Rick Avila will be competing in his zebra-themed modified this season in the North State Modified 2018 "Driving Out Cancer" Tour

Via NSMS Media

The North State Modified Series (NSMS), presented by Protect the Harvest, will be dedicating its 2018 racing season to cancer awareness and research. The 2018 “Driving Out Cancer Tour” was inspired by NSMS competitor Rick Avila, 55, of Pleasanton, CA.

Avila first noticed abdominal symptoms of a Neuroendocrine Tumor (NET) at the age of 42. He dismissed and ignored the pain for 11 years before going back to the doctor. Three days later he was rushed to surgery to remove tumors in his small intestine. Avila still has many Stage 4 cancer NETs in his liver which are not surgically removal.

Avila receives Octreotide injections every 28 days to prevent spreading and growth of the NETs. Because of the treatment, some of his tumors have been reduced in size 10% to 50%.

Avila, along the NSMS, want to educate and bring awareness to the race fans about cancer and cancer prevention. The cancer ribbon for NETs is zebra stripes. Avila will be piloting a zebra-themed #42o modified in the tour this season. He will be spreading the word about his situation as well as other facts about “Driving Out Cancer.”

Race fans will be offered special decals, and North State Modified “Driving Out Cancer” Tee-shirts will be on sale at each race track on the tour. Donations for this profound matter will be accepted during the races, or at http://www.valleycare.com/foundation-ways-to-give.aspx. Several drivers, including 3-time NSMS champion Darrin Knight of Kelseyville, and Dustin DeRosier of Cloverdale, have already pledged to donate 10% of their winnings to the cause.

The season opener for NSMS is at Shasta Speedway in Anderson, CA on May 12.

The North State Modified Series is presented by: Protect the Harvest, Lucas Oil, Ward Land Management, Hoosier Tire West, Sunoco Race Fuels, Naake Suspension, Five Star Bodies, Racer Bling, Keyser Racing Products, and Scribner Plastics.