Atkinson's coming to Woodland!

By Jim DeFord

WOODLAND, Wash. (Aug, 19, 2006) — I received a call this evening from Benson Atkinson and am happy to announce that Michael and family will be at the Woodland race.

Through virtually a trial-by-fire and concerted effort of Benson (Michael's Dad), Doug Hendrickson, myself and Mary (DeFord), we were finally able to reserve a room that was compatible with Michael's needs.

As a first-timer trying to reserve a motel room with a roll-in shower I was surprised how difficult that was. It was challenging just communicating that kind of access to the people making the reservations.

And that's just a tiny tip of the iceberg that Michael and his family have to deal with every single day.

To donate an offering to Michael and his family, please contact Chuck Moddrell at: 509-302-8744.

Drivers offers winnings to Michael Atkinson & family

By Jim DeFord

RICHLAND, Wash. (Aug, 12, 2006) — Coming into the Richland race the USSBA teams had donated over $500 and two rooms and two nights at the Red Lion motel in Kennewick. It was quite exciting to see Michael and his family in Richland.

Michael was thrilled to be in Richland to see the sprint boats he loves so much. To be able to offer a race fan such as Michael this opportunity to come to Richland is incredible.

Even more incredible was the outpouring of giving back as team after team signed over their winnings so Michael, his nurse and family can make the trip to the USSBA Nationals in Richland on Sept. 9th.

Tri-City Watersports also raffled off t-shirts signed by the drivers and pooled a chunk of that money into the Atkinson coffers.

By day's end, there was well over $1600 donated to Michael!!

Michael's nurse offered a very nice thank you to the USSBA and he is now our very latest fan of this awesome sport.

Benson Atkinson, Michael's Dad, offered a very emotional thanks in Michael's behalf. It was hard to find a dry eye in the house.

Michael will be at the National finals!

We look forward to seeing you there.

USSBA names #1 fan

By Jim DeFord

MARSING, Idaho (July 29, 2006) — Michael Atkinson, of Idaho, was selected by the USSBA Board of Directors as the sport's number one fan. Michael and his family have been to every race at Marsing for the last three years.

Michael, 23, was awarded a beautiful trophy in a touching presentation by USSBA President, Doug Hendrickson, just prior to the awards ceremonies on Saturday, July 29, 2006. The smile on his face and the sparkle in his eyes said it all. The inscription on the plaque reads: Michael Atkinson  #1 fan of USSBA Sprint Boat Racing.

Michael is an avid motorsports fan. He literally loves anything that goes fast. From NASCAR to Sprint Boats, to Dune Buggies and his four-wheel-drive wheel chair, Michael loves it fast and high tech.

He has had the opportunity to ride dune buggies (at 2 years old!) with his Dad, a ride in Lee Rice's Super Boat (WOW!) and even a ride in Bobby Hamilton's two-seater NASCAR! Not many people get those kind of opportunities!

He's even been drag racing with his Dad and never could go fast enough. The family owns an 18-foot jet boat and Michael can never get enough when they're out for a ride.

Race after race at Marsing, Michael has become a regular and they are even going to try to make the next race at Richland. That's going to be quite a task as it takes a lot of various equipment and dedication of Michael's Dad, Benson and Stop-Mom, Candi, to be able to make a long trip like that.

Michael has DMD (Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy). You can read more about DMD here. No matter how hot it is, how windy it is or whatever the conditions you'll always see a smile on Michael's face, because he's at the track and that's what he loves most.

Let us all remember that.

Thank you, Michael.