CART News

Rolex Bob Snodgrass Award of Excellence Announced For 2011 And Beyond
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 29, 2010) - The Rolex Bob Snodgrass Award of Excellence presented by The Gorsline Company, the first of which will be awarded in 2011, was announced today at the Rolex Watch USA's Grand Marshal's dinner. The event kicks off the 2010 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series at the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway, Jan. 30-31.

This inaugural award, a Rolex Stainless Steel and Platinum Yacht-Master Watch, engraved with the words "The Bob Snodgrass Award of Excellence," will be presented at the end of the 2010 Grand-Am Series to the team owner or team manager who has demonstrated the qualities of integrity, passion for the sport and the love of cars that have been synonymous with the late Bob Snodgrass throughout his life and career.

The Award of Excellence will be presented in perpetuity and supported by The Gorsline Company, the premier insurer of high-risk professionals. A blue-ribbon panel of motorsports professionals will make the selection.

Snodgrass passed away in 2007 at the age of 64. He was president of Brumos Racing, and president and CEO of the Brumos auto dealerships in Jacksonville, Fla., where he lived for 35 years. As a team owner he has three Rolex 24 at Daytona wins (Brumos Racing has eight) and a total of 10 wins at Daytona. He was a driving force behind the formation of the Grand American Road Racing Association and the Daytona Prototype class. Born in Elmira, N.Y., he saw his first race at Watkins Glen, N.Y., and was hooked. Famous for his humor and wit and an accomplished vintage-car racer, Snodgrass, with Peter Gregg, who owned Brumos Porsche from 1965 until his death in 1980, were instrumental in Brumos' entry into motorsports.

Hurley Haywood, the winningest driver at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, with five victories, and a co-driver with Peter Gregg in Brumos-backed cars since 1971, made the announcement.

"I am privileged and honored to have had Bob Snodgrass as a longtime and enduring friend and business associate," said Haywood, who is Vice President of the Brumos automotive dealerships. "There are many team owners and managers in the Grand-Am Series who exemplify Bob's passion for the sport, so it will be a tough decision for the panel to select just one."

Said John Gorsline, principal of The Gorsline Company, "Bob Snodgrass was a remarkable individual, who had an uncanny business and racing savvy to bring Brumos into the championship spotlight for so many years. We are honored to present this award which will help keep his memory alive for many, many years."

"Bob was a great friend to so many in this sport, whether in the Grand-Am Series or in other forms of automobile racing in which he was involved for so many years," commented Allen Brill, Rolex USA President and CEO. "We look forward to presenting this special award at next year's event."

Road Atlanta, LLC Names Austin Hatcher Foundation as an Official Charity
News from The Austin Hatcher Foundation
BRASELTON, Georgia (August 25, 2009) — The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer and Road Atlanta are joining forces to fight pediatric cancer. Beginning with Road Atlanta’s 2009 racing season, The Austin Hatcher Foundation will be an official charity of Road Atlanta. Road Atlanta has pledged to raise money for and to provide support to the Austin Hatcher Foundation for the next five years. With every ticket purchase, Road Atlanta will give customers the opportunity to add a $1.00 per ticket donation to the Austin Hatcher Foundation. This donation program will be offered with all Road Atlanta merchandise sales, as well.

Road Atlanta will be participating in and providing support for the Austin Hatcher Foundation’s annual fundraising and diversionary therapy events centered around Motorsports. In the past these events have focused on the Petit Le Mans event and have included the Suzuki Motorcycle raffle, and the Petit Le Mans Charity Ride. During these events families dealing with pediatric cancer are treated to VIP racing passes and the opportunity to leave life’s worries behind for a few hours. “We’re proud to help with fundraising efforts for such an important cause which helps families in the most trying times and to use our top-notch motorsports event as a platform to raise awareness for pediatric cancer,” said Geoff Lee, President of Road Atlanta. “It’s also nice to be able provide a brief escape for patients and their families with a day out at the races. I would like to personally encourage our fans to contribute to the Austin Hatcher Foundation in any way possible and by making a small donation when they purchase tickets to this year’s Petit Le Mans, Sept. 23-26.”

The Austin Hatcher Foundation was formed in 2006 after Amy Jo and Jim Osborn unexpectedly lost their infant son Hatch to a rare form of pediatric cancer just days after their 3rd Annual Pediatric Cancer Diversionary Therapy/Fundraising event held in conjunction with Road Atlanta’s Petit Le Mans. “Road Atlanta’s staff has played a key role in our life and in the lives of many other families dealing with pediatric cancer. Even before we lost our own son to cancer, Road Atlanta’s diversionary therapy events supported families that in some cases had limited time together,” said Jim Osborn. “This relationship with Road Atlanta will allow us to continue the tradition that started even before we founded the Austin Hatcher Foundation and will continue to serve so many families that normally could not afford the cost or time to enjoy such an event.”

Road Atlanta, a multipurpose motorsports facility, is recognized as one of the world's best race courses. The facility not only hosts professional and amateur sports car and motorcycle races, but is also the site of the Skip Barber Racing School, as well as corporate programs and motor sports team testing. The track is a 2.54 mile, 12-turn world class course which hosts 320,000 visitors yearly.

The Austin Hatcher Foundation’s mission is to support research towards the diagnosis, treatment and development of a cure for pediatric cancer, and to provide support and hope to children and families undergoing treatment as well as those who have lost children due to cancer. The Foundation has developed a landmark group of programs and services essential to help cancer stricken children and their families function within their community. Designed as a safe haven for families, Hatch’s House of Hope will connect them with these landmark services.

The Hope House is a unique concept designed to keep the family unit whole when dealing with pediatric cancer. Specifically, these services include IEP neurocognitive testing, educational programming to help effected children overcome their cognitive and learning deficits, emotional counseling for the cancer affected child, their siblings and parents, and marital and financial counseling to ensure a safe environment to maximize the family growth as a whole. Chattanooga, TN is the site of the first Hatch’s House of Hope, which will open September 18th, 2009. For more information, visit www.hatcherfoundation.org

Racing For America: Primetime Race Group Hosted Post 9/11 Veterans, Soldiers and First Responders at The Northeast Grand Prix
News from Primetime Racing
FT. LAUDERDALE, FL (August 12, 2009) - As a part of Primetime Race Group’s - a privateer sports car racing team - continued support to the Race For America campaign with the Post 9/11 Foundation, the American Le Mans Series racing team hosted veterans, first responders and soldiers at the Northeast Grand Prix at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, CT on July 17th and 18th, 2009. The Post 911 Foundation is a Non-Profit Organization dedicated to honoring and assisting first responders and veterans who have served our nation in the aftermath of 9/11. The Foundation undertakes creative grass roots awareness, community support, and tangible assistance for members of the Military, Government, Police, and Firefighter communities, as well as other great Americans who have answered the call to duty since the attacks of September 11, 2001.

“For small organizations like ours and those of our sponsors that are trying to move past the tragedy of 9/11 but still create public aware of issues, visible scars, and invisible ones that First Responders are facing every day, I thank you. We originally partnered with Primetime after being invited to the Sebring Race by one of their Sponsor Don Loke from Louis Moinet Timepieces. I have always considered myself an old motor head and love the "Little Guy vs. the Corporate Man" aspect of Joel Feinberg being an independent race team with an American Car, the Dodge Viper. When the Primetime team was in Saint Pete for the Grand Prix we held an event at the oldest VFW Post in the South - Post 39. Once again it was a great success!” states Scott Neil, Post 9/11 Foundation Founder and still serves at the Special Operations Command.

The Northeast Grand Prix was host to a number of special Soldiers, Police Officers, Federal Law Enforcement Officers and their families. Detective Richard J. Miller, of the NYPD’s Emergency Service Unit who raised the first American flag over Ground Zero to honor his fallen comrades and to rally the other first responders and several others. Soldiers honored at the race included; Captain Rodriguez from the Fighting 69th, SSG Casanova and soldier and current Connecticut, SSG Waters founder of the Combat Veterans Sports Foundation, Master Sergeant Scott Neil – Special Operations Command who was among the first to deploy after 9/11 to OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan with the 5th Special Forces Group.

A special ‘Thank You’ goes out to RFM Sports – Jim DeFord, Kate Shaw, Martha Meacham & Jamie Longmuir – and Lime Rock Park for supporting the Foundation in their efforts to help provide a therapeutic and fast passed environment for those who have sacrificed their lives for our country! Jim DeFord, Owner / Managing Editor of RFM Sports is a Vietnam Veteran and RFM Sports Editor, Kate Shaw’s father proudly served in World War II. With this cause being one so close to many hearts, the folks at RFM Sports and Lime Rock Park quickly became dedicated in sponsoring the tickets and hospitality for the Foundation at the Northeast Grand Prix.

In an effort to raise funds for the foundation Primetime provided a “pit crew experience” as a raffle item for the weekend where one lucky winner became an honorary team member for the race assisting the team on pit lane. In addition, Stafford Motor Speedway, Wild Thing Karts Racing and Victory Motorsports Marketing Services donated special event race tickets and the Foundation provided Post 9/11 t-shirts, concert tickets and much more!

Earlier in the day, the Foundation was welcomed by the local community during a brunch which was attended by regional VFWs, survivors of 9/11, and several important municipal leaders, including state Assemblyman Marc Molinaro, took the opportunity before the presentations began to apologize for the government’s lack of recognition of 9/11. Also attending the brunch, Bernard Kerik, the former police commissioner of New York City who was in his office when the towers were hit, said that 9/11 changed the entire country.

“It’s changed the way we responded to crisis and the way we fight our wars in the future,” Kerik said. “If nothing else, I’m here to say thank you to the members of the military, police personnel and first responders. Nobody knows how important they are to this country more than I do. I can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done and what you represent.”

“From the bottom of my heart thank you to all the sponsors for allowing the soldiers, our foundation (also soldiers and active duty law enforcement and first responders) and their family members to attend an exciting race and take their minds off the difficulties of their recovery” states Scott Neil, Founder of the Post 9/11 Foundation.

“Having the Post 9/11 guys here to support our efforts and being able to give back to them was a great American honor”, said team owner Joel Feinberg.

Not to mention, the guests of the Post 9/11 Foundation first-handily witnessed the intense and fast-paced environment the Primetime team has to offer its dedicated fans. Team owner Joel Feinberg jumped between the #11 Dodge Viper and his #7 Élan DP-02 sports racer bringing home two podium finishes including one race win in the IMSA Lites, as well as an 8th place finish in the GT2 class of the ALMS. A successful weekend for all!

Be sure to catch Primetime in the ultimate GT2 battle this weekend at the Time Warner Cable Road Race Showcase set for 2 p.m. CT on Sunday, August 16 at Road America. The race will air live on SPEED.

PerformanceWerx at the 2009 Bonneville Speed Week:
A Commitment to Speed and to The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer
News from The Austin Hatcher Foundation
MALVERN, PA (July 30, 2009)—The Pennsylvania based PerformanceWerx racing team is gearing up to compete at the 61st Annual Bonneville Speed Week ( www.scta-bni.org ) to be held on Utah’s legendary Bonneville Salt Flats from August 8th through 14th, 2009.

Team principal and rider for PerformanceWerx is Jack Broomall, of Malvern, PA. An automotive engineer with 30+ years of industry experience, a former driving champion in the Sports Car Club of America, and more recently a Race Engineer and Data System specialist in top level Sports Car Road Racing (American Le Mans Series, Rolex Grand Am), Broomall brings a life long commitment to Motorsport and 35 years of motorcycling experience to the endeavor.

