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Members of the Never Alone racing team (from left) Lincoln Miller, Chris Welson, Aaron Miller, Auden Muchow and Emma Nelson. (Dennis Peterson Photo)

Never Alone racing, founded by Gronwolds, now in its third year

By Dennis Peterson

Following the tragic suicides of several young teenagers in the Fergus Falls area, their friends decided it was time to act. With the help of other friends and parents like Brock and Danna Gronwold, the “Never Alone” racing team was formed.

The Gronwolds

“Never Alone” racing is in its third year of creating a space for teens and vets who need somewhere and someone to help, listen and support in their time of need.

Brock Gronwold, a well-known racer himself, and his wife Danna created that space in his shop where the teens gather to talk and work on their race cars. Memorial weekend the team was at Bemidji Speedway with five cars in the WISSOTA Hornet class. A total of eight cars are on the team.

The team is totally self-funded and a nonprofit and they actively work to pay for parts, safety equipment and most of all, encouragement of other teens and vets. One of the race cars has the No. 22 on the side to recognize the fact that 22 vets commit suicide daily.

“If we can help just one person, we’re a success,” said Danna Gronwold.

The team is always looking for support — if you’d like to be involved, find them on Facebook.

If you are currently struggling and need to speak to someone for support, reach out by calling 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.