Cory Witherill Day A Family Affair <br>

On Saturday, September 29, Navajo racecar driver Cory Witherill was honored at “Cory Witherill Day” in Crystal, New Mexico. The event took shape when the Crystal Chapter of the Navajo Nation asked Crystal resident Ray Baldwin Louis, who is a friend of Witherill’s, to coordinate the event. The Crystal Chapter wanted to honor Cory Witherill for his contributions to the Navajo Nation, especially his recent run in the Indianapolis 500. Cory was the first full-blooded Native American ever to run in the famous race.

Accompanying Cory to the event were Cory’s parents, Liston and Carole Witherill, along with Cory Witherill Racing’s PR and Marketing personnel, Judy Rosales and Carolyn Safford.

The event was very enjoyable for all. The morning started with a 5K Fun Run. Participants were Crystal running enthusiasts, as well as The Black Creek Cross Country Club from Fort Defiance. Robert Westbrook from Shiprock, New Mexico won the race. Most impressively, a seven-year old, Lucus Begay from Fort Defiance, took third place.

Following the race, guests were entertained by musician and Tuba City Tribal Council Member James Bilagody, as well as by the popular local band, Revolver. As guests and local residents got to know each other, Witherill autographed t-shirts and Hero Cards for fans young and old.

A traditional meal of mutton stew, ribs and fry bread was served. Following the lunch, several speakers took to the podium, including Crystal Chapter President Keith Little, Crystal Representative Ralph Bennett, Ray Baldwin Louis, and Cory Witherill. Both Crystal Representatives spoke of the honor they felt in having Cory visit their Chapter House, and about the pride they felt having a Navajo running in the Indy 500.

The newly elected Miss Navajo Nation, Jolyana Begay, spoke and sang a song to the attentive crowd. She chose a song that she wrote to encourage Navajo children to learn their language and to follow the Beauty Way in their day-to-day lives.

The crowd watched videos of Cory’s qualifying run at the Indy 500 and of his spectacular off-road racing victory at the Motocross Valvoline de Montreal in 2000. After the video presentations, Witherill talked about the excitement and pride he felt when he qualified for the Indy, and he expressed his thanks for all of the support that he received from the Native American community. Ray Baldwin Louis, who was at the Indy 500, told of the pride that he felt when he heard the announcers at the race say “Navajo, Cory Witherill,” and of his thrill when the crowd in the stands behind Cory’s pit began to chant “Co-ry, Co-ry, Co-ry” when the champ got back on the track after a spin-out in lap 134.

Following the speeches, Witherill was presented with a Navajo blanket that was woven in Crystal. Cory expressed deep gratitude for the beautiful blanket and to the people in the audience who came out to meet him. Cory’s mother Carole was presented with a silver and turquoise necklace, and his father, Liston, with two Navajo pots. Liston and Carole both then expressed thanks for the generous gifts, and their happiness that their son has received so much love from his Navajo family.

The Witherills adopted Cory in 1971 as an infant. Cory, who has thus far not been successful in finding his birth family, expressed his desire that he may one day find his family and his clan. Many members of the audience spoke up to express their gratitude to the Witherills for taking care of Cory. Miriam T. James eloquently said that she wanted to thank Liston and Carole on behalf of all Navajo mothers for taking care of Cory. She spoke from the heart when she concluded with an emotional, “We all love you, Cory.”

Cory is currently finishing up his last three races in the Indy Lights Series, and he looks forward to returning to the Navajo Nation when his schedule allows. Check out his web site at www.corywitherill.com.

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