One year ago, in his initial season competing at Bonneville, Broomall set a new class record for unfaired 750cc machines (Class M-G) at 166.561 mph. In 2009 the team will compete in the 750cc Production Class where the current record stands at 172.029 mph.

While committed to top speeds at the 2009 Bonneville Speed Week, the PerformanceWerx Team is also deeply committed to the support of their Charity Partner, The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer. Founded in 2006 by Jim and Amy Jo Osborn following the loss of their son, Austin Hatcher Osborn, the Austin Hatcher Foundation raises funds in support of pediatric cancer research and provides various types of support for families stricken by childhood cancers. In September the first Hatch’s House of Hope will open in Chattanooga, TN. Visit www.hatcherfoundation.org to learn more.

PerformanceWerx will donate $1.00 to the Austin Hatcher Foundation for each MPH Top Speed achieved at the 2009 Bonneville Speed Week (ex. 160 MPH - $160). Additionally the team will make a special donation of $500.00 for any new class record that they set.

The PerformanceWerx team is supported by engine development partner KWS Motorsports (www.kwsmotorsports.com) and by Revzilla Motorsports (www.revzilla.com), a web based retailer of motorcycle gear and accessories.

ALMS Series Stars Bring Smiles to Hartford Faces
HARTFORD, CT (July 16, 2009) — The American Le Mans Series and Lime Rock Park hosted its annual media and community day in Hartford, Conn., on Wednesday to kick off the second half of the 2009 season. Adrian Fernandez and Luis Diaz, drivers from Lowe’s Fernandez Racing, united with LMP2 adversaries Guy Smith and Marino Franchitti from Dyson Racing outside the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, alongside Bill Auberlen from BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team, who represented the competitive GT2 class and BMW as the official car of Lime Rock Park.

Strategically positioning the BMW 335 diesel in between the two battling prototypes on the grounds of the medical center, patients and their families began flooding the corridors and sidewalks to meet their drivers and their exotic sports cars, which will be featured on the common area television sets within the medical center on Saturday for the American Le Mans Northeast Grand Prix, live at 2 p.m. ET on SPEED.

Following an introduction by Lime Rock Park President Skip Barber - who introduced the American Le Mans Series – the drivers were quizzed during a question-and-answer portion. They also visited hospital rooms and signed numerous autographs.

The main intent was for the patients to find friends in the drivers for whom they will either watch Saturday on SPEED or visiting in the paddock. An open invitation was made to the patients with tickets donated by Lime Rock Park for a number of visitors to attend the event and witness the fan-friendly approach of the American Le Mans Series.

The American Le Mans Series will continue to be actively involved in its race communities. Coming soon is a visit in Columbus, Ohio in conjunction with the Series’ official charity, the Austin Hatcher Foundation, on Wednesday, August 5.

Austin Hatcher Foundation News
News from the Austin Hatcher Foundation
OOLTEWAH, TN (July 6, 2009) — EKO Furniture and the Austin Hatcher Foundation are excited to announce a Partnership to Support of the first Hatch's House of Hope in Chattanooga, Tn.

EKO, a manufacturer of high quality furniture for corporate, hospitality and healthcare markets will custom make furniture to outfit the first Hatch’s House of Hope, located at Erlanger Medical Center Medical Mall in Chattanooga, TN. Not only will EKO be helping with the furniture acquisition, but they will be introducing a new product line, geared toward the healthcare environment, and donating a percentage of all sales of that product line to Hatch’s House of Hope. The launch of the yet to be named line of furniture is scheduled for later this year.

EKO, through its partnership with the Austin Hatcher Foundation, is also looking to the future to help supply other Hope House facilities with their custom built furniture, as well as pulling in other manufacturers to help support and supply future Hope Houses.

EKO, founded in 2005, custom makes every product at its more than 250,000 square foot facility in Cleveland, TN. Because they are able to provide flexibility of design with their high quality product and a quick turnaround, their products are requested by designers and architects across the country.

Further, EKO's commitment to the environment makes its products even more desirable. The company, a member of the U.S. Green Building Council, makes a conscious effort to use renewable sources whenever possible. EKO's primary goal is to eliminate toxic chemicals, carcinogens and the leading components of poor indoor air quality.

Toward such goals, EKO has totally eliminated the use of polyurethane and formaldehyde, both known carcinogens often used in furniture manufacturing, from its products. Further, EKO uses only "certified"
sustainably-harvested wood in its furniture, as well as organic cotton.

Partnering with the Austin Hatcher Foundation and Hatch's House of Hope was a natural move for EKO. Already dedicated to making the world a healthier place, Dustin Jones, president of EKO, was enthusiastic after meeting Jim Osborn, who, along with his wife Amy Jo, founded the Austin Hatcher Foundation. "I knew little of the devastating effects that pediatric cancer has on the entire family unit, from mental health all the way to personal finances. I was impressed by Jim's enthusiasm for this cause, his goal to take this to the masses and his cause marketing business model."

The Austin Hatcher Foundation was formed in 2006 after Amy Jo and Jim Osborn lost their infant son Hatch to a rare form of pediatric cancer.

The foundation’s mission is to support research towards the diagnosis, treatment and development of a cure for pediatric cancer, and to provide support and hope to children and families undergoing treatment as well as those who have lost children due to cancer. The foundation has developed a landmark group of programs and services essential to help cancer stricken children and their families function within their community. Designed as a safe haven for families, Hatch's House of Hope will connect them with these landmark services.

Hatch’s House of Hope is a unique concept designed to keep the family unit whole when dealing with pediatric cancer. Specifically, these services include IEP neurocognitive testing, educational programming to help effected children overcome their cognitive and learning deficits, emotional counseling for the cancer affected child, their siblings and parents, and marital and financial counseling to ensure a safe environment to maximize the family growth as a whole. Erlanger Medical Mall in Chattanooga, TN is the site of the first Hatch's House of Hope, which will open for services mid July, 2009. A Grand Opening Ceremony is scheduled for September 18th at 10:00am.

Gidley Gives "Bronx Flash Track Club" Kids Backstage Look at Doran Racing at NJMP
News from Memo Gidley Racing
MILLMAN, New Jersey (May 2, 2009) — The Doran Racing/McDonald's team, in conjunction with officials from the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, will host members of "The Bronx Flash Track Club" during this weekend's Verizon Wireless 250 at New Jersey Motorsports Park. Included in the race day activities for club members will be a Grand-Am organized garage tour and a special 'insiders’ tour' of the Doran Racing paddock conducted by Memo Gidley, co-driver (with Brad Jaeger) of the #77 Doran Racing/ McDonald's/Doran-Dallara Ford.

Carrying the momentum of a top-5 finish in last weekend's Bosch Engineering 250 at VIR, the Doran Racing team has qualified 10th for the start of tomorrow's 250-mile Verizon Wireless 250, scheduled to take the green flag at 1:00 pm, Sunday, May 3. The race will be broadcast live on SPEED TV.

The Bronx Fl ash Track Club in The Bronx, New York is a 501(c)3, non-profit community organization that serves children ages 9-18 years old who are interested in running as a means to achieving a healthy and successful lifestyle. The primary goal of the Bronx Flash Track Club is to improve physical activity participation, health awareness, and academic achievement among youth in the community through the sport of running.

With the tremendous support of the New York Road Runners Foundation (NYRRF), the Bronx Flash was created in 2003 by Dan Bellino, a Public School 87 teacher who was amazed at the lack of youth sport and fitness opportunities not only in the school, but in the surrounding community. As a fourth grade classroom teacher, Mr. Bellino believed in the transitive power of running and good health to impact his students' academic performance and overall outlook on life.

Even though limited in adequate "running space", P.S. 87 has served as the home for practices through the creative and efficient use of staircases, hallways, blacktop courts, gyms, and the concrete sidewalks. Despite the perceived shortcoming of limited practice facilities, the Bronx Flash has experienced tremendous success. Bronx Flash athletes have achieved great success in improving their fitness levels, reaching personal goals, pushing through mental challenges, and understanding the importance of healthy nutrition habits, in addition to competing at high levels within NYRRF, USA Track and Field (USATF), Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), and other local, national, and international events. In addition the Bronx Flash has had three team members selected to participate in the NYRRF Norway Travel Exchange Program, offering the student-athletes the opportunity to visit Norway for 10 days, experience a different culture, and race in various Norwegian track meets and festivals.

"It will definitely be a trip to Wonderland for a bunch of kids from the heart of the city to get to see this fantastic race," says Bellino. "I'm very grateful to Grand-Am, the Doran Racing team and Memo Gidley for making this opportunity possible. You never know what one thing will change a young person's life, but this is just that sort of experience."

Gidley, who co-drives the #77 Doran Racing/McDonald's/Doran-Dallara Ford, is a talented and widely respected American driver who was born in La Paz, Mexico and now makes his home in Novato, California. He has made a name for himself as one of the most committed drivers in the paddock, driving and winning in everything from karts to Indy Cars and stock cars to prototypes. 2009 will mark Gidley's fifth season in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series DP class, and his third season with Doran Racing.

“There are many benefits of being a race car driver that I never counted on when I started,” says Gidley. “One of the most satisfying perks is getting opportunities to be able to do things like this. When I was a kid, I was doing kids stuff like riding my bike, playing with frogs, having mud fights with my friends. Even though I was just a kid, I was still fortunate to be surrounded by my parents and other role models that had a pronounced affect on shaping who I was and what I was able to become. I am fortunate and privileged to be a race car driver and to be in a position to inspire kids like the members of the Bronx Flash Track Club to go after their dreams and be their best.”

Bid for Liz Halliday’s signed race suit and help Mencap!
September 16, 2008 — Fans of Liz Halliday have the opportunity to own one of the dual sportswoman’s race suits, signed by the California-born racing driver and equestrian.

Halliday, who is now based in the UK, has donated one of her racing suits to be sold off at a charity auction with all proceeds going to Mencap – The leading UK charity for people with a learning disability and their families. The suit was previously worn by Liz during the 2007 Le Mans 24 Hours where she raced for Del Bello Racing in the LMP2 category and led the class before gearbox problems forced retirement in the early hours of the morning.

The auction has been organised by Surrey’s Daryl Farmer, who will raise further funds next year by tackling the arduous ‘Marathon des Sables’, a seven-day, 150 mile on-foot trip across the Sahara Desert.

“This is a really great cause and I am excited that I could help by adding to the charity auction” said Halliday, “I hope that everyone who can will come and be a part of this important fundraising night.”

The auction night will take place on 11 October, although bids can also be made through the campaign website by emailing daryl@dazinthedesert.co.uk . For more details or to make a donation to Mencap, please visit www.dazinthedesert.co.uk .

More details about Mencap as a charity can be found on www.mencap.org.uk

Fifth Annual Post Petit Le Mans Charity Motorcycle Ride Rolls at Road Atlanta
News from Chili Pepper Racing
Ooltewah TN. (September 11, 2008) - Race fans have the opportunity to ride with some of their favorite road racers at the 5th Annual Post Petit Le Mans Motorcycle Charity Ride, hosted by Chili Pepper Racing, on Saturday, Oct. 5, at Road Atlanta. In addition, a 2008 Suzuki GSX-R750 will be raffled. All funds will benefit the Austin Hatcher Foundation.

