at races. Have a donation box with a recommended donation of $__. My hunch is you'll collect more $$ and people will spend less on shipping.
M
Laura...Nice to see you on the board.
Although I'm up here in the colder states...
Definitely air fence is a good idea in your area. I raced in a time before air fence, I've been ran over, knocked down, hit walls, etc...air fence would bring the greatest good to anyone that motorcycle road races. I'm sure you would hear a great deal of agreement on that. The greatest pair of leathers won't reduce the impact into a wall.
Your brother is always in our thoughts. ;D :'(
Ive been thinking, thinking and thinking about this. Trying to put myself in your shoes (as well as the entire family's) by recognizing not only BC's passion for this hobby of ours but where he'd like to see the funds go as well. That is, after his wife and fam have been taken care of and all of BC's and Heather's bills have been caught up. I must amdit that i didn't know BC too well. I did give several hellos in passing, though, at our many meetings at Jennings and Moroso. What we do have in common is a very kind and loving fam and for this reason i feel compelled to let you know what this racer would like to do with a fund that is established in his name in the event of something trajic.
Of course, helping a fellow rider that is a mirror image of myself would be the first logical thing to do. But its not reaching a large enough cause. The cause, of course, is rider safety. Safety cannot be sacrificed. And by safefy i'm not talking about slapping a band-aid (or pair of leathers) on a few riders, or even placing an air fence for the benefit of 100 riders at one track (when there's far too many tracks and riders in the country). I ask that we look at the bigger picture here and get to the center of providing maximum safety to all riders -- or at least make a valid attempt to do so.
This got me thinking back to the day (not along ago) that i was issued my race license. And i must be candid here by saying the process was a joke. And this joke of a process doesn't stop with me. All one needs to do is to exam a recent unfortunate event at my home track. Completely unavoidable, in my opinion. But its not the initial licensing phase that has me dissappointed, its the sheer experience/lessons learned during a race season that goes unrecognized by fellow riders (that is, unless they care to listen and learn from those experiences). These are the various instances where riders have been hurt and not properly counseled by other riders who have made the same mistakes. Things that can't be explained in an initial licensing class b/c not enought time is provided and b/c the rider is more interested in hitting the track (and perhaps tuning instructor out in the process).
So with this in mind, my proposal would be to create a vehicle that requires cont'd education every yr and that mandates this educ as part of the process for racing each yr. Something that could be performed online (or in a class), that captures the experiences of riders in a particular region, that feeds the greater cause of safety by collecting a small fee from every rider and uses those fees to educate future riders in the sport. Again, a pair of leathers or a safety fense is good, but if the person wearing them or running into them (air fence) doesn't have the basic sense of safety and hasn't enjoyed the lessons from fellow riders, then the protection falls short of safety in my mind. Everyone benefits! Who would hesitate to learn more about safety each yr? Who would stand to lose from knowing the rider next to him/her knows the same about safety as they do?
I sit here amazed to know that i face cont'd ed classes every yr in my profession, yet lives and physical safety are not on the line no matter how hazerdous i am in my actions. I'd take great comfort as a loyal participant in this incredible sport/hobby to know the same existed here. And i'd pay for it too. After all, an avoidable experience could cost me much more.
RIP BC and much prayers go to fam, including sis....JM
OK - and I thought I was longwinded! lol :D
Question - are you saying we should sponsor schooling/cont. ed? I have a Title License and have to have 10 hrs every two years and all I am doing is issuing title insurance, not racing at 140+ miles an hour.
Or are you just talking in general? Let me know where you are going with this.
I understand what you are saying about helping a small amount of people, but right now funds are going to be limited. We have contacted an attorney and are getting everything rolling.
We are sitting down this weekend to work on our mission statement.
Today was a bad day for me today - a lot of crying.
So, today all I want is my Brother back, not thinking all to clear, so I apologize for the rambling.
Laura
oh - I forgot to add, the race fund has NOTHING to do with Heather and Bryan's bills - Heather has been and is being taken care of -
I just want everyone to understand that Heather is not involved in this.
I do not want to lead anyone on, there are TWO separate funds - one is a Trust for Bryans bills and what ever is left goes to Heather.
We are starting the "Bryan Cassell II Memorial Foundation".
Just want everyone to be clear on this.
Quoteoh - I forgot to add, the race fund has NOTHING to do with Heather and Bryan's bills - Heather has been and is being taken care of -
I just want everyone to understand that Heather is not involved in this.
I do not want to lead anyone on, there are TWO separate funds - one is a Trust for Bryans bills and what ever is left goes to Heather.
We are starting the "Bryan Cassell II Memorial Foundation".
Just want everyone to be clear on this.
Thanks for the clairification Laura. With respect to my earlier rant, i plan on attending the event at Jennings in mid Dec. Its a very good cause and something we should all work into our hectic schedules. Its there we can chat more. In the meantime, please keep your head up...JM
QuoteThis got me thinking back to the day (not along ago) that i was issued my race license. And i must be candid here by saying the process was a joke. ...But its not the initial licensing phase that has me dissappointed, its the sheer experience/lessons learned during a race season that goes unrecognized by fellow riders.
