Fundraiser Planned For Young Driver Racing Toward A Dream

As Connor Sheffield races his car around the oval track, he appears to be like any 13-year-old boy with a passion for racing and an innate ability to win. But under Connor’s helmet covered with racing sponsor stickers is a young man just trying to be ordinary.

Connor isn’t like other kids. He has ongoing, incurable, complex gastrointestinal medical issues that prevent him from doing many of the things other teens enjoy, like team sports. Once he’s in his fire-engine-red car, the memory of multiple surgeries, hospital stays and medical tests disappear. On the track, he isn’t thinking about his next doctor appointment; he’s focused on the next checkered flag.

“Racing has really changed Connor,” said Tricia Sheffield, Connor’s mother. “Racing has given him something to look forward. He’s just one of the drivers.”

Connor showed an interest in car racing at an early age. When he was 10 years old, his parents took him to an Arrive & Drive event. “We were just looking for something new to try,” said Tricia. “Connor fell in love with racing and he was really good at it! We had no idea we’d end up here.”

In just three years, Connor has climbed the ranks to 12th in the nation in the 16-year-old-and-under class. From February 7 through 11, Connor will go to Daytona International Speedway in Florida for Race Week, a United States Auto Club event.

Connor said he loves to travel around the country and meet new people, but racing comes with a significant financial commitment. Even with sponsors like iFly Baltimore, Design Plus Drafting Systems, Delaware Auto Glass and Team Caropreso Real Estate, the financial commitment for the clothing, car maintenance and travel is well into the tens of thousands of dollars every year.

“Connor never gives up or lets his illnesses slow him down,” said Tricia. “As a parent, I will do whatever it takes to keep his dreams going, too.”

To help offset the family’s burden, a fundraiser will be held on Sunday, January 28, from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant at 8010 Hog Neck Road in Pasadena. A portion of the proceeds that day will go toward Connor’s dream of racing at Daytona.

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament is an event sponsor and DJ Sloe Jim will provide the entertainment. There will be basket raffles and plenty of fun. Connor will sign autographs and take photos with one of his cars on display.

As for racing at Daytona, Connor said, “I only get a little nervous when I pull up to the starting line. Once the race starts, it’s really thrilling and I just focus on winning.”

One thing he isn’t nervous about is his safety. “I cannot predict what will happen in the race,” said Connor, “but the car is very safe. All I need to do is drive.”

Once in his car, Connor also forgets about his physical challenges.

“There is just no quit in that kid,” said Charles Farrell, owner of Design Plus Drafting Systems and one of Connor’s sponsors. “There is a very big personality in that little guy. He’s outspoken and nothing bothers him. I’m going to do everything I can to keep this thing going for him.”

Tricia emphasized that, “We are not a ‘race family.’ We have come a very long way to get here.”

To learn more about Connor and his racing, visit “Sheffield Motorsports” on Facebook.

“I could not have gotten this far by myself,” added Connor. “I want to thank everyone who has helped us along the way.”