Race fans are special
Dustin Bowden of Moab is like any other race fan. He's passionate about the action, is true to his driver, and hates that driver's competition.
But the 21-year-old has a rare disease known as Williams Syndrome, along with a heart defect that has required several surgeries. Racing like his favorite driver, Jeff Gordon, isn't an option.
Thanks to the love and support of his family, Bowden got a surprise for his 21st birthday he won't soon forget.
While he hasn't gotten to meet Jeff Gordon - yet - some of his family members arranged for him to see the season finale of the Bullring on Saturday night at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
The trip not only included race tickets, but the family received a behind-the-scenes tour and a tailgate party.
"Our daughter-in-law's sister (Tara Campbell) made contact with Jeff Gordon's managers. At the end of the day, it worked out that we got to come to the speedway for this," said Randy Bowden, Dustin's father. "We know it's not NASCAR, but he can see what it's like."
"He loves to watch racing on TV," added Dustin's mom, Kathy. "Even though it's not a Jeff Gordon thing, I know he'll love it."
But with racing comes a large amount of noise. Kathy went out and got him a gift to help.
"Dustin doesn't like the noise, so we went out and got him earmuffs," she said. "I'm thrilled this can happen for him."
As for Gordon's soon-to-be teammate, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Dustin's feelings are known loud and clear.
"If anyone mentions Dale Jr., he has a fit. He decides on one thing, he sticks with it," Kathy said.
Dustin's room is painted in a complete Jeff Gordon motif, from red to yellow - Gordon's primary car colors - to the black and white of the checkered flag. A digitized picture of Dustin sitting in a car with Gordon also hangs on the wall.
While the dream to meet Jeff Gordon is still on the horizon, the family isn't giving up.
"Whatever can be arranged, we'd love for him to meet (Gordon)," Kathy Bowden said. "He would know it if he met him."
Until then, the family got to experience the best possible alternative. With the heart defect having the potential to limit Dustin's life span not much past age 30, every day, every memory the family can make is a joy to behold.
"He's a joy to raise in personality," Randy Bowden said.
"Waking up every morning and seeing his smiling face is a blessing," Kathy Bowden added.
For Dustin Bowden, just being at the track, even if Jeff Gordon isn't there, is one more reason to celebrate the feeling of being alive.
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