John Peterson started racing the #83 Mini Stock at Meridian Speedway near Boise, Idaho, in 2002. Shortly after that first season, he quit tobacco after 16 years with the help of a tobacco cessation class sponsored by the state of Idaho.
After a few months without tobacco, the "Smoke Free 83" idea was created with the goal of using the racecar to convince other users to try quitting. With the help of Tar Wars, racing is also helping young fans see that not using tobacco is the cool choice.
In 2004, John's Smoke Free 83 car moved up to the Late Model Lite/Pro 4 class and took the tobacco-free message across Idaho. For 2005, the team will be on the road even more throughout Idaho and Utah. They're also planning to stay busy away from the track with Tar Wars presentations.
