Racing for Life Rocks Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Jim Filanc and his "Racing for Life" team

Rock on, Jim. Surrounded by legendary rock bands Foreigner, Billy Idol, Lynyrd Skynrd, Kid Rock and more, Jim Filanc and his "Nitro Tire Racing for Life" team spent this week at the 66th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota, raising money and awareness for the Scleroderma Foundation (SF) and the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF).

Jim reports more than $28,000 has been raised through the sale of packets containing LAF Livestrong wristbands and the SF teal wristbands during Racing for Life’s cross-country crusade. The packets also include a raffle ticket—with the winner receiving a restored vintage motorcycle.

Jim lost his sister, Julia Lynn, to scleroderma and lung cancer last October. To honor her memory and raise money for both foundations, he and a fellow off-road enthusiast decided to form Racing for Life. The fundraiser has included stops in 11 cities, starting with Daytona Beach, Fla, for Daytona Bike Week. It will culminate in mid-November with the Baja 1000, in Mexico.

At each tour stop, fans and friends have gotten a chance to view the Julia Lynn, the off-road vehicle Racing for Life plans to race during the Baja 1000. Race members also are signing autographs and posing for pictures.

Jim, accompanied by his wife Ofelia, have a dedicated website, racingforlife.org, where they post diaries and photographs of their adventure. Please take a moment to view it and support them along the way.