Roger Griffith’s love for the smell of burning rubber goes way back. As a former drag racer, he always dreamed of driving or riding in NASCAR. However, with cancer slowly consuming his body, he thought that life-long wish had come to a screeching halt.

But on Saturday, May 11, surrounded by over 40 family members and friends, some from as far as Texas, the Prescott resident’s dream came true. As the first recipient of the Mercy Wishes program, he was able to take part in the Richard Petty Driving Experience at Kansas Speedway.