Motorsports Recap And Behind The Scenes Access

Beckman, DSR to honor Terry Chandler in Houston with MD Anderson car

By Anthony Caruso III

Don Schumacher Racing will have a special wrap on one of its Funny Cars this weekend. Instead of Jack Beckman sporting the Infinite Hero Foundation, he will be piloting The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center wrap with a special tribute to the late Terry Chandler.

Doug Chandler, the late Terry’s husband, elected to run the car this weekend at the MOPAR Express Lane NHRA SpringNationals Presented by Pennzoil at Houston Raceway Park in Bayton, Texas. When Terry was being treated with glioblastoma, she received care from MD Anderson in Houston.

The late Terry Chandler and Don Schumacher Racing owner Don Schumacher at an NHRA event

Terry Chandler and Don Schumacher Racing owner Don Schumacher at an NHRA event (Photo by Auto Imagery)

He hopes that by running this livery, it would thank the medical staff for their care of his late wife. In addition, he hopes would raise awareness for glioblastoma.

“Before Terry’s diagnosis, I had never heard the term ‘glioblastoma’ and I know I’m not in the minority when I say that,” said Doug Chandler. “Finding out my wife had been diagnosed with cancer, and that it was the most lethal form of brain cancer and was incurable was devastating. I asked Terry’s team of doctors why there was no cure and they said cures are developed through research, and of course, research takes money. Essentially, funding is what finds a cure.

“By running this car, it’s my goal to raise awareness for glioblastoma and other lesser known forms of brain cancer, which will hopefully lead to more funding for medical research. With this race taking place in MD Anderson’s backyard, this was the perfect place to run this car.”

MD Anderson is one of three comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. It helps patients with cancer treatment, while also has a research center.

“The team at MD Anderson treated Terry so well. There was no question where we would take her to receive treatment; they’re the best,” Chandler said. “My wife championed great causes to bring awareness to others, whether it be military veterans or sick children. I honor Terry by joining in the fight to find a cure for glioblastoma.”

Team owner Don Schumacher and Beckman previously had their own cases with cancer. Schumacher was previously diagnosed with head and neck cancer and received help from the same treatment center.

He credits MD Anderson will his win over cancer. Beckman previously defeated non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2004.

“I’m a cancer survivor; my mom didn’t beat it. It’s something that hit my house hard and then came back years later. I drive for a man who is a cancer survivor, who went to MD Anderson for treatment, and that’s part of the reason he’s still here.

“I drive the car as a tribute to Terry Chandler, a woman who didn’t survive cancer. The folks at MD Anderson did everything they could for her so I feel a debt of gratitude to the people who work there, and I feel upon the people who are patients there. I can’t think of a better way to pay it forward and pay it back than to fly their colors into the winner’s circle at Houston.”

The car will be unveil at the starting line before the car is fired up at approx. 5:30 pm EST.

Previous

Next

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

%d bloggers like this: