A West Michigan Racetrack Saved a Newborn Kitten, and He Already Has a Very Important Job

If you pop a cute rescued kitten onto my feed, you're going to get my attention. But recent updates from Winston Speedway in Rothbury, Michigan, threw my brain for a loop... Why on earth was a local racetrack posting about an animal rescue like they were reporting from the bridge of the Starship Enterprise?

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Why Winston Speedway Writes Star Trek 'Captain's Logs'

Turns out, there is a method to the sci-fi madness! Track owner Andrew Heykoop bought the long-dormant Winston Speedway and gave it a big makeover before reopening it this year. To keep fans updated on track improvements during the offseason, he started writing progress reports in the tone of Captain’s Logs. The fans ate it up, engagement went through the roof, and the Star Trek bit seems to be sticking around.

So, how do you officially wrap up a successful first year at the track? Naturally, you adopt a team mascot!

Rescuing a Stray Kitten in Montague

The rescue mission started when the crew got word about a tiny kitten in distress in nearby Montague who desperately needed help.

The track team jumped into action, driving one of their emergency response trucks over to grab him and bring him back to the track.

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From there, staff took over bottle-feedings and round-the-clock care right out of the track office.

Ensign Winston: From Rescue to Racetrack Mascot

Originally dubbed Purr-K, the team officially renamed their newest crew member Ensign Winston.

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He's been settling in, putting on weight, and getting completely spoiled by the entire staff. Just recently, the little guy hit a major milestone: he opened his eyes for the very first time!

And apparently, he's already got his first official assignment. Ensign Winston is the honorary host of Rothbury's community Trunk-or-Treat on Saturday, October 31, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Double JJ Rodeo Grounds.

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The event will feature decorated trunks, costumes, candy, and free hot dogs for the first 500 guests.

It's a pretty great next chapter for a kitten who started out needing a rescue. He's found a crew looking out for him, a name of his own, and a West Michigan community celebration to be part of.

Not a bad landing spot for such a tiny traveler!