Soldier Named Honorary Flagman for Ricky’s Race at Twin State:

 Claremont, NH (9/24/09) – U.S. Army Lt. Colonel, Philip Ayer has been named Honorary flagman for the second annual “Ricky’s Race for Kid’s” Sunday, October 4, at Twin State Speedway, in Claremont. NH. The 42 year old veteran soldier will drop the green flag on the 112 lap True Value Modified Racing Series event, presented by Granite State Harley Davidson of Lebanon, NH.

Ayer has served our country all over the world with stops in Germany, Somalia, and Kosovo. He is presently stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Ayer is also the son of the late Donnie Ayer, a popular and successful modified racer, who was the honorary flagman for last years race prior to his passing.   Ayer looks forward to the race that honors Ricky Miller, who passed away in 2004, as well as Kirby Monteith in 2008 and his Dad, who died this past January.

“I am truly thrilled to be the honorary starter for this year's race and would like to thank Donnie Miller and his family for offering me this opportunity.  My father held this honor last year before he succumbed to cancer and it would be a great tribute in his memory this year. “

Ayer has fond memories of his time spent at Claremont Speedway (Twin State) as a youngster.  “This also brings back the many days and nights I spent at Claremont Speedway while growing up and the little racing flag set that my mom made for me.  I brought them to the track every week and did my best until someone from the speedway told me to put them away because it was distracting the drivers.” To my surprise the drivers weren't distracted after all. They enjoyed my grandstand flagging and I had my flags back in hand the following week"

Ayer furthered, “I remember as a child, Ricky and I both loved our racing families, we would always welcome the opportunity to play when our dads got together to talk about racing, watch racing, or working on the cars, Ayer said.

This year’s race benefits David’s House, a home-away-from-home that offers support for families with children receiving treatment through Children's Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, in New Hampshire.

The winner of the special 112 lap race will also will earn their car owner a guaranteed starting spot in the 7th Annual John Blewett III Memorial North-South Shootout TM. slated for Concord Speedway in Concord, NC, on November 7, 2009.