The Austin Hatcher Foundation, the official charity of the American Le Mans Series, is building landmark programs for families dealing with pediatric cancer. The organization was formed by Dr. Jim Osborn and wife Amy Jo, after the loss of their two-month-old son “Hatch,” the namesake of the Foundation, to a rare form of cancer.

The 118-mile Post Petit Le Mans Motorcycle Charity Ride will begin with a lap around he 2.54-mile, 12-turn road course of Road Atlanta and off to the exciting country roads of north Georgia. Riders should meet at the main gates of Road Atlanta beginning at 9:30 a.m. To register for the ride, visit www.chilipepperracing.org.

Each paid rider is entered into the raffle to win the 2008 Suzuki GSX-R750. Additional tickets are available for purchase for $25 each at the beginning of the Motorcycle Ride.

The Austin Hatcher Foundation’s goal is to build “Hatch’s House of Hope” near medical centers treating pediatric cancer centers nationwide. They will provide tools and counseling necessary to help families and children achieve positive results in social support, reduce possible side effects of cancer treatment, and provide resources to help childhood cancer survivors reach their highest potential later in life.

“Just as the American Le Mans Series plays a role in the advancements of today’s road-going automobiles, the Austin Hatcher Foundation makes a difference in the lives of pediatric cancer patients and their families each year,” said Scott Atherton, President and CEO of the American Le Mans Series. “Other than those who have been directly impacted, I don’t think anyone can truly grasp the significance of pediatric cancer on families, and helping them cope with such a devastating disease is a very worthy goal.”

For more information on the motorcycle ride, visit www.chilipepperracing.org or email amyjo@chilipepperracing.org

Ron Fellows- Mosport Hockey Challenge to Rev up Big Race Excitement on Ice
Funds Raised To Support The Canadian Hemophilia Society
Photos courtesy Peter Brand
BOWMANVILLE, ON (July 31, 2008) - He’s more accustomed to driving exotic high-performance race cars at breath-taking speeds on tracks across North America than lacing up his skates and chasing after a black rubber disc. But next month Canadian racing icon Ron Fellows - a passionate hockey fan - will be joined by other race drivers and crew, along with some current and former hockey pros, to play in a fun game of hockey for a serious cause.

The Ron Fellows-Mosport Hockey Challenge, in support of the Canada Hemophilia Society, will be held at the Campus Ice Centre (on the grounds of the University Of Ontario Institute Of Technology) in Oshawa, ON, Wednesday, August 20, with the puck dropping at 7:30 pm. This event is part of the Mobil 1 presents The Grand Prix of Mosport race week festivities.

“Mosport’s my home track and the Grand Prix’s American Le Mans Series weekend is by far the biggest race of the season. I’d expressed an interest in working with Mosport to organize a fun event in the days leading up to the race,” said Fellows, who has been a factory driver for the ALMS Corvette team since the Series launched in 1999. “I remembered a hockey game that I played in two years ago with racers and some real hockey players. Everyone had a blast and I thought it would be fun to try to revive that game. We’re really looking forward to putting on a great evening of entertainment and to generating some much-needed funds for the Canadian Hemophilia Society.”

For the Canadian Hemophilia Society (CHS), teaming up with Fellows and Mosport to stage this charity fundraiser on ice was a natural extension of a national program – also with a motorsports theme - launched in 2007.

“Recognizing that the Canadian Hemophilia Society plays a pole position role in the lives of the thousands of people that it supports and informs, we launched the Dare to Dream fundraising initiative last year, providing donors with a unique chance to win a day at a racing school at Mosport and it has been a big success,” said Deborah Currie, National Director of Resource Development for the Canadian Hemophilia Society
“We’re thrilled to be associated with the Hockey Challenge and to have this opportunity to partner with Ron and Mosport to raise awareness and funds for the CHS.”

The Canadian Hemophilia Society serves people with inherited bleeding disorders. These bleeding disorders include hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, rare factor deficiencies and platelet disorders.

One of the pro hockey players committed to play in the Fellows-Mosport game next month is 14-year NHL veteran and current Toronto Marlie, Bryan Muir, who first met Fellows in a similar game two years ago.

“I had a lot of fun when I played with Ronny a few years ago, and from that meeting, I’ve had the chance to get out and see him race a couple of times,” said the 35-year old defenseman who played with the Stanley Cup winning Colorado Avalanche in 2001.
“I’m in awe of what Ron and the other drivers can do on a race track and have become a big motorsports fan. I’m looking forward to getting the racers on a rink and show them how we corner and brake on ice. It’ll be a good evening.”

More player announcements will be made in the coming weeks. Tickets are $50 for Corporate VIP packages, $15 for adults and $10 for children 16 and under. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.hemophilia.ca/en or www.mosport.com

Diverse Menagerie of Pets Is Behind the People of RLR/Andersen Racing
News from Restart Communications
INDIANAPOLIS, (May 21, 2008) - Animals are always on Andrew Prendeville's mind due to his work with the Best Friends Animal Society. He advertises the not-for-profit animal welfare group on the sides of the RLR/ Andersen Racing Firestone Indy Lights car that he'll drive in Friday's Freedom 100 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He also encourages fans to make donations to Best Friends through a Web site he developed at www.racinglapsforbestfriends.com --->MORE

Motorsport Charities

A1GP patrons raise funds for needy children
Photos courtesy A1GP
DURBAN, South Africa (April 2, 2008) — A1GP World Cup of Motorsport raced into the streets of Durban, bringing the seventh leg of the current season to the city for the third year. This time around, the event was one with a difference, when patrons of the highly exclusive premium hospitality, Pangaea, became the first ever patrons in the history of A1GP to raise funds for a charity, while attending a race.

Food 4 Africa is the organisation that became the beneficiary from the proceeds of the A1GP auction. Food 4 Africa's mission is to work with other organisations to supply children with at least one vitamin and mineral enriched meal every day. Their target market includes pre-school children; feeding the destitute; AIDS orphans, street kids and neglected children as well as senior citizens.

They feed in excess of 17,000 children everyday, throughout Eastern Cape, Northern KZN as well as Daveyton, Gauteng.

The auction took place in Pangaea on the Sunday of the Durban race weekend, between the Sprint and Feature races. The items on auction were beaded wire cars, specially made for A1GP by Food 4 Africa sister company, Tangerine Marketing. The cars were replicas of the real-life A1GP cars and represented the following nations: Great Britain, China, Ireland, Netherlands, India, Brazil, New Zealand, France, Germany and South Africa. The cars were made of wire as well as 12,000 - 18,000 beads per car while the wheels were made of black refuse bags. It took 10 people a whole day to make a single car. The highest bid for a car was R300, 000 which was made by SABC CEO Dali Mpofu, for the A1 Team South Africa car. An impressive total of R1, 115,000 was raised for Food 4 Africa.

Gordon Minott, Founder and Managing Director, Food 4 Africa said: 'We are very grateful to A1GP for appointing us as the charity that would benefit from the funds raised during the Durban charity auction. The funds will be used to purchase food which will be distributed through our rural school child development program over the next year. The funds converted to food translate to 2.2 million meals. This allows us to feed an additional 6,100 children per day. We would also like to say thank you to the successful bidders. As our patron John Paul DeJoria continually points out 'Success unshared is failure' and Food 4 Africa SA and UK are grateful to the bidders who shared their success.'

Pete da Silva, CEO A1GP said: 'This auction was a first for A1GP and we are happy to have raised a large sum of money for an organisation as deserving as Food 4 Africa. The generosity of the patrons in Pangaea was overwhelming and we thank each person who participated. As A1GP, we are proud to have held this auction and we commend Food 4 Africa for the work that it does and we hope that the money raised will go towards helping the organisation reach new heights by feeding more needy children.'

The auction was preceded by a visit to Mt Moriah, one of the care centres that Food 4 Africa is affiliated with. Drivers from various A1GP teams had the opportunity to interact with children from the care centre by playing soccer with them, painting their jungle gym and playing with the scalextric set donated by A1GP to the centre. The children from Mt Moriah also got an opportunity to visit the Durban track to see the drivers in action as well as visit the pit areas of the various A1GP teams.

Food 4 Africa will use the money to provide needy South African children with the nutrition that they need to grow healthy and strong.

The penultimate round of A1GP World Cup of Motorsport takes place in Shanghai, China on 11-13 April 2008.

Alpinestars Inc. Teams with Chili Pepper Racing to become Official Riding Gear for the 4th Annual Post Petit LeMans Charity Motorcycle Ride.
OOLTEWAH, TN (Sept. 24, 2007) — Chili Pepper Racing announced today that Alpinestars Inc of Torrance California will join forces to raise awareness and monies to fight pediatric cancer and its effects through the 4th Annual Post Petit LeMans Charity Motorcycle Ride October 7, 2007 becoming the Official Riding Gear for 2007.

Alpinestars is a world-leading manufacturer of professional automotive and motorcycle racing products, high-performance apparel, technical footwear and clothing.

The 4th Annual Charity Ride is the finishing touch on an exciting race filled weekend beginning with the 9th Round of the SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Series on Friday October 5, 2007 followed by the 10th Annual AMLS 1000 mile Petit LeMans Saturday October 6th.

The Weekends Charity fund raising events include a $25 a ticket raffle for a 2007 Suzuki GSX-R 750 and a two day Kevin Schwantz Suzuki Riding School and the 118 mile Motorcycle Ride that begins with a lap around the 2.54 mile 12 turn Road Atlanta Road Course. Only 1000 raffle tickets will be sold.

Last years ride and raffle raised a record $34,000 for the Lighthouse Family Retreat, a seaside family retreat established in December 1999 to serve families caring for children with cancer. This year, in addition to its continuing support of the Lighthouse Family Foundation, Chili Pepper Racing will also donate proceeds to the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer. The Austin Hatcher Foundation's mission is to raise money to support the diagnosis, treatment and cure of pediatric cancers, and to provide support to the families.

Austin Hatcher Foundation and The Light House Family Retreat are certified 501c3 non-profit organizations. Visit www.chilipepperracing.org to find out more about these charities.

Alpinestars Inc joins A Mother’s Arms, Suzuki Motorcycles, Kevin Schwantz Suzuki Motorcycle School, Road Atlanta, Sunbelt Foods Co., Mid Florida Golf Carts, Lake Lanier Lodges, and Flowery Branch Yacht Club Restaurant as Corporate partners in a vital fight for the lives of children everywhere.

To register for the 4th Annual Post Petit Le Mans Charity Motorcycle Ride, visit http://www.chilipepperracing.org Official Chili Pepper Racing Raffle Tickets can be purchased during the 10th Annual Petit Le Mans race weekend, October 4-6, at Vendor Village, in the Chili Pepper Racing Support Paddock at Road Atlanta. Information on race weekend can be found at www.roadatlanta.com

Ruhlman rides 100-miles for Best Buddies Challenge to benefit the intellectually challenged
News from Ruhlman Racing
SAN SIMEON, Calif. (Sept. 13, 2007) — Trading four wheels for two this past weekend, top-level driving pro Randy Ruhlman headed to California to take part in a very special two-wheel fund raiser - the 2007 Best Buddies Challenge. As well as bicycling down the California Coast for the 100-mile ride, the Grand-Am Daytona Prototype driver was one of the leading individual fundraisers for the benefit of the Best Buddies program.

