At just 16 years old, Live Oak’s Payne Pickles draws inspiration from God, his family, and from his premature nephew Bryson Chain Cheney. “He opened his eyes and looked right into my soul,” Payne said. “As we looked into each others eyes, we both seemed to connect and tell each other that with love and faith in God we would win this race for life together.”

Payne’s nephew was born at only 29 weeks weighing a mere 2 lbs. 3 oz. Due to Bryson’s tiny body and the apnea and bradycardia he suffered from as a result of his prematurity, the infant spent the first 81 days of his life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Payne was so touched by his nephew’s journey and by the help his family received from the March of Dimes, he is now using his stock car racing talent to raise money for the organization. Payne scored pole at the 150-lap qualifying event at the Bristol Tennessee Motor Speedway on August 11 with the new March of Dimes decal on his Chevy stock car.

With the March of Dimes banner displayed over the pit area, Payne and his mother, Debbie Pickles, avid supporters of the cause, spent the race weekend selling bracelets and providing pamphlets to explain the foundation’s research efforts to race goers. They received donations from race teams and spoke to others who shared their prematurity story.  Payne and his mother were “amazed that so many people had an experience in their own family or someone they knew with a premature baby."

As with any obstacle he’s faced, Payne refused defeat. He hopes to race again and is looking for a sponsor to assist in his cause. Payne is using his expertise and passion to make a difference and save lives. But Payne is no stranger to racing.

Payne has been racing dirt bikes for years and currently carries the title of multi-state asphalt and dirt champion. Ready for a new challenge, Payne turned to NASCAR amateur stock car racing and participates in the NASCAR All American Wheeler Series. The Pickles family continues to support Payne and adheres to the motto that “keeping kids at the track, keeps kids on track.”

Payne continues to overcome obstacles, through his talent both on the track and off. His passion to raise money and awareness for the March of Dimes is saving babies, one race at a time.