JANESVILLE — Thirteen-year-old race car driver Avery Linnerud, of Milton, needed money for his racing fund. Ultimately, he decided to donate half of what he collected to the Rock County Cancer Coalition.
In honor of his grandpa, Allen “Bub†Carroll, who has leukemia, Avery Linnerud last month donated $800 to help cancer coalition clients pay living expenses while receiving cancer treatments.
“I’m so incredibly impressed when a young person has the desire to help their own community over themselves,†Rock County Cancer Coalition Executive Director Lucy Beckord said.
Young start
Avery was taken to Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie by his father, Jason Linnerud, and grandpa, Gerry Linnerud, when he was just 4 years old.
“He said he wanted to drive a sprint car,†his mother, Amber Linnerud, recalls.
“And the guy sitting next to us says ‘maybe you should start with a go kart.’ So a week later, we had a go kart,†Jason Linnerud recalls.
Avery started racing in a kid kart in 2015 at Sugar River Raceway in Brodhead, when he was just 5. Two years later, he moved up to a JR 1 kart before officially transferring into a bandolero at age 9. Once in the bandolero, Avery participated in the Mighty Bando traveling series across Wisconsin, with Jefferson Speedway his home track.
Rookie of the Year
As a bandolero driver, Avery has won Rookie of the Year at State Park Speedway, was the 2021 bandolero bandit Wisconsin state champion, won 2021 Sportsman of the Year at Jefferson Speedway, and won featured races at Jefferson Speedway, Hawkeye Downs, and Madison Speedway.
Avery has raced at several Wisconsin tracks in the bandolero including Madison, Wisconsin Rapids, Wausau, Tomah, and Wisconsin Dells. He also raced in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Auburndale, Florida.
This year was Avery’s first time driving in the hobby stock division at Jefferson Speedway.
He placed 8th for the season out of 39 drivers. After competing against three other rookies, Avery won Rookie of the Year’ at Jefferson Speedway. For a registered rookie racer to win that award, they must have the highest points which are calculated based on the qualifying position, heat race time, and finishing position in the feature.
During the season championship on Sept. 9, Avery started sixth in the feature and worked his way to the front on lap 9 out of 35. He led the remaining 26 laps and received his first feature win in the hobby stock class.
Racing costs
As Avery started getting more serious with racing, he’s become aware of the costs that come with it.
“The racing fund pays for tires, upkeep, and damages that we have to fix,†he said.
The Linneruds had an idea to make stickers for people to write their names on, and to place them on the back of the car.
To be more meaningful, the family created orange ribbon stickers to represent leukemia and sold them for $25 a ribbon, with the idea of donating half of the proceeds.
Supporting those with leukemia
The choice of leukemia was important to their family.
Avery was just a year old when his grandpa was diagnosed with leukemia.
“My grandpa has been fighting cancer for a long time and I’ve always wanted to do something for him,†Avery said. “So, we raised $1,600 and gave $800 to the Rock County Cancer Coalition. I hope it helps people and makes their life better.â€
Initially, the Linnerud’s were going to donate the money to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Then, a doctor told them about the Rock County Cancer Coalition.
“We donated to the coalition because we wanted all of it, not just part of it, to go to people who need it,†Avery said.
“We hope to do better next year,†Jason said.
To help more people feel included, the family is thinking about providing a variety of colored ribbon stickers for those who want to honor loved ones affected by other types of cancer. The plan is to continue selling stickers for their race fund, with the Rock County Cancer Coalition the consistent non-profit to receive donations from the ribbon sales.
“I hope it does some good to somebody,†Amber said.
“One of the best ways to feel a sense of pride and achievement is by helping others and Avery, whether intentionally or unintentionally, will inspire and motivate our young community,†Beckord said. “The RCCC is so grateful for Avery, his supportive family and all those who support Avery.â€
Multiple times a year, Avery approaches local businesses in search of sponsors to help with his racing costs. Today, he has consistent sponsors who he writes letters to at the end of each season, thanking them for their support and encouraging them to sponsor the next season to help further his racing career.
When it comes to being a professional race car driver, Avery said “it’d be cool, but it’s hard to get there.†He understands it’s not just about talent, but also about having the means to go pro. Either way, Avery said he is more than happy to become a mechanic as he truly enjoys tinkering with cars.
“If you know somebody that’s affected by something and you want to raise money for that cause, do it,†Avery said. “It will always help somebody out.â€