The Audi Best Buddies Challenge Hearst Castle ride was spearheaded by the First Lady of California, Maria Shriver and was supported by celebrities and sports stars from around the country, as well as professional cyclists from the CSC and T-Mobile teams. The Pacific Coast Highway ride offered uncompromised views. The riders rode south to historic Hearst Castle, across the historic Bixby Bridge, and past waterfalls and beaches dotted with resting sea lions. Once at the finish line, lunch and refreshments were provided in the relaxing atmosphere overlooking San Simeon beach and cove, scenery that could just as easily have come from 'Pirates of the Caribbean'. Here riders and Best Buddies, teams and celebrities like Rob Lowe and Olympian Carl Lewis mingled, giving everyone a chance to get to know each other.

While Randy Ruhlman was among the elite cyclists who pedaled the full 100-miles down the majestic Pacific Coast Highway from Carmel Valley to Hearst Castle, there were other rides available to those with different ability levels of riding, including a 65-mile ride and a 15-mile cruise. A post ride event offered private tours of the Castle, where Ruhlman had a unique opportunity to meet and chat with the Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger. As well as spearheading the event, Schwarzenegger's wife, Maria Shriver is unparalleled her commitment to the program and continues to promote the cause of helping the intellectually challenged in California and nationally through the Best Buddies and the Special Olympics programs.

"It was great to see the level of commitment at this event for the Best Buddies, both individual and corporate," explained Ruhlman. "Personally, I want to thank the people who helped me try to make a difference and for supporting such a great cause. I'm really impressed by the generosity they showed. This program has such a positive impact on people's lives. One hundred percent of the money raised goes to help the intellectually disabled fulfill their potential by arranging employment opportunities and one-on-one friendships. I was proud to be part of this event and meet a great group of inspirational people and can't wait to ride here again next year.”"

"One of the really enjoyable 'perks' of racing has always been the opportunity to interact with fans, customers and enthusiasts across the country. Whenever I can, I've been trying to combine my job as a driver with my passion for cycling in a positive way. Hopefully, we can bring more visibility, awareness and a different demographic to many well-deserving charities.

Randy Ruhlman, a native of Greensboro, NC, has driven the past two years in the Preformed Line Products Daytona Prototype in the Rolex Grand-Am Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve. Ruhlman, also a veteran of the popular Trans-Am Series, has extensive racing experience. He was the top American driver in the 2005 Trans-Am Drivers' Championship, holding the points lead throughout the season and scoring a pair of wins--the season opener at the Long Beach Grand Prix and the Cleveland Grand Prix. He was named the 2005 BBS "Most Improved Driver of the Year" and makes the record books as fourth in Top Ten finishes in Trans-Am history. Concentrating most recently on road racing, Ruhlman spent many years driving the ovals and road courses of the ASA and the NASCAR short track series.

An avid cyclist, Ruhlman has tried hard to combine his off-track passion with his professional life, lending his support and time to charities like the Best Buddies and the Lance Armstrong Foundation. In addition, he is also involved with other bike-related Foundations, including the Davis Phinney Foundation to fight Parkinson's disease and many of Cleveland's University Hospital and Health Services Outreach Programs, including bicycle safety helmets and safety seats for children and seat belt awareness.

For further information about the drivers and charity and photos of the ride, visit the following links:

Best Buddies http://www.bestbuddies.com
Randy Ruhlman http://www.randyruhlman.com
Grand-Am Series http://www.grand-am.com

Tour de Road America raises almost $29,000 for Cancer Survivorship, Sets Records for Attendance and Fundraising
Photo courtesy Adam Steineke
ELKHART LAKE, WI (September 10, 2007) — Organizers of the Tour de Road America benefiting Lance Armstrong Foundation today announced that the 2007 event, which took place on the Road America race track in Elkhart Lake on August 10, 2007, was the most successful in its four-year history.

The event’s all-volunteer staff registered 384 riders for the Friday evening bike ride on the track. The silent auction on Saturday and Sunday featured over one hundred items from local businesses and auto racing teams. As of September 3, $28,463 in donations had been collected and forwarded to the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) to benefit its cancer survivorship programs. Organizers expect that number to rise further when companies match the contributions made by their employees.

“It was truly a team effort,” said Brett Edgerle, Co-Director of the event. “Everyone came together to make the event a success -- cyclists, corporate sponsors and contributors, the Road America track staff, race teams and drivers, the race series, fans, and volunteers…everyone!”

“The funds raised are very important for the Lance Armstrong Foundation’s cancer education, research, survivorship, and advocacy programs,” added George Siegle, Co-Director and one of the founders of the event. “But we also measure success by the number of smiling faces of participants, and by the many sponsors and contributors who already have committed to increasing their participation next year.”

Dates for the 2008 event will be posted on the event web site at www.pelotonride.org when available.

Race Drivers, Teams, and Fans Gear Up For the Tour De Road America
Annual Bike Ride to Fight Cancer
Aims to Raise $20,000 for the Lance Armstrong Foundation
Photos courtesy Champ Car World Series
ELKHART LAKE, Wis. (August 2, 2007) — In just a week, elite drivers from the Champ Car World Series, The Cooper Tires Presents the Champ Car Atlantic Series Powered by Mazda, and other racing series will experience the 4.048-mile Road America racing circuit from a totally different perspective – on bicycles rather than behind the wheels of their turbo-charged racing machines.

The Tour de Road America benefiting Lance Armstrong Foundation brings together race fans, drivers, race teams, cancer survivors and cyclists in a fun, family-friendly bicycle ride around Road America’s beautiful permanent road course. For fans of the series, it will be a rare chance to pedal alongside their racing heroes. Participants can ride a single lap or up to 40 miles at their own pace. The ride takes place on August 10, 2007 at 6:30 PM, following the day’s racing events.

Champ Car World Series drivers participating include 3-time Champion Sebastian Bourdais, Graham Rahal, Paul Tracy, Robert Doornbos, Jan Heylen, Bruno Junqueira, Oriol Servia and Dan Clarke. They will be joined on the Champ Car Atlantics Championship side by drivers Simona De Silvestro, Ryan Lewis, Rafael Matos, Franck Perera, Adrian Carrio and Giacomo Ricci.

"I'm looking forward to this great opportunity to ride with my fellow drivers, fans and friends,” Graham Rahal smiled. “I'm also proud to support the Lance Armstrong Foundation and my true hero Lance Armstrong."

“Cycling is an integral part of my training and it is one of my favorite things to do when I’m not in the car,” stated Jan Heylen. “This event supports the Lance Armstrong Foundation which is a great cause and the opportunity to ride around the Road America track is a unique experience. I look forward to participating in this year’s event because it should be a lot of fun.”

The fundraising activities will continue on Saturday and Sunday during the Generac Power Weekend, August 9 – 12, 2007, when autographed Champ Car and Atlantics race memorabilia will be featured in a silent auction.

Information and registration details for the Tour de Road America are available at www.pelotonride.org Pre-registered participants will receive a T-shirt, water bottle and Cytomax Sport Drink. On-site registration is scheduled for August 10 at the LAF booth near the 4-Mile Merchant.

CHILI PEPPER RACING teams with the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer for 2007
News from Chili Pepper Racing

photos courtesy Amy Jo Photography
OOLTEWAH, TN (February 18, 2007) — Jim and Amy Jo Osborn announced today that Chili Pepper Racing has formed an alliance with the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer (AHFPC). The Foundation’s mission is to support research into the diagnosis, treatment and cure of pediatric cancer and to provide support to children and families undergoing treatment as well as those who has lost children due to cancer and is a registered 501-c3.

Chili Pepper Racings new #24 Spice RED MK 5 VW Jetta TDI will carry the logos of the Austin Hatcher Foundation www.hatcherfoundation.org, in addition to their long-time-supported charitable organizations, Remote Area Medical www.ramusa.org , and TC Thompson Children’s Hospital foundation www.erlanger.org for the 2007 season. This alliance augments and continues the team’s long-term commitment to raising monies and awareness for worthy charitable organizations at no expense to those charities.

Also new for 2007 is Chili Pepper Racing’s race shop and soon to be released web store focusing on Performance and Turbo Diesel upgrades from mild to wild for Volkswagen and Audi. Keep an eye on www.chilipepperracing.com for the opportunity to transform your mild mannered diesel into a chest pounding street monster!

Chili Pepper Racing is proud to be sponsored by STOPTECH, EuroGEAR USA, DEVAL, Moton, and Spec Clutch.

RFM Sports is a proud supporter of Chili Pepper Racing and all their worthy endeavors, and we urge you to watch this space for further announcements of upcoming plans by this exciting Speed World Challenge team.

Autosport Development's Dave Marchioni teamed up with
Chili Pepper Racing annual charity effort at Road Atlanta's Petit Le Mans
By Karin Risko
TRENTON, MI (October 6, 2006) -When round nine of the SPEED World Challenge race ended late Friday afternoon, team members of Michigan-based Autosport Development packed up and readied themselves for their journey back home. Everyone, except for Dave Marchioni, team logistics manager from St. Clair Shores, Michigan.

For the third straight year, Dave stayed behind to help Chili Pepper Racing and Road Atlanta with their annual Petit Le Mans Weekend fundraising efforts benefiting The Lighthouse Family Retreat (September 29 - October 1). --->MORE

Motorsport Charities
Chili Pepper Racing and Randy “The Rocket” Pobst visit the All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Fl.
News and photos from Chili Pepper Racing
OOLTEWAH, TN. (March 27, 2006) — Wednesday, March 29th at 1:00p.m., Jim Osborn and Randy “the Rocket” Pobst will once again be touring the hospital and visiting children at the All Children’s Hospital of St. Petersburg, Florida. “This visit to the All Children’s Hospital is very special to us and has become a tradition when we race in St. Pete. The Hospital is a great facility and the kids are always so excited to have visitors. It is so great that the hospital is close enough to the race course that you can hear cars practicing during our visit…heck, I even get excited hearing the engines roar” says Osborn. “After a disappointing engine failure at Sebring we are anxious to get the #24 TC Thompson Children’s Hospital/Remote Area Medical BMW 325ci back on the track for Round 2”.

All Children's Hospital is a leading center for pediatric treatment, education and research. All Children's provides specialized care for children of all ages, from newborns through teens. It is one of two freestanding children's hospitals in the state of Florida, and the only one on Florida's west coast. Patients come to All Children's from throughout Florida and from many other states and foreign countries.

All Children's Hospital was founded in 1926 as the American Legion Hospital for Crippled Children. Today it is a 216-bed teaching hospital affiliated with the University of South Florida College of Medicine. More than 140 pediatric specialists and subspecialists provide state-of-the-art medical and surgical care for children. They work closely with specially trained nurses, therapists, pharmacists and other caring professionals who understand the medical, social and emotional needs of each stage of childhood and adolescence.

Randy Ruhlman rides for Lance Armstrong Foundation in Moab 'Century Tour'
"100 miles on the bike to help raise money for Cancer Survivorship"
News and photos from Ruhlman Racing
MOAB, Utah (October 27, 2005) — Randy Ruhlman got to work again last week. But this time instead of driving a 650 horsepower Trans-Am race car, he pedaled up the steep Utah mountain slopes of Moab for the Lance Armstrong Foundation's Pelton Project's 'Century Tour'. The 100-mile bike ride helped raise over $14,000 for cancer survivorship.

