Bristol, Tennessee: A Race Like No Other
On a lively Saturday afternoon in Bristol, Tennessee, thousands of fans flocked to the Bristol Motor Speedway to witness the thrilling Bass Pro Shops Night Race. But amidst the roar of engines and the excitement of the race, a different kind of competition was taking place. This year marked the eighth annual Race to Build event, hosted by the Appalachia Service Project (ASP), where college students put their construction skills to the test for an incredibly worthy cause.
A Unique Competition
Three teams representing Iowa State University, Kent State University, and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology gathered to see who could construct a house the fastest, safest, and most efficiently during race weekend. And while the competition awarded a cash prize of $5,000 to the team that finished first, ASP President Melisa Winburn emphasized that the event was about much more than just winning.
“The reality is that these are not just houses,” Winburn explained. “They are homes, and they will be placed in permanent locations for families who are looking for a safe place to call home. And they’ll have that pretty instant equity to continue building flourishing lives beyond that.” This commitment to providing housing for those in need showcases the event’s deeper mission—a mission that resonated throughout the community as the event unfolded.
Building Community Support
This year, the ASP received an outpouring of community support. Winburn shared how fans were eager to connect with the project. “Race fans will come back, and they say, ‘Yeah, we saw it last year,’” she recalled with a smile. “‘Who is winning this year?’ Some people will come the first day, the second day, and the third day to see how the progress is going. So it’s nice to have that support from the community. And really, it takes a village to raise these houses.”
A Generous Gift
Once the dust settled and the final nails were hammered down, the team from Iowa State University emerged victorious, taking home the top prize. For team member Cael Knox, the experience was life-changing. “It’s a great feeling, honestly,” said Knox, beaming with pride. “Just knowing that we’re making an impact in someone’s life, making their life better because we’re super blessed, and we want to share that blessing across the United States.”
The stakes were high as these students competed to provide three mortgage-free homes. This year, the homes are designated for a veteran and his family as well as two others who had previously faced homelessness due to rising rent costs. The impact of the event is astounding, as not only does it challenge students to showcase their skills, but it also directly translates into real-world help for families in need.
Making a Difference Together
The Race to Build event not only showcases talent and determination among the students but also emphasizes a greater message of community and compassion. As the students construct new homes, they also build hope for families who are eagerly waiting to change their living situations. With each house erected, bonds within the community strengthen, highlighting the power of coming together for a common cause.
Saturday’s event was a reminder that while the thrill of racing may bring thousands to Bristol, the real heartbeat of the community lies in collective efforts to uplift one another. The message is clear: when we work together, we can truly make a difference.
