BRABHAM AND PRESTON RENTALS TO PAY TRIBUTE TO HIGH SCHOOL SHOOTING VICTIM
Matt Brabham will carry a special sticker on his DeVilbiss Racing Stadium SUPER Truck at the Texas Motor Speedway this weekend paying tribute to a victim of the recent high school mass shooting in Texas.
Last month Preston Rentals’ staff member Travis Stanich experienced a heartbreaking family tragedy when his step-son Jared Black was killed in the mass shooting at the Santa Fe High School just outside of Houston.
Brabham is a Preston Rentals ambassador in the US and for Preston Hire in Australia, carrying the group’s branding on his truck, suit and helmet throughout the season in both countries.
On hearing the tragic story, Brabham worked with his DeVilbiss team owners to provide some space on the truck to make the tribute possible.
Jared had turned 17 only two days before and there were plans for a birthday party the day after the shooting.
The teenager had a passion for life and loved art, drawing, playing video games on his Xbox and wrestling.
As a tribute to Jared, Preston Rentals ambassador Matt Brabham, will race his Stadium Super Truck this weekend at Texas Motor Speedway with a dedication that reads “In Loving Memory of Jared Black”.
Travis and his wife Pamela (Jared’s mother) are deeply touched by this gesture and know that Jared would have loved cheering Matty around the track.
Brabham leads the Championship after the first five events of the season and will be involved in a practice session on Friday night and then a 30-minute race on Saturday night after the ninth race of the Verizon IndyCar series which is currently being lead by fellow Australian Will Power.
WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY…..
MATT BRABHAM – DRIVER
“There is little you can say when talking about situations like these,” said Brabham.
“I am very fortunate that I have a chance to chase my motorsport dreams every day, but sadly Jared won’t have that opportunity.
“The DeVilbiss team welcomed the idea of a tribute for Jared this weekend when it was suggested.
“It is a very small way to let Jared’s family know that we are thinking about them and for us to acknowledge the Preston Rentals “family” which has been saddened by this senseless loss.
“Hopefully we can get the job done for Jared this weekend.”
MARKUS PRESTON – PRESTON GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR
“From all the staff of The Preston Group, and in memory of Jared, our sympathies go out to Travis, Pamela and their extended family,” said Preston.
“We send love to all the families affected by this tragedy in Santa Fe and we appreciate the gesture of Matt and the team to offer up this tribute in Texas this weekend.”