During race season, Randy Ruhlman is the driver of the #49 Preformed Line Products Corvette in the Trans-Am Series and was just named Trans-Am's 'Most Improved Driver of 2005'. But here in Moab, Ruhlman took off the driving shoes and put on the bike cleats to join 1100 riders from all over the country to take part in the demanding ride for charity. More than 700 of the participants began the full Century ride, enduring the strong head winds and 45 mile hour gusts, on a course that took riders up and down a hill climb, named the Big Nasty, and down along the Colorado River. With its 3,000-foot climb in 7 miles, the Big Nasty is reputed to rival the steep elevations and infamous hills climbs of l'Alpe d'Huez and Mont Ventoux in the Tour de France.

Ruhlman, who won two Trans-Am races this year, the Long Beach and Cleveland Grands Prix, said after finishing the 'Century Tour' on the bike, "Wow, that was my first Century ride, but it definitely won't be my last. This was fun and demanding, and the scenery can't be beat. That hill was really pretty tough, but I loved the challenge. We were in a nice group, rolling along uphill against the wind. Each one of us looked around to see if we were the only one riding in the small gears, only to look up to see a sign stating, "Climb ahead!" That was a surprise. I think that was where we all looked at each other and wondered where we were going to find another gear. There was that much wind."

"After the big hill and that climb up The Big Nasty, the downhill was great. I hit 50 MPH on the bike. I got to use my road racing skills, setting up and apexing corners, braking early. It was a blast. And even though we needed to be careful of cars and the 3000-foot drop off, this definitely met my 'need for speed'. It was fun. But really, the most important thing is that all 1107 of these riders have come out to Moab to support the Lance Armstrong Foundation and ride to help raise money and awareness for cancer survivorship. These are some great people out here, helping out a great cause, and I am proud to be part of this impressive ride," stated Ruhlman.

The Century Tour is one of the premier rides of the Lance Armstrong Foundation's Pelton Project. It reflects the hard work and dedication of the organizers and the commitment of the riders. Mark Griffith, Event Director and Founder, says, "I'm impressed with the number of people who tough it out up the hills and the Big Nasty. It is so admirable. They say 'I can do this!' And though we provide the support, these people are climbing and riding on their own. And they are doing it with purpose, whether it is honoring a person, riding for charity pledges, or as someone touched by cancer, they all ride with that sense of purpose that supports the Lance Armstrong Foundation's Peleton Project and cancer survivorship."

On the race track this year, Randy Ruhlman captured second place in the 2005 Trans-Am Driver's Championship in the closest battle ever-in Trans-Am's 40-year history, finishing the year with another podium at Montreal. Ruhlman in the #49 Preformed Line Products Corvette had four podium finishes in 2005, including a pair of wins--the season opener at the Long Beach Grand Prix and the Cleveland Grand Prix.

Randy Ruhlman held the lead in the 2005 Driver's Championship for most of the season beginning with the first race at Long Beach. He followed that up with a second place finish at Portland and a win from the back at Cleveland. Edged from the points lead in the final week of the season when chief rival Klaus Graf won the Road America race, Ruhlman fired back at Montreal, qualifying second for the race, as Graf scrambled to take the pole. With only Ruhlman and Graf in Championship contention, the fight was on in Montreal. Graf got the win and Ruhlman took third, and Ruhlman finished the
season with a hard fought second place overall in the Driver's Championship. Ruhlman was recently honored by his fellow competitors who selected him as the BBS 'Most Improved Driver of the Year'.

Another Lance Armstrong Foundation Peleton Project event is scheduled for early March--the Skinny Tire Festival. The four-day event will feature several rides of varying lengths, all helping to raise money for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Event information for this popular riding event is located at http://www.skinnytirefestival.com

McConville and Jones finish ride in style with lap of Mount Panorama
V8 Supercar duo raise $55,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation
Photos © Zenio Lapka/Western Standard
MOUNT PANORAMA, Australia (September 26, 2005) -- A LAP of the world-famous Mount Panorama circuit has been the perfect finish for Garry Rogers Motorsport V8 Supercar drivers Cameron McConville and Andrew Jones to their 1111-kilometre ‘Climb to the Mountain’ charity bike ride in Bathurst today.

The duo completed the distance in a total of 10 days and were warmly welcomed into Bathurst this morning to complete a lap of the 6.2-kilometre venue to end their fund-raising journey.

All up, the Climb to the Mountain raised just over $55,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The ride began at the Albert Park Grand Prix circuit in Melbourne on Friday September 16 and passed through country Victoria, New South Wales and the ACT over its duration.

McConville, Jones and the five other riders who completed the entire ride encountered generally favourable weather conditions, though sunburn and the never-ending hilly sections of Days 7 to 10 certainly took their toll.

“It’s such a big effort to make it to the finish of this ride,” said McConville, who presented a cheque to Make-A-Wish NSW Branch Manager Kellie Edwards.

“It means so much to be able to stand up on the podium at Bathurst and hand over a nice big cheque to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. We have all worked so hard and sweated it out.

“The hills of the last few days really sapped the strength from the legs but to come down Con-Rod Straight, roll around the last corner and cross the finish line with an enthusiastic group of supporters on hand was very special.”

His GRM team-mate Andrew Jones was equally as enthused to make it to the end of the unique test of physical and mental endurance.

“Anytime I come to Bathurst it’s always a special thing for me – it’s the mecca of Australian racing – so to ride in and to have it be the finish of something very special was a fitting end to it,” said Jones.

“As we pulled up coming into the circuit I wasn’t really sure what to expect. The local cycling club had people turn out and we were made to feel really welcome. It felt like we had achieved not only raising money for the Foundation, but it was a pat on the back for the whole group really.

“If you could put a race team together with such an awesome bunch of guys as we had on this ride, you’d win races pretty quickly.

“The figure we achieved was probably the stand-out thing for me. People stopping us along the way donating money blew me away too. Here we were, in the middle of nowhere, and there were people who knew what we were doing and aware of the reason we were riding.

“My body’s feeling pretty good. I’d be the youngest guy in the group, so I’d hope it’s not too strained!”

With an overall distance of 1111-kilometres, the Climb to the Mountain started in Melbourne and worked its way through Seymour, Shepparton, Wangaratta, Albury, Wagga Wagga, Harden-Murrumburrah, Canberra, Boorowa and Cowra before arriving at Bathurst.

There’s no rest for McConville and Jones, who will return to Melbourne tomorrow (Monday) before undertaking their final pre-Bathurst test session at Winton on Tuesday.

They will return to Bathurst for the Bathurst 1000 the following week, keen to improve on the 10^th place result they achieved in the recent Sandown 500.

Supporters can pledge donations by phoning the Make-A-Wish Foundation's toll free number on 1800 032 260. When making a donation it is vital to quote reference number 6081 to ensure the donation is attributed to the Climb to the Mountain charity ride.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation makes the cherished wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses come true by granting them a special wish.

Climb to the Mountain acknowledge the following companies and organisations for their support of the 2005 event: Holden, Network Ten, Tattersall’s, Warwick Fabrics, IMG, Hog’s Breath Café, Bathurst Regional Council, Phil Munday’s Panel Works, Valvoline, Repco, Cummins, Garry Rogers Motorsport, Ontera Modular Carpets, Stratton Finance, Murcotts Driving Excellence, Raine and Horne, Stream Solutions, Bolton Signs, Typo Corporate Services, Tangelo and Powerade.

American Le Mans Charity
Flying Lizard to donate any Mosport prize winnings to Salvation Army Hurricane Relief Fund
David Murry added as standby driver
Photos © DeFord Photo
BOWMANVILLE, Ontario, Canada (September 4, 2005 ) - Flying Lizard Motorsports announced today that the team, together with several other teams from the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), will donate any prize winnings from today's race at Mosport to the Salvation Army's Hurricane Katrina relief effort. -->MORE

American Le Mans

American Le Mans Series to work with Salvation Army for Hurricane relief
Photos © DeFord Photo
BOWMANVILLE, Canada (September 3, 2005) – In support of the Hurricane Katrina relief effort, the American Le Mans Series has joined forces with the Salvation Army and SPEED Channel during its Labour Day race weekend at Mosport International Raceway.-->MORE

V8 Supercars

Make-A-Wish Foundation named official charity for Climb to the Mountain Ride
News from Garry Rogers Motorsport

MELBOURNE Australia (July 15, 2005) -- THE Make-A-Wish Foundation has been selected as the official charity of the Climb to the Mountain bike ride to be undertaken by V8 Supercar drivers Cameron McConville and Andrew Jones.

McConville and Jones, who drive for the Garry Rogers Motorsport team in the highly-competitive V8 Supercar Championship Series around Australia, New Zealand and China, will ride from Melbourne to the home of motorsport – Bathurst in New South Wales – to raise funds expected to total over $50,000. At last night's Make-A-Wish Ball at Crown Casino in Melbourne, a GRM ride day/race ticket and merchandise package was placed up for auction and raised $3000. This, coupled with financial backing from companies including Holden, Tattersall's and Warwick Fabrics, is a fantastic start to meeting the goal.

The ride will commence at Albert Park’s Grand Prix circuit on Friday September 16 and conclude 10 days later on Sunday September 25 with a lap around the famous Mount Panorama race circuit. McConville and Jones will return a fortnight later to race in the tenth round of the V8 Supercar Series – the Bathurst 1000.

Make-A-Wish spokesperson Allison Brown said that the organisation was thrilled to become involved with the first running of the 1000-kilometre event, which organisers intend to become an annual event.

“The Make-A-Wish Foundation receives so many amazing ideas from adventurers and sports people to raise funds for our children with life-threatening illnesses, but few actually end up succeeding with their challenge,” she said.

“So many of our wish children are only sustained through their illnesses by the thoughts of their sporting heroes achieving their goals.

“It gives them hope for their own recovery, and their own sporting triumphs when one day, they are finally well enough to take to the field or court again and participate.

“Cameron and Andrew have set themselves an amazing challenge to Climb To The Mountain in September to raise funds to grant even more wishes for children and young people with life-threatening illnesses.

“The staff, volunteers and, most importantly, the wish children of the Make-A-Wish Foundation will be cheering them on over every kilometre until they reach the finish line at Mt Panorama.”

GRM driver McConville, who won last year’s Winton round of the series and surveyed the course the riders will take a few weeks ago, said that while the ride will be tough, it will be the perfect chance to raise funds.

“We set out in our initial planning of Climb to the Mountain to create something that would be a real challenge, not just a token or half-hearted event,” he said.

“There’s been plenty of planning going on behind the scenes.”

Andrew Jones, who drives the team’s #34 Repco Valvoline Cummins Holden Commodore, has first-hand experience of the great work of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

His late older brother Nigel was granted a wish by the Make-A-Wish Foundation to watch the Australian cricket team play a One Day International match at the Sydney Cricket Ground and have fast bowler Merv Hughes visit him at home in Albury.

“I’ve seen first-hand the brilliant things the Make-A-Wish Foundation does so to be involved with them for this ride is quite special for me,” said Jones, who won last year’s V8 Supercar Development Series and progressed to the main series this year.

The riding group will make stops at Seymour, Shepparton, Wangaratta, Albury, Wagga Wagga, Murrumburrah, Canberra, Boorowa and Cowra before ending the ride at Bathurst.

V8 Supercars
Holden stars support tsunami appeal
News from Holden Motorsports
QUEENSLAND Australia (January 24, 2005) -- THE Boxing Day Tsunami in South-East Asia has resulted in many sportsmen donating their time in a bid to raise much-needed funds and Holden Motorsport’s crop of V8 Supercar drivers are no different.

