The Friends of Jaclyn Foundation's "Racing For A Cause" program plays a vital role in raising awareness around pediatric cancer which harnesses the dynamic energy of race cars spotlighting this critical issue.

When fans spot the FOJ logo on a racer's car or uniform, it sparks conversations regarding our mission and becomes a force-multiplier for children and families facing pediatric brain tumors and other devastating childhood cancers.  The FOJ adoption process symbolizes a lifelong commitment to bolstering and uplifting these resilient children and their families throughout their cancer journey. 

The significance of our efforts is underscored by challenges imposed by HIPAA laws; this makes acquiring names of potential FOJ adoptees nearly impossible. Over the years, we've witnessed teams eagerly awaiting children/adoptees, rather than children waiting to join a team.

However, your invaluable donations empower us to overcome these obstacles - this extends our reach nationwide with each lap on the track which serves as a beacon of hope for these children and their families suffering from 'the beast.'

"Racing for a Cause" transcends mere advocacy; it fosters meaningful connections through our diverse programs which include: "Adopt A Child," "Safe On The Sidelines," a program for those siblings fighting the battle alongside of their brothers / sisters, as well as "Guardian Angel," which enables support via text / email. 

Although many adoptions extend beyond racing to various sports teams - football, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, softball, and volleyball - the primary focus remains on the child's key interests.  Regardless of the sport or gender of the team, "Racing for a Cause," creates moments of joy, and a mental break, for both child and family alike, from the challenges, pain, and fear that they face daily.  Every donation, regardless of its size, plays a crucial role in sustaining FOJ's presence on the track.

Please join us in making a difference and Keep FOJ on the Car!

------

Grant Thompson is a 17-year-old race car driver from Mobile, AL. In 2019 Grant competed in the Southern Pro-Am Truck Series throughout the Southeast. He was the 2019 Pro Truck Champion at Mobile International Speedway. In 2019 Grant also competed in the Jr. Late Model Challenge Camp at Madera Speedway and out of hundreds of applicants across the country was chosen as the winner.

2018 and 2019 career highlights:

• 2018 Southern Pro-Am Truck Series Rookie of the Year, 3 top 3s and 4 top 5s in 6 starts
• 2019 Grant became the youngest driver in history to win a Heat Race and a Feature Race on the same night at Mobile Int’l Speedway at the age of 13
• 2019 Grant was chosen to work with Bubba Gale and former NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Cale Gale
• 2019 Mobile International Speedway Pro Truck Champion
• Selected to the 2019 Race Face NEXT Class
• 2019 Jr Late Model Challenge Camp Winner
• Grant will be featured in a 1-Hour documentary on MAV-TV on March 5, 2020
• Signed with Naake-Klauer Motorsports to drive the #54 in the 51-FIFTY Jr Late Model Series at Madera Speedway

In the 2020 race season, Grant completed in the Pro-Truck and Pro-Late Model Series at multiple tracks in the Southeast. Grant finished the 2020 season with 2 track championships, one at Five Flags Speedway and one at Crisp Motorsports, 8 wins and 12 top 5s in 12 starts in the Pro-Truck and 3 top 5s, 7 top 10s in 7 starts in the Pro-Late Model.

In 2021 Grant competed in the Tundra Super Late Model Series where he finished 6th in points and won "Rookie of the Year Honors". Grant also made his debut in the Solid Rock Carriers CARS Tour with a 12th place finish. He made a trip out west to run a Pro-Late Model race with Naake - Klauer Motorsports at Kern County Raceway and brought home a top ten finish in 6th as well as three starts at Mobile International Speedway recording one win, a 2nd and a 3rd in three starts.

In 2022 Grant competed in the Pro Late Model for family-owned Proactive Motorsports and won Rookie of the Year at Mobile International Speedway in the Outlaw Late Model with Sotex Motorsports.  Grant also ran for Travis Sharpe's Racing Dynamiks in the Northwest capped off with a 2nd place finish in the Idaho 200. 

In 2023 Grant is competing in Pro Late Model and Pro Truck events across the Southeast.