The Nighthawk Foundation
Empowering Veterans and Children Through Motorsports and Education
About The Nighthawk Foundation
The Nighthawk Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming lives through the power of motorsports and education. Founded by Navy veteran, engineer, and motorsports enthusiast Felix Giles, our foundation harnesses the spirit of off-road racing to create meaningful experiences for veterans and children. We believe that through resilience, perseverance, and community support, we can inspire individuals to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.
Our mission is to provide veterans and children with access to educational programs and recreational activities that foster strength, hope, and lasting connections. By combining the excitement of motorsports with structured learning opportunities, we create unforgettable experiences that build confidence, develop critical skills, and cultivate a supportive community where every participant feels valued and empowered.
Felix “Nighthawk” Giles
Felix “Nighthawk” Giles is an American motorsports pioneer, U.S. Navy Veteran, Aerospace Engineer, Educator and Motivational Speaker. He is best known for breaking racial barriers in professional motorsports and for his diverse career spanning military service, engineering, education and competitive racing.
Giles served 13 years serving with the U.S. Navy submarine service as a sonar technician, as well as a member of the Nuclear Reliability Weapons Team and Foreign Military Sales Team. Giles has also held top engineering positions working on the B2 Stealth Bomber, various Submarine Systems, and the Top Gun and Red Flag training systems. His time in the Navy developed his technical expertise, discipline and leadership skills.
Giles earned the nickname “Nighthawk” through his racing career. He is a former NASCAR driver, who became the first Black driver to compete in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and was the first Black to race in the Baja 1000 Offroad Desert Race, in Baja, Mexico. Giles has a legacy, as one who helped break through the barrier for Blacks participating in the motorsport scene. He was honored on the Floor of Congress by Congressman Louis Stokes (D) of Ohio and entered into the Congressional Record.
Felix Giles is a true Humanitarian. Helping others isn’t about recognition for him, it’s about connection and responsibility. You will always find him listening closely, stepping in quietly where help is needed, and treating everyone with dignity, no matter their background or circumstance. He has dedicated his time to serving veterans and children with special needs, bringing care, dignity, and support to those who need it most.” Every act of kindness grows the spirit of community and that is what makes Heroes like Felix Giles……
Felix “Nighthawk “Giles is a former NASCAR driver, who became the first Black driver to compete in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and was the first Black to race in the Baja 1000 Offroad Desert Race, in Baja, Mexico. Giles has a legacy, as one who helped break through the barrier for Blacks participating in the motorsport scene, as it was predominately white dominated sport during his early years as a race driver. For his efforts in paving the way for African Americans in motorsports, he was honored on the Floor of Congress by Congressman Louis Stokes (D) of Ohio and entered into the Congressional Record
Felix served 13 years serving with the U.S. Navy as a sonar technician, as well as a member of the Nuclear Reliability Weapons Team and Foreign Military Sales Team. Giles has also held top engineering positions working on the B2 Stealth Bomber, various submarine systems, and the Top Gun and Red Flag training systems.
Giles grew up in Cleveland Ohio where segregation was a very common theme. However, Giles never let his circumstances stop him from achieving his goals.
Cathy Carpenter
As President of The Nighthawk Foundation, Cathy Carpenter is an Innovative, creative Administrative Manager and Director of Community Engagement with more than thirty years of experience with non-profit multi-services agencies as well as those serving the healthcare and education fields, throughout a diverse community. Significant areas of expertise include grant writing, program development, implementation, coalition building, community relations, intergenerational activities, customer service and fundraising and volunteer recruitment. Holds a B.S. in Business Management with an emphasis in organizational behavior
She serves on Vendor Advisory Council for the North Los Angeles Regional Center, a non-profit agency that provides community-based services to individuals with disabilities. MAPS Charities a community-based non-profit organization, helping older adults and their families. As a Case Manager, she helps Veterans and their families secure healthcare and benefits and ONE Generation’s Fund Development Committee whose mission is to help families live a healthier life. She was honored to be one of the recipients of the “45 Friends of ONE generation Award in 2023 and is passionate about providing support, resources and aid to individuals and families.
Steve Buckley
Steve Buckley is an accomplished business leader and professional athlete. His experience spans from the leadership of a Global Management Consulting Practice for Gartner Inc., to competing at a professional level in long distance offroad racing in Baja Mexico and the US for over 40 years.
Mr. Buckley’s Management Consulting career spanned over 35 years as a Managing Vice President in the Consulting Division Gartner Inc. He was the global lead of the IT Leaders Practice Groups. He has extensive domestic and global experience with Public and Private organizations, providing business and technology leadership.
He is also a participant and team leader in many of the most prestigious and difficult long distance off-road races in North America. He has participated on motorcycles and in cars, as a 16 time Baja 1000 racer with three class wins and championships. There are many other accomplishments in races such as the Baja 500, Mint 400, Norra 1000 and Vegas to Reno.
Mr. Buckley also supports multiple non-profit organizations with a focus on veterans, children and off-road racers.
Felix “Nighthawk” Giles – From Submariner to Motorsport! on YouTube’s Veterans Impact Show: VIEW HERE
Click here for the story behind The Nighthawk Foundation
Our Programs and Services
Educational Programs
Comprehensive educational initiatives designed to develop critical thinking, technical skills, and personal growth for veterans and children, with a focus on STEM and life skills development.
Recreational Motorsports Activities
Exciting off-road racing and motorsports experiences that inspire confidence, build camaraderie, and create unforgettable memories for participants of all skill levels.
Community Support and Mentorship
Peer mentorship programs and community engagement initiatives that connect veterans and children, fostering lasting relationships and providing ongoing support for personal development and resilience.