A selection of its drivers will take part in a karting event at Gladstone Karting Club in Queensland this weekend to raise funds for the APN Tsunami Appeal.

Former Bathurst champion Garth Tander (Kelly Racing), Paul Weel (Super Cheap Auto Racing), Jamie Whincup (Tasman Motorsport) and Will Davison (Team Dynamik) will be a part of the January 29 meeting, where they will be pitted against Ford drivers in four separate karting races.

“I haven’t raced a kart competitively in about six years so it will be something a little different to what we are used to,” said Tander.

“Taking a day of our time is nothing when you compare it to the devastation in Asia, so whatever we can do to raise some money, we’ll do it. I’m sure it will get a bit competitive but we’ll have some fun and give the fans some entertainment.”

It’s an added bonus for fans in the Queensland country town to see some V8 Supercar stars up close, with a big crowd expected to be on hand. Gates open at 11am with racing to commence at 1pm and continue under lights until 7pm.

Entry is $10 per head and drivers will be available throughout the day to sign autographs and speak to fans.

Tour de Road America raises over $18,000 for Lance Armstrong Foundation
INDIANAPOLIS (September 3, 2004) - Although the featured event during the Grand Prix of Road America was the Bridgestone Presents The Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford, the Tour de Road America made headlines itself as race car drivers, fans, and cyclists raised $18,299 for the Lance Armstrong Foundation and cancer survivors.

Approximately four hundred bicyclists, fans, and world class drivers cycled around the historic 4.048-mile road course in the rolling hills of Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin on the eve of the race August 7. Amongst the cyclists were Champ Car drivers Paul Tracy from Forsythe Championship Racing, Oriol Servia from Dale Coyne Racing, Walker Racing's Mario Haberfeld, Alex Tagliani of Rocketsports, RuSPORT stablemates Michel Jourdain Jr. and A.J. Allmendinger, the Newman/Haas duo of Bruno Junqueira and Sebastien Bourdais, along with Herdez' Ryan Hunter-Reay and Mario Dominguez.

Team members, series sponsors, and fans alike joined in on the festivities raising money for the Peloton Project, which is the Lance Armstrong Foundation's major grassroots fundraising and outrace initiative. Contributions were also made by those members of the Champ Car World Series that did not partake in the riding festivities.

A significant part of the funds raised came from a contribution by one of the Champ Car World Series presenting sponsors, Bridgestone Motorsport. "We're honored that Bridgestone Motorsport made this donation to the Lance Armstrong Foundation," said co-organizer George Siegle, "and we thank them on behalf of the LAF and cancer survivors."

"It was wonderful to see how everyone came together to help raise money to fight cancer," said Dave Racine, co-organizer. Road America and the Champ Car World Series were instrumental in getting the project from and idea to a reality in a matter of a month.

In support of the event, members of the Whitewater Cycling Team provided help with registration, bike fitting, and ride control. The RuSPORT racing demonstrated their support for the LAF displaying the "LIVESTRONG" livery on the #10 Champ Car of American rookie A.J. Allmendinger.

On top of the money raised during the first running of the Tour de Road America, lots of positive feedback came in as well. "We had so much interest and enthusiasm for the event this year, we think it might be possible to have 1,000 riders next year," said Siegle.

"The Tour de Road America event was great. I had a blast," said Champ Car driver Mario Dominguez. "The fans were amazing and it was so much fun to get to do something like this with them. I hope this becomes a tradition." Dominguez, and has fellow drivers, just might get their wish as the Tour de Road America organizers are already looking forward to 2005.

On yer bikes!

Champ Car World Series to highlight Lance Armstrong Foundation Bicycling Benefit at Road America
ELKHART LAKE, WI (July 30, 2004) —During the Champ Car World Series race August 5-8, 2004, Road America also is hosting the Tour de Road America, a bicycling fundraiser for the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF), which assists cancer survivors. For $50, of which Road America will contribute $25 to LAF, bicyclists can enjoy a day at the races and ride around the historic track beginning at approximately 7 p.m. Saturday evening. Donations can be made through the website, www.tour-de-ra.org and at the race track over the course of the weekend.

At present, Champ Car participants include Alex and Bronte Tagliani, Paul Tracy,Bruno Junqueira, Sebastien Bourdais, A.J. Allmendinger, Michele Jourdain, Jr. and Trans-Am driver Greg Pickett. Bronte Tagliani, the 2002 Miss Indy – Australia, hosts the Spike TV show, "Dangerous Curves." Pickett owns Cytomax, a performance energy drink, and will provide samples and a water bottle to the first 100 entrants.

Riders and Tour de Road America supporters will have a private reception at 5 p.m.and have the opportunity to meet Champ Car and Trans-Am drivers, members of the Lance Armstrong Foundation Peloton Project, other cyclists and supporters. Road America is donating the hospitality space and refreshments as part of its contribution to the fund raising. Riders will receive a commemorative t-shirt, a donation from Bella's Custom Designs, with shops in Kiel, Wisc., and at Road America. The yellow t-shirt is the color of the Tour de France leader; Armstrong won the Tour de France for a record sixth year. Saturday will feature three races plus the bicyclists on track at the end of the day. Formula BMW will race beginning at 3:45 p.m., the first of two races for the series. Third generation competitor Graham Rahal is competing in the series. Second race of the day will be Trans-Am, with a large field of 23 Trans-Am and GT-1 cars, beginning at 4:45 p.m. The last race of the day will be the Skip Barber National Championship, which will be decided with the last two races this weekend. In contention for the $100,000 scholarship is third generation competitor Marco Andretti, who joins his father and grandfather in notching victories at Road America, in an earlier race this spring.

Following the racing, bicyclists who have contributed to the Lance Armstrong Foundation will take to the historic track on two wheels. Road America hosted bicycle races in the '90s, but this will be the first bicycle event in more than five years. Area bicycle dealers and shops are bringing bicycles to rent and loan to drivers and crew members who will be coming from as far away as England for the event.

Road America will host five of the top open wheel racing series in the U.S. beginning Thursday, Aug. 5 and running through Sunday, Aug. 8, when the feature, Bridgestone Presents Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford takes the green flag at 2:00 p.m. Other series running include the Motorock Trans-Am Tour, Argent Mortgage Toyota Atlantic Championship of Road America Presented by Yokohama, Formula BMW USA and the Skip Barber National Championship. Tickets for the four-day weekend are available online at www.roadamerica.com and by phone, 800.365.7223. Daily prices are $10 Thursday; $25, Friday; $40, Saturday and $55 Sunday.

Sunday cars are on track beginning at 8 a.m. with warm up sessions scheduled. The first race, Argent Mortgage Toyota Atlantic Championship of Road America Presented by Yokohama starts at 11:00 a.m. The Toyota Atlantics raced continuously at Road America from 1974 through 2002. In 2003 the race was moved after CART cancelled the Road America event, and the series could not change their schedule back to include Road America. Formula BMW will run its second race beginning at 12:05 p.m., followed by pace car activities and the Champ Car race beginning at 2:00 p.m.

CARA, the Champion Auto Racing Auxiliary, will donate $2,500 to the Aurora Foundation for children's health and safety programs. Road America selected the Aurora Foundation because of its affiliation with Valley View Hospital in Plymouth, Wisc., which cares for most of the race track injuries. The presentation will be made to Tres Waldren, foundation director, prior to the race.

Sheboygan County Administrative Coordinator Adam Payne will be among the dignitaries on the grid welcoming race fans to the 2004 Champ Car race. Road America's activities bring in, based on conservative estimates, more than $50 million to the area each year, generally between April and October.

Road America has produced a new, limited edition history book available at the race track, Road America: Celebrating 50 Years of Road Racing. The 164-page glossy book, which retails for $49.95, is heavy on photos and features many of the current drivers who race in the long-running Champ Car and Trans-Am series. Road America hosted its first event in 1955.

High Speed Blood Drive

Mario Andretti, Infineon Technologies help American Red Cross surpass goal
Photos courtesy David Babcock

SONOMA, Calif. (January 29, 2004) — Race fans were treated to a joyride around the world-famous road course at Infineon Raceway on Wednesday, and at the same time they aided a worthy cause.

Nearly 200 race fans attended the 3rd annual Infineon Technologies High-Speed Blood Drive to benefit the American Red Cross. Race fans were treated to a hot lap at speed around the 12-turn, 2.52-mile road course and they also donated blood to the American Red Cross. Seventy lucky people were given hot laps around the track by legendary Mario Andretti, the only driver in history to win races in five different decades.

The event generated 127 pints of blood, which is the second highest single-day amount ever generated in Northern California for a community-based event, according to officials with the American Red Cross. This same event generated 106 pints of blood in 2003. The 127 pints will save 381 lives, according to the American Red Cross.

“For a one-day event, this was a terrific turnout,” said Sara O’Brien, spokeswoman for the American Red Cross. “We had more people donate blood today than we get in two days combined at our other site visits.”

The blood drive couldn’t have come at a better time as national inventory levels have dropped well below a safe and adequate blood supply. Certain blood types are nearing depletion, and in some areas of the country, elective surgeries have been postponed or cancelled. In addition to Infineon Technologies, The Bone 107.7 FM out of San Francisco was a partner in the drive.

“This was an awesome experience because you got the best of both worlds,” said donor John Fourr, a Novato resident. “You get a ride around the track with Mario Andretti but you also get to do a good thing. It was a great time.”

"Opening up the raceway for an event like this is a great opportunity to help out the community, and I am really proud that Infineon Technologies could help support the blood drive,” said Robert LeFort, president of Infineon Technologies North America, which has its U.S. headquarters in San Jose. “The turnout was fantastic, and everybody that made a donation deserves thanks for helping to make the event a success.”

Race fans lined up nearly an hour before the start of the blood drive, anxious to meet their favorite driver. Andretti not only spent the day giving fans laps around the track in a 2004 Audi, supplied by Niello Audi, he also signed autographs, took pictures and mingled with the fans. Other hot laps were given by instructors from the Jim Russell Racing Drivers School. It was the second consecutive year Andretti attended the event.

“This was a real fun day,” said Andretti, a spokesman for Infineon Technologies. “We had some fun driving around the track but it was all for a good cause. I hope I didn’t go too fast for the people.”

Motor racing and motorcycle fans show their support for Remote Area Medical
The CHILI PEPPER RACING TEAM, funded by Jim and John Osborn, received the highest non-racing award at the Annual SPEED WORLD CHALLENGE 2003 awards ceremony in Puerto Rico, for "their charitable contributions and work with the underprivileged and disadvantaged..." Driver Jim Osborn, a pediatric
orthopedic surgeon , and brother John Osborn a dentist, are regular volunteers and contributors at REMOTE AREA MEDICAL. The team's two race
cars emblazoned with the RAM insignia can be seen in Speed World Challenge racing on the SPEED television channel.

Dave and Erin Edney, motorcycle enthusiasts from Millbrook Alabama, saw the recent nationally televised SPEED CHANNEL segment about RAM dentists using motorcycles to deliver free care in rural Appalachia. They donated their magnificent TRIUMPH TIGER to RAM.

Chili Pepper Racing, LLC was formed in 2002 to serve as a vehicle to raise monies and awareness for charities (at no cost to them) through racing.