So with this in mind, my proposal would be to create a vehicle that requires cont'd education every yr and that mandates this educ as part of the process for racing each yr. Something that could be performed online (or in a class), that captures the experiences of riders in a particular region, that feeds the greater cause of safety by collecting a small fee from every rider and uses those fees to educate future riders in the sport.
I think you have an interesting idea...but I think it would be practically impossible to implement.
Even motorcycle tire manufacturers understand that the dynamic of motorcycles is in constant flux based on rider, machine, development, etc. There are new variables that are recognized constantly.
Experience does allow someone to gain knowledge. Getting individuals to listen to free knowledge usually results in the students eating the covers of the books.
And some knowledge comes over such a long period of time with huge costs that often there are things that you don't share.
If most racers were seeking knowledge for racing, I'd end up being well off. This is what I do, and it's not very glamorus at all.
Dave,
If teaching is what you do, maybe you could give some insight on what young or novice riders generally lack.
Just to go that avenue and speaking from your experience. Through all of this, I have asked for ideas and input. So if you have any Iwould love to hear them!
JM,
I look forward to meeting you and talking with you!
Thanks again
Laura
QuoteDave,
If teaching is what you do, maybe you could give some insight on what young or novice riders generally lack.
Just to go that avenue and speaking from your experience. Through all of this, I have asked for ideas and input. So if you have any Iwould love to hear them!
JM,
I look forward to meeting you and talking with you!
Thanks again
Laura
Oh, boy, I do have to go to work...LOL....
But let me start.
First, most new guys don't have the fortitude to understand that there is a lot more to this than just running a motorcycle into a corner. I think all to often, skill gets over looked. Some thing it's just a matter of b@lls.
Indeed, there are people that are genetically gifted enough that, yes, they can react to things that happen so quick that they can go very quick right off. Then they struggle after that.
Schooling done by the racing organizations is really nothing more than a "safety course". I know, as I taught similar schools for the Championship Cup Series.
Many instructors just do that. Here's registration, these are the flags, this is your brake. I'm generalizing, but most instructors that I have known, met, heard about, generally don't have a really broad base of racing experience and set up time or they are very experienced individuals that are gifted.
Most instructors can get a guy on the track, but getting them any further seems to be much harder.
Motorcycle road racing has the simple problem of turnover. Few people stay in the sport long enough to really learn a lot. Additionally, the organizations are constantly trying to bring in new riders. So, the standard to be a "racer" is pretty low. Additionally, it seems as though racing has become "easier". Fewer really fast riders, but more "recreational" racers that go track to track doing their laps.
Back to "schooling"....
New riders often go for the least expensive school to get their license. My school offers a certificate that will get a rider a license just like other schools, but it costs more because they get more time on the track, more input about the bike, etc., etc. But trying to "sell" that to a young guy that is pretty confident about what he thinks his skills are...hard sell. More of my schooling business is from amateur and expert racers that already have a license and fully understand that motorcycle road racing might be the hardest and most frustrating undertaking of their lives. I think that's why it is so addictive...and that's probably the only word to describe it....
More later? I've got to work for my addiction....LOL!
;D
Fundraiser update...
Wanted to let you all know that Stumpy and Heather are getting the stickers made for me and yes they added the Red!!
We will be selling them at the track day on Dec. 13 & 14 at Jennings - I hope some of you will be able to attend.
Again I am amazed by the love, support and Kindness that many of you have shown my family.
God Bless!
Laura
QuoteAgain I am amazed by the love, support and Kindness that many of you have shown my family.
God Bless!
Laura
Bryan was just that kind of guy. If you read his stuff, you knew that he was your racing brother. I never met him, but I think about him every day. Weird, huh?
Not Weird. He was an amazing Man. Bryan was the type of person that just sucked you in. He and I are so much alike it is scary. I think that kind of hurts my parents.
We both live life to the fullest, at 100 mph, all the time. He was a whole lot nicer than me, always saw the good before the bad. That is what I am trying to do better since his death and all of you have shown me it is ok to Trust.
I am glad that he touched you, boy could he write. I used to read his race report to the girls at work and they would sit there on the edge of their seats, because the way he wrote, you felt like you were on the Bike with him.
He was just amazing and I miss him so much.
Thank you for sharing with me, believe it or not, it helps to know.
God Be with you!
Laura
Hey Laura,
I just thought I would check out a couple of other forums and noticed you had the track day posted. You are doing a fantastic job getting the word out for this track day and I thank you very much!! Hopefully things will go smoothly and everyone will have a great time! Talk to you soon.
Thanks! I sure am trying - gotta live up to you! :P
AWW Shucks ::) ;)
I just gotta tell you all that I am so excited about this!!!
Gives me something to look forward too, be a part of, be closer to Bryan!
Thanks to all!!!