Baker’s BMS Appearance Not Just About Qualifying

Brad Baker knows challenges.

As a driver for one of the few remaining independent Nationwide Series teams, the 33-year-old Nashville resident faces long odds to simply qualify for races.

Baker came to Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend with extra incentive. The side of his No. 37 Baker Curb Racing Ford featured a photo of Chase Donnell, a 10-year-old Murfreesboro resident who died Monday after battling cancer.

"It’s an emotional thing, especially since I have three boys," Baker said. "Chase was a great kid, and we were proud to spread the word about him."

Gary Baker, co-owner of the two-car Baker Curb team, learned of Donnell’s story through officials with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Baker said he was touched by Donnell’s courage and selflessness.

"Just one year ago, Chase was a perfectly happy and athletic kid. Then he had to deal with a very aggressive case of leukemia," Baker said.

When Donnell was asked about a wish, he opted for new athletic equipment for his schoolmates.

"Chase didn’t even think about himself, he was more concerned about his buddies. He was really hoping to have the chance to see his friends use the new basketballs and other equipment in gym class at school.

"Here is a kid who is dying, yet he still wants to take care of his buddies. That’s amazing."

When Gary Baker learned that Donnell had a passion for NASCAR, he eagerly volunteered to arrange a party complete with a Baker Curb showcar and team personnel.

"Chase didn’t even ask for the party, but his face lit up when he heard the news that a real NASCAR racecar would be there," Baker said. "We were going to do a big party for Chase and his friends and gave away some souvenirs, then we got a call and found out that Chase didn’t make it.

"It’s been a tough week. Man, I really wish we could have had that party."

For Gary and Brad Baker, the decision to put a photo of the smiling Donnell and his puppy on their racecar was natural.

"We decided that since we couldn’t give Chase a party, we would give him a ride around Bristol Motor Speedway in our own way," Gary Baker said. "This weekend was all about Chase.

"Something like this just makes everybody want to go home and hug their kids."