We have chosen to support Remote Area Medical and T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital because of their dedication to providing high quality medical care to the poor and underserved families of Eastern Tennessee.

Learn more about these organizations in our Sponsorship section, or by visiting their web sites.

www.ramusa.org
www.erlanger.org

Remote Area Medical clinic in Wise, Virginia breaks all records for patient care
by Stan Brock
WISE, Va. (July 30 2003) -- In a 2 1/2 day period from July 25th to July 27th, 988 RAM volunteers provided free medical care in a total of 4749 patient encounters at the Wise County Fairgrounds in Virginia.

Dentists, using 50 dental chairs, extracted 2681 bad teeth and filled 1101. General medical doctors gave 2067 consultations which included extensive lab procedures, pharmacy and telemedicine. 93 women received Mammograms. There were 1140 eye examinations and 814 people obtained free prescription eyeglasses, many of them made on site in the RAM mobile eyeglass lab.

The total value of free care delivered in 2 1/2 days was a staggering $653,309.00

MOTORSPORT MINISTRIES:
Outreach to the Racing Community and the World

TORONTO Canada (December 8, 2003) -- Those who attend sports car races – IMSA, Speed World Challenge, Trans Am, Grand Am, Vintage Racing, and SCCA among others -- have no doubt seen the colourful logo of the Motorsport Ministries, inviting us to Divine services and making us aware that there’s always someone there who cares. Because the racing community is a little like a travelling family that is out of town together much of the year, the pressures and uncertainties call for special handling in some ways, and lots of good old fashioned support, counsel and consolation on a daily basis. And this includes not only the drivers, teams and racing personnel, but also the spectators and members of the communities to which they, and we, return every year.

One of Motorsport Ministries’ most effective community programs is organized by Jennifer Anderson for 'at risk' teens, reaching out to them through a common love for beautiful cars and speed. “I organize groups of "at-risk" teens,” she says, “to come out to each American LeMans event to get a full up-close & personal look at racing. I bring them around to meet various drivers in the series; IMSA staff shows the group the tech side of racing; sometimes we'll go into the TV compound to see what goes on in making the race go live, and a lot more. ACEMCO driver Terry Borcheller talks to the group at the end of the day & encourages them to live out their dreams. It's become a great program that is well supported by all. Our website is www.motorsportsministries.org if you would like to read more. We are currently developing a new site so the current one has some outdated stuff on it right now.“

Motorsport Ministries is totally funded by donations. They will be holding an auction during the IMSA 12 Hours of Sebring, one of their big annual fund-raisers, and when we have more details we will post them here. We encourage you to support this very worthy work, all year long, with your money and with your prayers.

John Force 'CHIPs for Kids' holiday car show this Sunday

YORBA LINDA, Calif. (December 5, 2003) - Amid the massive expansion of his Yorba Linda shop facility and the unsettled future of his Castrol-backed race team, drag racing's most prolific winner takes time out this Sunday to play host to the John Force Holiday Car Show benefiting the California Highway Patrol's "CHiPs for Kids" Christmas toy drive.

More than 500 street rods, muscle cars, antique and classic cars, motorcycles, custom trucks, race cars and specialty vehicles will be on display at John Force Racing, Inc., during the one day holiday spectacular which, as usual, will feature prominent racing personalities.

In addition to Force, drag racing's biggest winner and 12-time NHRA POWERade Series Champion, the celebrity lineup also will include Gary Densham, Gary Scelzi, Del Worsham, Jerry Toliver, Ron Capps, Cory McClenathan, Tom "the Mongoose" McEwen, the four JFR Crew Chiefs, and other surprise guests.

In addition to the car show, scheduled autograph sessions and abbreviated tours of the John Force Racing facility that houses the three quickest Funny Cars in the world, guests can listen to live '50s and '60s music and browse through the John Force RaceStation Store featuring the latest in diecasts, apparel, art, videos and other souvenirs and collectibles.

Food vendors will be set up from opening (10 a.m.) until closing (4 p.m.)

Motorsport Charities/GARRA

Godstone Ranch Motorsports Announces Impressive Driver Lineup for the Rolex 24
DALLAS, Texas (December 18th, 2009) – Godstone Ranch Motorsports and Houston’s Texas Heart Institute announced today an impressive driver lineup for the 48th running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona. The talented group includes some of the biggest names in American motorsports; Rolex 24 and Le Mans 24 winner Davy Jones, 2008 Rolex Sports Car Series GT Champion Paul Edwards, Daytona 200 5-time winner and AMA Hall of Fame inductee Scott Russell and promising Grand-Am newcomer John McCutchen II will be behind the wheel of the #07 Godstone Ranch Motorsports / Team MBR / LRPG / Corvette, benefitting the Texas Heart Institute.

The quartette will be proudly representing the Texas Heart Institute both on and off the track, gathering the support of the Rolex Sports Car Series community to aid the Institute in its mission to reduce the devastating toll of cardiovascular disease through innovative programs in research, education and improved patient care. For more information on how you can support the Texas Heart Institute please visit www.godstoneranchmotorsports.com .

Godstone Ranch was founded by American sculptor Karen Garrett over 20 years ago through her vision to unite artists of every discipline in one collaborative place. Godstone Ranch Motorsports is an extension of her original vision whose primary aim is to help motor sports contribute to our daily lives and become more than just a sport.

As if the driver lineup wasn’t enough to make the group an instant favorite for the Rolex 24 victory, their effort will be strengthened by a championship caliber joint effort between Michael Baughman Racing and Leighton Reese Performance Group who will support and service the team’s brand new Victory Red 2010 Corvette C6.R for this race. The grueling 24 hour event will launch Leighton Reese Performance Group’s 2010 championship efforts in the #07 car which will be piloted by Paul Edwards and Scott Russell for the rest of the 2010 season.

Davy Jones is one of the most celebrated drivers in American Sports Car history, he has competed with unprecedented success in virtually every form of motorsports including Grand Am, Le Mans Series, IndyCar, NASCAR, IMSA-GTP, IROC and Formula 3. Jones returns to the Rolex 24 on the 20th anniversary of his victory at the historic event. The Chicago native is also the last American driver to achieve an overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans after his 1996 win, the same year he narrowly missed winning the Indy 500 by the slimmest of margins. A feat bested by only one other driver in history – motor sports legend, A. J. Foyt, who won both of those races in the same year.

In 2008 Paul Edwards led Leighton Reese Performance Group to the Rolex Sports Car Series GT Drivers’ Championship, GT Team Championship and GT Manufacturers’ Championship. In 2009 Edwards had a strong year as well with a runner-up championship finish and a fourth place at the Rolex 24. The talented American is a constant visitor to Victory Lane and will attempt to add his first Rolex 24 win to his record with Godstone Ranch Motorsports in 2010.

Scott Russell, a.k.a. Mr. Daytona, is best known as the record five-time Daytona 200 winner. He is a former World Superbike and AMA Superbike Champion, and is the all-time leader in 750cc AMA Supersport wins. He was inducted into AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2005. Russell made his four-wheel debut in the 2009 Rolex 24 At Daytona and has since been honing his car racing skills in the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge Series and the Rolex Sports Car Series. He will join LRPG teammate Edwards in 2010 as he competes in his first full four-wheel season.

John McCutchen II reentered racing in 2008 after he and his wife Karen raised their two children, capturing 13 podiums out of 15 starts including 12 wins and two class track records. He is the 2009 SCCA Southwest Division Super Touring Champion finishing fifth in the national points standings. John also placed in the Top 5 in the 2009 NASA Pro German Sports Car Touring GTS4 series points. In 2008, he finished fifth in his debut appearance at the national championship American Road Race of Champions at Road Atlanta. McCutchen currently campaigns a Rolex Grand-Am Corvette C5.R in various national race series and is a frequent test driver and guest instructor at high performance driving events

Godstone Motorsports Ranch will be on track for the first time at the Roar Before the 24 on January 8-10. The 48th running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona will take place January 30-31 and will be shown LIVE on SPEED. For more information please visit www.godstoneranchmotorsports.com , and www.grand-am.com

Motorsport Charities/SCCA

SCCA “Beat the Boss” Runoffs Foot Race to Raise Money for Foundation
TOPEKA, Kan. (July 30, 2009) – In a move straight off of playgrounds across the United States, Sports Car Club of America President & CEO Jeff Dahnert has challenged the Club members to a foot race. On September 25, after the first day of racing at the SCCA National Championship Runoffs, Dahnert will resurrect the “Beat the Boss” challenge, in a four-mile run around Road America to raise money for the SCCA Foundation.

Unlike past renditions of “Beat the Boss,” which involved safety gear and racecars, Dahnert will stick to his strength, doing his racing on the track in a pair of running shoes.

“Earlier this year, we challenged Club Racers to shoot for excellence through the new Super Sweep. Now, I’d like to challenge everyone to join me for four miles of challenging hills around our new Runoffs host site – Road America,” Dahnert said. “Everyone who enters will receive a ‘Beat the Boss’ tee shirt, and anyone who beats me to the finish will receive a special memento proclaiming their accomplishment for all to see.”

When asked what kind of pace could be expected, SCCA’s top man kept things close to the cuff.

“I have a number in mind, but I don’t want [SCCA Enterprises President & CEO] Erik Skirmants to have that for a training target,” Dahnert joked. “I can live with pretty much anyone beating me in this except Skirmants. I see the beginning of a pretty fierce rivalry here, but my ‘chassis’ is a little older than his. I’ll need to keep a couple of tricks up my sleeve.

“All joking aside, this is for fun and charity. Whether you run a four-minute mile or a 12-minute mile, you’re welcome to come and join us.”

Not to be left silent in the smack-talk, Skirmants fired his own shot back to Dahnert.

“Jeff has become a friend and a coach to me in my running efforts, but it is time for the student to become the master,” Skirmants said. “I have gone side-by-side through the kink before, but I can tell you there isn’t going to be room for Jeff next to me!”

The cost to enter the “Beat the Boss 4-Mile” is $25. Registration is handled through SCCA’s registration system at ams.scca.com. Simply log in and select from the “Events” tab. All proceeds will be donated to the SCCA Foundation.

Lime Rock Park gives wounded veterans and their families a PRIMETIME experience
LAKEVILLE, Ct. (July 17, 2009) — The Post 911 Foundation has traveled to Lime Rock Park for the American Le Mans Series' Northeast Grand Prix where they will honor some of America's heroes and their families injured while serving our nation. The weekend will provide an opportunity for the veterans to take a deserved pit stop as they race to the finish on the road to recovery. The veterans attending the event will get to experience Saturdays ALMS race from Pit Row as the Post 911 Foundation joins forces with the Primetime Race Group, with backing from RFM Sports, for this rare opportunity.

Also in attendance for the weekend will be NYPD Emergency Services Unit Detective Rich Miller, one of the first responders on scene the morning of September 11th, 2001 who later raised the first American Flag on Ground Zero as well as Special Forces Sergeant Scott Neil, one of the first soldiers in deployed to Afghanistan in response to the terrorist attack. With 22 years of service and 5 tours of duty under his belt, Scott has seen the evolution of combat and the issues veterans are dealing with in the Post 9/11 Era. “There’s a need to erase the stigma of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and its effect on not only soldiers, but first responders as well. Solutions won't come from Washington DC and that's why we started the Post 911 Foundation.” This weekend highlights one of the many programs the foundation has developed in response to the demand and lack of resources for recent vets. Neil explains: “Taking these men and women to events like the race at Lime Rock Park provides injured veterans and their families a unique experience as they recover.”

