ROB RISTESUND • rristesuargusleader.com • May 29, 2009 Pink race cars are about as common as drivers wearing firesuits with bunny ears and tails.
But this weekend, a number of racing machines with various applications of the color will appear at area tracks – all in support of a worthwhile cause. “Pink My Ride” was created two years ago by local racing brothers Tyler and Tracy Johnson after learning that their 9-year-old cousin and biggest fan, Cylie Pastian, had been diagnosed with osteosaroma, a bone cancer found in children and young adults. Cylie has since undergone radiation treatments, chemotherapy and surgeries. The De Smet youngster’s courage and positive attitude throughout her ordeal has touched the hearts of many locally, as well as nationally. She was named a national poster child for the Children’s Miracle Network and was featured in numerous media presentations, including a segment on the “CBS Evening News with Katie Couric.” Back home, the wheels were already turning.
“Cylie had always wanted Tracy to have a pink race car,” says Tyler. “So we decided to do that for her.”