Every year at Dominion Raceway, Mini Tyrrell races for more than himself. His non-profit organization, Mini’s Mission, gives children with severe illnesses and disabilities financial aid and a getaway to the Mini’s Mission 125 weekend with CARS Tour stars.
From a young age, Tyrrell has always stepped up to help kids in need of medical support. His charity’s roots stem from helping his childhood friend, Ella, was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2010.
Tyrrell has raised almost $1 million to assist families in need.
“I’m lucky that I’m the face of it in the face of Mini’s mission.” Tyrrell said. “And then it just warms my heart to see everybody enjoy it every year”
He has taken Scout, one of the kids that Mini’s Mission has helped through her medical battles, to three out of four Mini’s Mission race weekends.
“All those kids are way stronger than I am, 100%.” Tyrrell said. “Scout, I was lucky enough to have this weekend, and she missed last year, so she didn’t get the victory lane celebration. And this year, I think that was awesome, ’cause she got to do it with me…. I want her to go home, and have that trophy in her room, wherever it is, and be able to look at that and be like, ‘I was a part of that’.”
Tyrrell has won this special event two years in a row.
Origins of Mini’s Mission
The battle Ella faced when she was very young sparked Tyrrell’s passion for helping children in need. Their parents have been friends since high school, so they have been close since birth.
Ella was diagnosed with a brain tumor at the age of four, and Tyrrell wanted to help as soon as he found out.
“Honestly, without her, I don’t know if any of this would have come.” Tyrrell said. “I like to help people when I can, and I’m fortunate enough to be healthy, and my family’s healthy, and I live a great life, andI’m in a position to be able to get back. And it’s not my money, it’s all the wonderful people that are here that have donated to this cause and that allows me to put this event together. So, it means a lot to have her here and that she’s doing great to this day”
She was Tyrrell’s inspiration to start his non-profit foundation. Recently, Ella has stepped up to play an active part of Mini’s Mission.
“It’s really an amazing thing to be a part of and to witness.” Ella said. “All the kids are always so happy, and having fun, and all that bad stuff goes away for the weekend, and it’s truly a blessing to watch. These families get to come out and get a break from everything for the weekend, and get to focus on something else, and just have some fun.”
Tyrrell’s racing career and time apart has distanced the two friends, but Ella knows their bond will never weaken.
Dominion’s strongest scout
Tyrrell’s race weekend partner for the weekend, Scout, has had the gift of being a vital part of the Mini’s Mission CARS Tour weekend for the past few years.
She looks forward to setting aside her medical battle every year in exchange for having a special experience with Tyrrell and the CARS Tour.
Scout participated in the Mini’s Mission dinner at Tyrrell’s house on Thursday, got a jetski ride before going to the banquet on Friday, experienced a taste of speed before the garage opened on raceday by riding in Tyrrell’s late model stock car, and celebrated in victory lane with him.
“I love everything speed, and every year it felt better and better.” Scout said. “Like, he’s [Tyrrell] put so much of his heart and soul into it, and I just have loved every year coming here. And I just so appreciative to have something like this to be able to go to, and it just feels like you can feel the love. Like you feel like you’re a part of the family of Mini’s Mission after like the first second you walk in the door.”
The sense of community means the world to both Scout and her mother, Tiffany. From a parent’s perspective, she is grateful to have an outlet to connect with other families who are going through the same journey.
“Sometimes as a cancer family maybe we’re in our own little world, and then we do come to events and get connected with other families.” Tiffany said. “But, something unique about us is the very first year, we got connected to a family. We’re still connected with them, and they check in on us, and we really do feel like family.
Tyrrell is proud to see the whole family engage in what he loves most, and be able to put their worries aside.
“It really kind of takes the pressure off of mom and dad for a weekend, and allows them to come here and get to know us, and we get to see some racing.” Tyrrell said.
One of the winning trophies was given to Scout by Tyrrell so she can forever remember the victory they earned together.
Coming back stronger than ever
Last year, Chad McCumbee’s weekend partner Lincoln passed away suddenly on the drive home from Dominion.
Lincoln’s father, Jonathon stayed active within Mini’s Mission and came back this year stronger than ever before to help other families through hard times.
His two other children were present alongside him and McCumbee’s team. McCumbee did everything he could to get Jonathon’s family a good race finish.
“Even though I couldn’t see those last few laps, I’m like, ‘man, if I get a shot at this thing, I’m gonna give them guys upstairs a reason to penalize me’.” McCumbee said. “ I just wanted it so bad, you know, super special. We’ve made lifelong friends with their family. And, I think his father really enjoys us.”
Jonathon wants to be a part of Mini’s Mission and the race weekend for years to come.
How to get involved
Mini’s Mission has partnered with other foundations in racing, including Jeff Gordon’s Children Foundation and Children’s National Hospital.
To donate and get involved with Tyrrell’s foundation, visit Minismission.org.
