NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

NHRA Top Fuel driver Joe Morrison is preparing to pull double-duty at this weekend's Dodge NHRA Indy Nationals presented by Pennzoil. No, he isn’t entered in two different categories at this weekend’s Dodge Indy Nationals. Instead, the driver of the Leverich Racing Top Fuel Dragster and CEO of Right2Breathe is excited about hosting a respiratory-disease awareness, and education display in the NHRA Manufacturers Midway Saturday and Sunday at Lucas Oil Raceway, while also attempting to qualify for his first race-day start. 

Morrison is a huge believer in the drag racing family. After all, he is the first-born son of two parents who had their first date at legendary Island Dragway – the home of the first 200-mph run by Don Garlits. Although the Top Fuel pilot from Flemington, N.J., is entering his second race behind the wheel of the Leverich Racing dragster, this is the fifth time in three years that the Right2Breathe Project has been showcased at an NHRA national event, with previous stops in Charlotte, Epping, and twice at Reading. 

The Right2Breathe Project is a robust, grassroots marketing lung health education, awareness, and screening campaign hosted at public venues ranging from automotive car shows, drag races, and trade shows to sporting events including professional baseball in the United States. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the free screening portion – or spirometry exams -- will not be available for those attending the Dodge NHRA Indy Nationals. However, respiratory experts will be onsite to answer questions – including updated data from the CDC and lung disease patients-specific tips provided by renown Pulmonologist and Right2Breathe Board Member Dr. Brian Carlin, MD.

“While racing a Top Fuel dragster on Sunday morning has always been my dream, helping the 50 million Americans living with respiratory diseases is our reality at Right2Breathe,” said Morrison. “Since 2014, we’ve completed thousands of free spirometry exams, helped provide a baseline for people to be diagnosed correctly, and provided practical resources to patients and caregivers alike. But to be honest, the growth of activity we’ve experienced during the COVID-19 Pandemic has been incredible.”

Morrison is referring to the dramatic increase in participation with their latest health awareness initiative, the Right2Breathe Pulmonary Chat Online Patient Support program. This online chat is a live video conference, hosted three times per months with medical experts providing presentations and answering patient and caregiver questions about living with Asthma, COPD, and other respiratory diseases. 

“This virus has impacted the drag racing community, with folks like Bobby Bennett, Todd Smith, and Whit Bazemore struggling with symptoms of COVID-19 – and these guys are generally healthy dudes,” stated Morrison. “COVID-19 is a real disease, but there are many people who are at higher risk of developing severe symptoms and complications than others. Those with underlying conditions sometimes need peace of mind, especially with all the conflicting information being spread through social media and general media outlets.”

“And this is what our online chat program offers. The virtual presentation is 100 percent free, completely secure and complies with all HIPPA regulations. Respiratory disease patients, caregivers, or those that simply want to learn some facts about Asthma, COPD, and IPF -– or have questions about COVID-19 can sign-up by visiting the Right2Breathe Facebook page and registering via the Events tab.” 

Visitors to the Dodge Indy Nationals can stop by the Right2Breathe display in the manufacturers midway to have their questions answered and learn more about how to sign up for the free online services offered by Right2Breathe.