KENT, Wash. -- A racecar driver won the race against cancer, and now Dick Pierson hopes to win the classic car race at Le Mans.

The kids at Children’s Hospital in Seattle have something at stake here, too.

The practice course at Pacific Raceways in Kent is dry and racing conditions are perfect. Pierson is putting the pedal to the metal.

At age 60, Pierson is living his dream. It is one that almost didn't come true. First he had a heart attack in 2002 and then prostate cancer.

"I had surgery on March 1st and by June 30th, I was in the seat of a race car so I feel pretty good about that," he said.

Today it's Pacific Raceways. But soon, Pierson will take his driving skills to the 24 Hours at Le Mans Classic.

He'll be racing in his 1974 Olympia Charger. It is one of only two NASCAR sedans ever invited to race at Le Mans. That was 1976.

30 years later and after Dick beat cancer, he got the rare invitation to drive in the Classic race highlighting the old cars from 1923-1979.

"Literally the first lap that I made in Le Mans with the car I started to tear up and I just couldn't believe it," he said. "It's the most amazing experience I've had in my whole life."

Now he gets to go back this July with his good friend Don Kitch, Jr. of Team Seattle. It is a team of drivers that's raised more than $3 million for Children's Hospital.

"It's a wonderful privilege to represent our wonderful city of Seattle and make money for our wonderful miracle house, Children's Hospital here in Seattle," Kitch said.

They'll be teaming with American Children's Hospital in Paris when they run the actual ‘24 Hours at Le Mans’ in 2009.

"Dreams really do come true," Pierson said. "If you just hang in there and give it time and don't get excited about it, pay your dues it will all happen for you, eventually."

Car racing is in their blood, but their hearts are with the kids.

Pierson was practicing with a friend's car Monday because the Olympia Charger is already over in Europe getting ready for the July 10th race.

For More Information:

www.Olympia-charger.com

www.teamseattle.com