Gray Eagle Tractor Race Raises Money for Cancer Research

Over 150 residents of the Woods of Gray Eagle came out on a rainy Saturday in June to race their souped-up Toros in honor of their neighbor fighting cancer.

“We wanted to do something to show our support of our neighbor Judy Diamond who is fighting cancer,” said Al Wunder, co-organizer of the event with his wife Kelly.

Thanks to a silent auction in the Wunder garage, cash bar, t-shirt sales, registration fees, and donations from area merchants, the Second Annual Gray Eagle 100 brought in a whopping $6,600 for the V Foundation for Cancer Research founded by the late North Carolina State University coach Jim Valvano.

Fifteen race participants dressed up in costumes, decorated their lawn mowers, and qualified on the streets of the Woods of Gray Eagle. Once the slower mowers were positioned in the front of the pack, the race lasted all of a few minutes as they made their way around the ½ mile track one time.

Afterwards, the Wunders hosted a block party of sorts complete with a cash bar and silent auction in their garage where residents bid on autographed memorabilia provided by Steiner Sports which included a Peyton Manning signed helmet, Tony Dungy signed football, and a James Gandolfini signed print from the Sopranos.

“The rain stopped long enough for us to get the race in,” said Wunder, the Indiana sales director for Diageo.

Rules were explained prior to the race and were as follows: “No pit stops, no cutting grass during the race, no drinking milk if you win, and random steroid tests may be conducted for those with fast Toros.”

Al and Kelly Wunder moved into their Gray Eagle home in 2005, relocating from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Prior to their stint in Grand Rapids, the Wunders had lived in Royalwood subdivision just east of Gray Eagle.

“The cookout and socializing was just a great celebration of life,” explained Wunder. “We are all keeping Judy in our prayers.”

If you would like more information about the V Foundation for Cancer Research, visit www.jimmyv.org.