Start Your Engines! You Can Race Your Car in North Park for a Good Cause

Drivers get ready.

The sixth annual "Barbara Lee's Fast Track to a Cure for Huntington's Disease" autocross benefit is set to take place on Sunday, May 26, at the North Park swimming pool parking lot.

Morgan McLane of Fast Track Pittsburgh, created the autocross event in honor of his aunt, Barbara Lee Scott of North Versailles, who was diagnosed with Huntington's disease in 1999 and died in 2010.

“There's all kinds of work going on searching for a cure, (but) there's not one,” McLane, 25, of Edgewood told the Pittsburgh Tribune Review.

Huntington's disease is a hereditary, degenerative brain disorder that slowly diminishes a person's mental and physical capabilities. There is presently no cure, only an FDA-approved treatment for a symptom.

“There's no treatment, no successful cure. It basically shuts the brain down,” McLane said.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Huntington's Disease Society of America. Organizers are also working with the North Hills Sports Car Club, or NHSCC, to set up a safe, controlled obstacle course for experienced and beginner drivers.

The driving course is open to members at $25 and non-members at $30.

Registration is from 8 to 9:30 a.m. before drivers begin racing at about 10:30 a.m. A fenced-off area will be available for spectators to bring lawn chairs and watch.

Driving the autocross course takes about 30 seconds, and drivers use their own cars on the course.

No sport-utility vehicles, pickups or vans are allowed. Drivers should also clean out their cars and bring their own helmets. Check here for the complete list of rules. 

“Autocross is one of the ultimate forms of how you learn car control," McLane told the Trib. "You get to drive like an absolute bandit legally and not get pulled over.” 

The family-friendly event will also have items for sale, including food provided by a local chef, and activities for children.

Visit www.fasttrackpgh.com for more information. 

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