CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. — There is always someone who can make an impression on a person’s life.
Christian Marchese was born with Down syndrome, but that has never stopped his ability to make people smile.
Living just minutes away from Williams Grove Speedway meant that it was only a matter of time until the 2019 Boiling Springs High School grad became a diehard racing fan.
“He’s been to the races since he was 8 or 9 months [old]. We go to NASCAR races. We go to Charlotte now, and he loves it," said Debra Marchese, Christian's mom.
In fact, for the last three years, Christian and his family have traveled to Charlotte, North Carolina for the World Finals.
“Growing up, it was everything to Christian. He attended all of my races," said Jake Raudabaugh, Christian's uncle. "Then, when Kevin [Nouse] started racing, you look at all the victory lane pictures and [Christian's] there. [He always] has supported us and cheered all of us on,"
Kevin Nouse raced for nearly 30 years and a large part and his final stint before retiring was spent racing for Jake Raudabaugh part-time.
It began in the Super Sportsman, until going full-time, racing the No. 1J 358 sprint car. The team won three Williams Grove Track Championships, and nearly 20 races in total together.
The victories weren't just shared by the duo; there was always a familiar smile in victory lane with the team.
“Whether you won and got your picture taken in victory lane, or you crashed and didn’t run as well as you expected to, it was always the same for Christian. He would come into the pits, give you a big hug and was always happy to be around," recalled Nouse. " That was very refreshing and kind of contagious. It kind of changed my perspective on things; I was very competitive and very focused on racing. I was unapproachable if we had a bad night, but he changed that for me."
He became the No. 1 crew member after the races, helping to get the car back in the trailer and if the team won, Christian was the first to greet Nouse in victory lane.
“I became the track photographer at Williams Grove in 2017, and during one of the races where Kevin Nouse had won a 358 I keep hearing this voice yell "Kevin, Kevin!"," said Troy Junkins. "I look over to my left and see Christian, who is so happy and elated because Kevin won."
Even though he’s retired, Christian asserts that his favorite driver will always be Kevin Nouse.
Junkins and Nouse have become a big part of Christian’s life. They’re considered family and since Nouse retired, victory lane photos have grown.
“Brent Marks, of course, was winning a lot of races and all of a sudden, I hear "Troy!" behind me and it was Christian," said Junkins. "Somehow, it evolved into not only getting him in victory lane with Brent Marks but Lance Dewease, Brad Sweet and Logan Schuchart."
During the 2023 season, Christian was in victory lane nine times at Williams Grove, and once at Port Royal.
His infectious smile spread throughout the pits. The driver's involvement with Christian spreads Down syndrome awareness in the racing community, and it doesn’t stop there.
When it's not the racing season, Christian knows when it's basketball season; He's the Bubblers' "sixth man." For a decade, Christian has been a valuable piece to the Boiling Springs Boys Basketball Team.
“His dedication and ability to be consistent is awesome. His best ability is his availability," expressed Boiling Springs Boys Basketball head coach Brett Sheaffer. "He shows up every day [with] a great attitude. It doesn’t matter if we’re winning or losing, he’s always there for us."
He’s not just decked out as the team's biggest fan, but their "sixth man," who comes off the bench at the start of every home game. Christian was brought onto the team by the late head coach Pat Dieter.
“[He] puts a smile on our faces and reminds us [that] we’re supposed to have fun and enjoy [the game]," said Sheaffer.
“I think this really shows that this isn’t just a game for us. I know it’s only high school sports, but we are a family and it spreads farther than just on the court," said Boiling Springs Senior Guard Logan Fassl. "We’ve built relationships outside of that and Christian is just one example of that."
Win or lose, the players always take time after the game to shoot around with Christian.
“You still feel that same emotion and passion with him. He’s a great kid," said Boiling Springs Senior Forward Brayden Richie. "I hope he keeps coming back to Boiling Springs ball every year," said Brayden Richie, Boiling Springs Senior Forward.
“It makes my heart very happy because everybody is so good to him. For a mom to see that, [it] means a lot to me," said Debra.
“If everybody in the world had Christian’s outlook on life, it would be a much better place. He’s just a ray of sunshine," said Nouse.
From the racetrack to the court, Christian is making a difference without even knowing it.