Darin Harvey runs the Bryan and Phyllis Harvey Foundation, which supports people facing urgent, real‑life needs—like families who require housing while their child is undergoing cancer treatment. Darin is also a motorsports enthusiast and team manager.
Jake Cross: Could you share what kind of work you’ve been involved in through your foundation?
Darin Harvey: I’ve helped different hospitals and organizations around the country. I haven’t done too much international work yet, but it was truly my pleasure to help you all. It felt like the natural thing to do.
Jake Cross: You’ve been successful professionally—what motivates you to give back?
Darin Harvey: I’ve been very blessed. I’ve been successful, and if I don’t give back, it’s like—what is it all for? Just to put money into racing cars and live a hedonistic lifestyle? It’s not about that. It’s about making a difference in other people’s lives. That’s the most important thing we can do.
Jake Cross: You’re a team sponsor—what made you decide to support Race for RP?
Darin Harvey: I met Neil and we connected on a flight back to LA. I thought he was a lovely person. I respect that they’re a little older than me and still getting in a race car and doing it. Then I met his spouse, who brought us chocolates when we flew back from Indianapolis to Van Nuys. They were just lovely people, and it seemed like a good cause.
Jake Cross: When you’re deciding where to give—whether it’s a nonprofit or something more personal—what do you look for?
Darin Harvey: I’ll help big organizations, but I also help individuals when a story resonates. Recently I saw a kid’s struggle on social media—his mom was posting about his spinal cord injury. He was 15 and paralyzed, and the family was struggling with expenses, so I was able to buy a van for him.
I met the kid for the first time at the last race, and we really connected. He tells me he loves me; I tell him I love him. He inspires me. I’ve struggled with some mental health stuff, and seeing a young person go through losing use of their arms and legs—and still remain positive and inspirational—touched my heart.
Jake Cross: That’s powerful. For people who might be thinking about supporting a cause, what would you tell them?
Darin Harvey: I think we’re all on this earth to make a positive difference in other people’s lives. It’s a useless life if we’re not using our blessings to make other people’s lives better. It’s important—and spiritually, it comes back to you.
“Racing may be the setting, but the point is bigger than motorsports: it’s about showing up for people—especially when the world isn’t paying attention. Supporting rare diseases isn’t just a medical issue; it’s a values issue.”
Jake Cross: Race for RP supports rare disease research. Why is it important to support even the rarest diseases?
Darin Harvey: You all are doing wonderful work, and I’m impressed with your team. You’re helping a very important cause. A lot of rare diseases get very little funding for research. Just because very few people have a specific disease doesn’t make them any less important. In fact, it makes it more important to put eyeballs on something that not a lot of people will ever have the opportunity to see. If I can make a difference—even in a small way—it’s an honor. Because every human being has value.