In January of 2003, Pro rider Matt Bartosek (19), died while competing at the inaugural ATV Winter Olympics. Matt and his family have been a part of the GNC race circuit since 1994. He had two overall championships in the 90cc Mod class (1998 & 1999), was part of the second place Pro team in the first ever ATV 12 Hours of America and had just completed his first year in the Pro class finishing 5 points out of a top ten finish. Matt received the title of “Most Feared Youth Rider of the Year” by ATVSport in 1999 and was also awarded the Randy Howard Memorial Award for Sportsmanship in 2000.

Ray Christy, formerly of MotoTees, initiated conversation with Gary Denton of Weekend Warrior for use of a trailer in 2004 as a medical unit in Matt's memory. Dr. Joe Ragon, physician and father of GNC racers – John and Leslie, willingly agreed to man the unit. At the time of Matt’s death, his parents began a permanent endowment in his name at the Erie Community Foundation, Erie, PA. They wanted to celebrate Matt’s life and his passion for racing. Interest from this endowment has been used to stock the medical trailer with supplies since its inception ($900/2004, $750/2005 and $900/2006).

The support of family, friends and the racing community led to the decision to form a corporation, 88 Live to Ride, Inc., to further expand on needs, seen as necessary, in the sport of ATV racing. The mission of 88 Live to Ride, Inc. is to advocate and support the protection and safety of riders involved in ATV racing events. Thru fundraising events held last year we were able to purchase a 20’ Vintage trailer to use as a medical unit along with a generator. Doc Ragon uses the medical trailer to provide “walking wounded” care, free of charge, to the racers; their families and the spectators of the sport we all love. Yamaha Motor Corp. stepped up to the plate this year providing 88 Live to Ride with a Limited Edition Rhino to be used as their official pit vehicle at race events.

The Board of 88 Live to Ride, Inc. consists of Debi Bartosek, Jorge Cuartas, Cindi Hart and Sue Butterbaugh. They are waiting word on their application for nonprofit status for the corporation.

We thank everyone for their continued support of our mission and fundraising efforts.