Jim Filanc and his Racing for Life team

Funds From Motorcycle Auction to Benefit Foundation; Tijuana Mayor Wins the Julia Lynn

After a year of raising money and awareness for the Scleroderma Foundation, Jim Filanc and the Racing for Life organization will be presenting a check to the Foundation in the very near future. The last of many events took place earlier this month when the Julia Lynn off-road motorcycle was sold at auction at the Tecate Score Baja 1000 awards banquet. Mary Vale, from the Temecula Valley Support Group, was introduced during the event.

Ironically, the bike, which had traveled more than 10,000 miles this year, was sold to the mayor of Tijuana, Mexico—Jorge Hank Rhon. The mayor, according to Jim, plans on featuring the bike on a float in a parade early next month. “He was touched by the story, and he wanted to support our causes,” Jim said.

Coincidentally, the Baja 1000 will return to its original race route, starting in Tijuana, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of off-road’s greatest race.

Jim plans on continuing Racing for Life next year, excited about ideas to raise additional funds next year through a combination of corporate sponsorship and unique fundraisers that are tied into the 40th anniversary of the race.

The bike was named after Jim’s late sister, who died from scleroderma and lung cancer last year.