Ropp uses auto racing to help worthy causes

Warren Ropp has found a way to mesh auto racing and fundraising.

The local legends car dealer and driver has played a role in charity efforts at Hawkeye Downs Speedway, but his biggest endeavor is approaching quickly.

Ropp has helped organize the Fourth Annual Fallen Heroes Memorial race, benefiting Concerns of Police Survivors, which will take place Aug. 7-8, during Knoxville Nationals at Knoxville Raceway.

Ropp has been an important contributor to the legends division at Hawkeye Downs. He has helped celebrity participants to learn to drive for Van Meter's annual charity event at the asphalt track. The event in Knoxville is a little more special to him.

“It really is,” Ropp said. “I sometimes get emotional about it.”

Watch Ropp discuss the charity event on The Sports Desk

http://www.kcrg.com/sports/sportsdesk

Ropp's son, Heath, is a sergeant for the Ames Police Department. He also had a late friend and racing competitor killed in the line of duty in 2007, leaving behind a wife and five children.

“We decided we wanted to do something in his honor and we wanted to do it on a big stage,” said Ropp, noting that former Knoxville Raceway Promoter considered the race for a year before giving his approval. “The very next year, in 2010, he told us to come and do it, and we've been doing it the last three years.”

The race has raised almost $20,000 and has increased awareness for C.O.P.S. foundation. An information booth will promote the charity during the four-day sprint car event and a raffle to benefit the cause will offer prizes to fans.

About 30 drivers from across the country are expected for the races with each displaying the name of an officer who has died on the job on their car. Ropp said half of the prize money is donated back to the charity.

“It's not just about the race,” Ropp said. “It's about the cause.”

The cause assists families of fallen officers. They provide funds to children and spouses for services, including camps and retreats for counseling with others suffering the same situation. Two years ago, 13 family members received help from C.O.P.S.

“It's kind of a healing process,” Ropp said. “When something happens the C.O.P.S. foundation steps up, comes in and helps the families take care of all the loose ends that are really being hit with all of a sudden.”

Fans can watch Ropp take the track in the legends division tonight during weekly points races at Hawkeye Downs. All six divisions will compete, beginning with hot laps at 6:35 p.m. and heat races at 7:30.

Gates open at 6 p.m. Admission is $10, $7 for senior citizens and $5 for students. Children 12 years old and younger are free.

Matt Petrzelka (hobby stocks), Ben Glascock (sportsmen), Tim Plummer (modifieds), Kyle Diercks (legends) and Griffin McGrath look for repeat victories from last week. Petrzelka and Plummer lead their respective divisions. Plummer also leads late models, while Dave McCalla (sportsmen), Tim Goettsch (legends) and Kurt Bohnsack (hornets) sit atop points standings.