Race for Awareness: National Police Association's #31 Toyota Drives Search for Missing Teen Caleb Cook
Spotlight on Missing Persons
The upcoming ARCA Menards Pensacola 150 race at Five Flags Speedway is set to serve a dual purpose—celebrating motorsports and raising awareness for a critical cause. On Saturday, March 22, 2025, the #31 Toyota, piloted by Rita Goulet, a dedicated police officer and co-owner of Rise Motorsports, will prominently display an image of 17-year-old Caleb Nathaniel Cook from Pensacola, FL, who has been missing since December 7, 2024.
In a powerful move, the National Police Association (NPA) has partnered with Goulet to utilize the high-profile nature of motorsports to bring national attention to Caleb's case. Goulet asserts, "The National Police Association is committed to supporting the search for missing children across the country. By featuring Caleb's image on our race car, we aim to connect with a vast audience and generate vital leads that could aid in finding him."
The race, set to be streamed live on FloRacing at 8:30 PM ET, is not just a typical sporting event but a hopeful crusade aimed at reconnecting a family with their lost son. Goulet’s unique position as both a police officer and a race car driver allows for a synergy between public safety efforts and the expansive reach of motorsports, ensuring that Caleb's story gets the visibility it desperately needs.
In addition to highlighting Caleb's situation, the NPA plans to promote their overarching #SupportThePolice initiative during the event. This initiative seeks to bolster community engagement with law enforcement and illustrate the important role police officers play in safeguarding the community.
Law enforcement is hoping that the race car will inspire eyewitness accounts or tips related to Caleb’s disappearance. The Escambia County Sheriff's Office urges anyone with information regarding Caleb's whereabouts to reach out at 1-850-436-9620 or contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST. The urgency surrounding Caleb's case is palpable, and the collaborative efforts of the NPA and motorsports community aim to expedite the search.
This initiative not only seeks to bring Caleb home but also aims to raise awareness about the numerous children who go missing each year, reminding communities of the importance of proactive engagement in these matters. The National Police Association’s commitment to advocacy, education, and litigation supporting law enforcement underpins their efforts to alleviate the issue of missing children.
As the countdown to the race begins, Rita Goulet encourages the public to share Caleb's image widely and engage in conversations about missing persons. “Every share, every conversation could be the key to bringing someone home,” she adds. This heartfelt campaign reflects a unified effort to connect sports with community service, giving hope to families who find themselves in unimaginable situations.
The NPA’s #31 Toyota will undoubtedly carry a heavy weight on its hood, but it stands as a beacon of hope that Caleb and countless other missing children can be found and reunited with their families. Tune in to the ARCA Pensacola 150 on March 22 to catch a glimpse of the car and to support the cause that transcends racing—the quest to bring missing persons home.