ASA: Kittleson Continues to Support Missing Children in Memphis
Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
September 7, 2001Florida native looking to make fifth start of 2001 season
MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. - American Speed Association rookie Travis Kittleson is set to again use the hood of his number 30 Bob Steele Chevrolet to help find a local missing youth when the ASA ACDelco Series travels to Memphis Motorsports Par k for the Rev Up Sports Drink 200 this coming weekend, September 9. Kittleson will be working with the Markowski family in search of their 11-year-old daughter, Bethany.
Bethany Leanne Markowski was reported missing on March 5th of this year. She was last seen in the parking lot of the Old Hickory Mall in Jackson, Tennessee, at about 2:30 pm on Sunday, March 4th. Bethany's parents and investigators are hoping to get any in formation or leads that might help safely return their daughter through the program.
On July 25th, Markowski was spotted in Cleveland, Tennessee. The police have five witnesses who have positively identified Bethany. She was seen traveling with an “older woman.” The witnesses have given the police a full description of the woman and were a ble to compose a composite sketch.
Kittleson planned to run Markowski’s photo for the BFGoodrich Tires 300 at Nashville Speedway USA earlier in the year, but he was involved in a crash in practice. The accident damaged Kittleson’s car beyond repair and the team had to withdraw from the even t.
Kittleson started his Missing Child Program on May 11th, in Concord, by displaying missing eight-year-old Asha Degree on the hood of his car. He continued by displaying six-year-old Morgan Nick at Chicago Motor Speedway and 15-year-old Sara Bushland in Mad ison, Wisconsin.
“I am very honored to have met the wonderful families of these missing children, and would like to thank all of the detectives and the state bureaus of investigations for their assistance and time they dedicated to help in the missing child program,” said Kittleson. “I would like to thank ASA, TNN, FOX, ABC, CBS, NBC, local newspapers and Bob Steele Chevrolet in helping to get pictures and information on these missing children out to as many people as possible.”
Officers from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations, along with family members of Bethany Markowski, will be attending the race with Kittleson and his crew. “I am looking forward to meeting Bethany's family and assisting them and the detectives in any way I can,” said Kittleson.
Activities for the 2001 version of the Rev Up Sports Drink 200 begin on Saturday, September 8, with practice and spectator gates opening at 1 p.m. (local). Following three 50-minute practice sessions, ASA qualifications will take place at 6. Race day activ ities begin with spectator gates opening at 10 a.m., followed by ASA’s exclusive on-track autograph session at 11. Pre-race ceremonies and driver introductions will begin at 12:15 p.m., with the Rev Up Sports Drink 200 taking the green at 1.
Text provided by Jeremy Troiano
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