Rich Miller and Scott Neil are still full time active duty members of their respective organizations. For more information on the Post 911 Foundation visit www.post911foundation.org

Edwards Takes on a Bear- Wins $2,000 for Charity
News from Newman-Wachs Racing
JOLIET, IL (July 9, 2009) – Newman Wachs Racing driver John Edwards got behind the wheel of a slightly less-powerful machine on Wednesday. Rather than his usual 300 hp Swift 016, he hopped into a 10 hp go-kart just outside of Harrah’s casino in Joliet, IL to drive in a charity race with fellow MAZDASPEED Motorsports development drivers Jason Saini and Eric Foss. The event was held as part of the Summer of Luck Celebration to promote the Harrah’s Autobahn Grand Prix presented by Mazda on July 25-26.

Yesterday’s go-kart challenge divided participants into two groups: the professionals and the celebrities. In the professional group were the three MAZDASPEED drivers: Edwards, Saini and Foss, who both drive for Tri-Point Racing in Speed World Challenge. Also in the group was Speed World Challenge driver Brad Kubinski as well as the legendary Indy 500 winner Bobby Rahal. In the celebrity group were Harrah’s president Darren Van Dover, local DJ “Freak,” Autobahn Founder and President Mark Basso, veteran Chicago broadcaster Paul Brian, and former Chicago Bear and Hall of Famer Dan Hampton. Each group had an individual race and then all ten drivers took to the 1/8 mile asphalt oval. There were some tight battles amongst the professionals and celebrities but ultimately John Edwards came out victorious. He won $2,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund.

Edwards noted, “It was a really fun time out there with everyone. Everybody was giving it their all and really fighting for their favorite charity. It was a great opportunity for all of us to get together and promote the race next month, but also for a good cause. It was a tough race but ultimately I came out on top…now let’s just hope we can do the same later this month at Autobahn!”

Edwards drives the #36 MAZDASPEED/ Nuclear Clean Air Energy/ Entergy/ NEI entry for Newman Wachs Racing in the Atlantic Championship and will be racing in the team’s home state later this month. He is currently 3rd in standings after winning the season-opener in Sebring, FL and finishing 2nd in Salt Lake City in May.

Next up for Edwards and the NWR team is Round 5 of the Atlantic Championship in Lime Rock, CT July 17-18 followed by Rounds 6 & 7 at Harrah’s
Autobahn Grand Prix presented by Mazda.

Motorsport Charities/Mazda MX-5 Cup

Two Fathers Show Support For Autism Awareness Through Racing
Marc Miller and Jeff Mosing will race for more than a win at New Jersey Motorsport Park
HOLLAND, MI (June 8, 2009) -- If you were to ask Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup teammates, Marc Miller from Holland, MI and Jeff Mosing from Austin, TX, what they have most in common, you would expect to hear that they both have an undying passion for motorsports and live for the competition racing offers. While those are both true, Marc and Jeff would tell you about something much closer to their hearts, their race for autism.

Not only will Marc and Jeff be working together on the track for a good result in this weekend’s Mazda Formula X event at New Jersey Motorsports Park, they will also be working together to raise funds and awareness for autism. Both racers are fathers of children with autism, giving them added motivation to promote something that is near and dear to their hearts.

Marc and Jeff have combined their passion for racing and their love for their children by teaming up with www.racenowforautism.org , a website that helps promote those who race for the cause and distributes funds to charitable organizations that can help benefit families affected by autism. For Miller, who is currently leading the Mazda MX-5 Cup standings, the partnership is a profound one.

“As both a father and a professional driver there just isn’t a better situation for me to be in,” said Miller. “It isn’t often that I can leave for a race weekend, but still feel like I am making a big impact in my son’s life. My goal is to be able to help make an impact in other families lives as well.”

Mosing is driving the #31 Race Now For Autism Mazda MX-5, with full signage devoted to the cause.
“I am proud that I have the opportunity to run the RaceNowForAutism.org car,” said Mosing. “It provides my family with a sense of pride and purpose and I look forward to working with the site to promote autism awareness throughout the year.”
Their goal is not to just help their children’s future, but more importantly to help the sixty-seven children that are diagnosed with autism each day. With efforts like Marc and Jeff’s and the help of many others, a better life can be a reality for the ever-increasing number of children with autism.

“With insurance companies rarely, if ever, covering therapies or medical needs related to autism spectrum disorder, there is a major need for support from the community,” said Jacquelyn Miller, a RaceNowForAutism.org representative. “1 in 150 children are being diagnosed with autism and there are organizations out there that provide much needed support, programs and therapies for families that need it. The goal of racenowforautism.org is to help these families get what they need.”

Facts about autism:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the fastest growing developmental disability with a new diagnoses occurring every 20 minutes. Autism typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. There is no known single cause for autism, but increased awareness and funding can help families today.

Motorsport Charities/A1 Grand Prix of Nations

A1 Team Malaysia Completes Shelter Outreach Project
Photos © A1GP.com
SEPANG, Malaysia (November 18, 2008) – Ahead of round three of A1GP World Cup of Motorsport in Sepang, Malaysia this weekend, the local team members put down their spanners, turned off their laptops and picked up paintbrushes for the A1 Team Malaysia Outreach programme, the team’s social responsibility arm.

A1 Team Malaysia assisted Shelter last weekend (15-16 November) with repairs and redecoration of one of the charity’s care homes, following the team’s donation of a replacement roof for the building.

The drivers, mechanics, engineering, administrative and marketing personnel from A1 Team Malaysia all provided practical assistance in the building work. Over the course of the weekend the team was joined by 30 volunteers from the team’s Fanzone who all provided valuable support in order to ensure the project was quickly finished.

The outside of the Shelter home was given a complete makeover, including an extension provided by A1 Team Malaysia Outreach, which will be a new laundry room. Internally, the ground floor area was also given a new look with the freshly painted house delighting the Shelter children. The children’s enthusiasm led to their help in the painting, with many faces having as much paint on them as the walls!

A1 Team Malaysia’s help and support has extended beyond this project, with its generosity continuing at the A1GP Sepang race this weekend. The residents of the Shelter will all attend the event and have a chance to meet up with the team in its more usual environment and see the its race car up close.

Azrai Razuan Key Account Manager, A1 Team Malaysia, said of the project, “This has been a very tiring but worthwhile weekend of work which we’ve all thoroughly enjoyed, particularly with the gratitude that the children and staff of Shelter have shown. Extending our sports programme into the community brings us closer to the people of Malaysia and as a team this is very important to us. Shelter provides an invaluable service to so many disadvantaged Malaysians and we admire the work that they do, so to be able to help in a small way has been great. We look forward to welcoming the staff and children to our ‘home’ at the racetrack this weekend.”

Anderson Selvasegaram, Manager of Shelter Homes commented, “It was wonderful and we’re really impressed with what the team has done for us. The team did the work as efficiently and as fast as if they were handling the pitstop! In fact we have never seen a group of people work so quickly. It was a job well done and we really appreciate what A1 Team Malaysia has done for us”

The team’s Outreach programme was introduced last year with the first initiative undertaken at the SJK(T) Keruh school in the north of Perak at a town called Pengkalan Hulu. The team members helped to refurbish the building and showed their ability to turn their hands from building race cars to painting walls. The second project for the team was supporting a fund-raising go-kart event at Shah Alam earlier this year. The team's generosity, alongside that of other local companies and organisations, raised over RM15,000 in cash and kind.

Shelter, a registered welfare organisation, was set up in June 1981. The charity is guided by the vision of giving children at risk a childhood and future by protecting guiding and healing them, and by building strong communities and loving families.

Shelter’s services and initiatives are aimed at providing care for abused, abandoned, neglected or at-risk children through its homes, and through counseling and therapy. It also aims to proactively raise public awareness of child abuse, parenting and youth issues, and equipping individuals with relevant skills to detect signs of abuse and to take action.

A1 Team Malaysia is now preparing for round three of the 2008/09 Season on 21 – 23 November, with home favourite Fairuz Fauzy looking to keep his team top of the leader board at the Sepang International Circuit.

Motorsport Charities/American Le Mans Series

Make Plans for Le Petit Elegance at Road Atlanta
BRASELTON, Georgia (August 19, 2008) — The American Le Mans Series will play host to the 2nd annual Le Petit Elegance breast cancer charity event at Road Atlanta on Sunday, September 28. The premier sports car series will partner with the premier cancer research hospital, Emory University School of Medicine.

Le Petit Elegance will serve as the kick-off event for the famed Petit Le Mans, where the stakes are high as the winning team in each of the Series' four classes receives an automatic invitation to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. During Le Petit Elegance, teams and drivers will be participating in a final test before race week. Charity invitees will have the opportunity to talk to the drivers, tour pit lane and - if the price is right - get a ride at speed around Road Atlanta.

"Last year's Le Petit Elegance represented an exciting and new type of fundraising event for breast cancer research. When we talked with the American Le Mans drivers, team owners, and fans, we realized that everyone--regardless of age, gender or interest--is affected by breast cancer," says Dr. William C. Wood, Chairman of Emory's Department of Surgery. "Not only does this annual event allow Emory to connect with a new audience, but thanks to the generosity of Don and Nancy Panoz and the American Le Mans Series family, every dollar raised from Le Petit Elegance 2008 will be used for breast-cancer research at Emory."

The inaugural Le Petit Elegance raised a significant amount for breast cancer research at Emory through a silent auction and generous donations. This year, attendees can look forward to live and silent auctions, a live concert by Nashville-based recording artist Coles Whalen, and up close and personal interaction with the cars and drivers.

For more information on how to donate or be involved please contact LPE@americanlemans.com

BK-Motorsports Drivers pay visit to Children in Shriners Hospital Chicago

News from BK Motorsports
Photos courtesy John Dagys
CHICAGO, Illinois (August 8, 2008) — It's not often that a child in a hospital can put a smile on his or her face, but today, drivers from the American Le Mans Series helped do just that. B-K Motorsports' Ben Devlin and Gerardo Bonilla as well as Luis Diaz from Lowe's Fernandez Racing made a stop to Shriners Hospital for Children in Chicago, bringing the excitement of auto racing home to many youngsters.

Devlin, Bonilla and Diaz signed autographs and posed for pictures in front of the Fernandez show car on display. The trio also toured the facility, going room-to-room visiting patients who were unable to leave their bed. Their stop Wednesday was made prior to heading to Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin for this weekend's Generac 500 presented by Time Warner Cable at Road America.

"It's very special as we're so fortunate in the racing world that we just take all this for granted," Devlin said. "All the places we see, the tracks, the cars, the everything we do are people's dreams all the time. So to take just an hour out of a day and come and do this is no trouble for us at all. It's great to see the smiles and give them something to hope for and push forward. It's so nice that we can share and help spread our stories that we take for granted every day. It's so nice to see them smiling that gives them a bit of a motivation. We really enjoy doing it."

Devlin and Bonilla also handed out blue bracelets to patients with the words "The will to never give up" inscribed on them. Devlin said Mazda's motto has helped him and the B-K Motorsports team get through rough weekends at the track but still remember the big picture in life. With the spreading of the bracelets, he hopes the children can have the same attitude as they battle through struggles of their own.

"Anytime we have an opportunity to come to a children's hospital is an opportunity for us to give back," