Something was missing when Pete Berner, Pro Stock driver, arrived for Winner’s Circle photos following his victory at the IHRA Torco Race Fuels Presidents Cup Nationals at the Budd’s Creek facility several weeks ago. He searched high and low throughout the Maryland International Raceway property, but to no avail.

Berner had planned to present this missing individual member the winner’s trophy, because this one individual had made that much of a difference in his heart.

The interesting part, this individual was not an integral member of the crew.

In fact, she had become a part of the crew only the day before and only by a twist of fate. The unfortunate part of the entire story, Berner hasn’t seen or heard from his newest crew member since that Saturday meeting.

Berner had just run a 6.294 elapsed time  at 221.74 miles per hour to claim the third spot in one of the quickest-ever IHRA Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Stock field during Saturday qualifying.

Berner had planned to present this missing individual member the winner’s trophy, because this one individual had made that much of a difference in his heart.

The interesting part, this individual was not an integral member of the crew.

In fact, she had become a part of the crew only the day before and only by a twist of fate. The unfortunate part of the entire story, Berner hasn’t seen or heard from his newest crew member since that Saturday meeting.

Berner had just run a 6.294 elapsed time  at 221.74 miles per hour to claim the third spot in one of the quickest-ever IHRA Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com Pro Stock field during Saturday qualifying.

It was after that run, Berner explained that a lady, accompanied by a young child, walked over to his spot in the garage to inform him he was her favorite driver and that his Pontiac GTO was her choice of cars.

Admitting that he’s been around racing for a long time, Berner cherishes his interaction with the race fans, but almost chalked up this meeting to another moment with an admiring race fan.

Something the woman said completely changed both his thinking and his weekend.

“I’ve got terminal cancer and it’s my wish that tomorrow you win this race,” the woman said.

Berner walked back into his trailer, away from the hustle and bustle of the pits, and he wept. The fact he’d run the quickest and fastest run of his career was secondary. He was joined by his wife Cheryl, who also shared in the moment.

Berner gained his composure and returned to find the race fan still standing there and presented her with a few t-shirts. Inviting her back to the next day’s racing was a absolute priority.

“She told me if you could win maybe I could win and it just tore me up,” Berner said.

Berner then told her, “I’m gonna do everything in my power along with my crew to win this race for you.” 

And he did.

Berner delivered big time. Not only did he win the event, but he also took over the championship points with one race to go. That race is this weekend in Rockingham, North Carolina.

The only problem is that Berner has a trophy and no idea who to give the prize. He did, after all, win not just for himself but for his new crewmember.

“I’m gonna find that lady,” Berner said. “I didn’t see her at the track on Sunday at all.  I’m gonna track her down and she’s gonna get that trophy.”

In the big picture – Berner – who is on the verge of a second championship with a good showing this weekend – says this incident just reminds us of the important priorities in life.

“It kinda tells us what life’s all about,” said Berner. “I’ve been racing since I was 13 years old and it is a sport that just makes you cherish every moment.  Our team prayed together for her and I just haven’t been able to get her out of my system. I drove like the old Pete Berner, kept getting good lights all day long and she was riding with me that whole day long.” 

For Berner, he spent all day trying to win a trophy. He’s spent weeks trying to give the precious reminder away.

Berner will be bringing the trophy with him to Rockingham.

“If anyone knows who this is, please help me,” Berner said. “This means a lot to us.”

Berner is reaching out to anyone he can when it comes to reaching this race fan. If you have any information on the identity of this race fan might be, please drop us an email – SPECIAL RACE FAN .