Guest Post – KaleidoLINKS and Tire Rack’s One Lap of America

May 16, 2012 1:39 pm ET

Kelly Shim is the CEO and Executive Director of KaleidoLINKS, a non-profit organization that works to empower and engage underserved youth through S.T.E.M. education, community organization and mentorships.

KaleidoLINKS has the honor of serving as the Tire Rack One Lap of America’s official charity. Serving on our Board of Directors, Brock Yates, Jr. firmly believes in the mission of KaleidoLINKS (KL) and has provided critical insight into the world of motorsports through his continued service on the Board. This year, KaleidoLINKS presented a far different Camaro from what was first introduced to the event in 2011. With the support of General Motors coupled with the hard work and dedication of KL youth, our team returned home with a trophy, taking third place in class!

The Camaro's driver gets ready for a drive.

It has been said that the Tire Rack One Lap of America is considered the toughest 8 days of racing; nearly twenty-four hours a day driving (over 3000 miles this year) with competition taking place as time trials on race tracks throughout the country.  The event, as it always has been, is foremost one of endurance and vehicle preparation.  No support crews are allowed.  The tires that are used on the street are the same ones that are raced on (one set per team).

The Camaro gets tuned up at a gas station pit stop.

The KL Camaro faced major electronic and fuse issues mid-event, nearly forcing the team to bow out and losing its first place standing in class. However, through the support of other participants, we were able to battle our way back up the rankings after being knocked from first to fifth in class within a two-day stretch. Working to fix and resolve the mechanical issues overnight, the KL Camaro returned in good form for the last two events at Road America and the Tire Rack Skid Pad, placing first in class for both events, securing our top three finish.

Competing alongside Rolex champions to motorsports enthusiasts, KaleidoLINKS showcased what our programs can accomplish, highlighting what youth are capable of with proper guidance, resources, and support!

We would like to send a special thank you to:  Nathan Sumner, who happened to be a GM Ride and Handling Engineer, who helped us during our crisis moments while competing himself, Terry Twitchell, co-driver and long-time supporter, and Brock Yates, Jr. for producing another challenging and rewarding Tire Rack One Lap of America and believing in the KaleidoLINKS mission.

For more information on the Tire Rack One Lap of America, please click here.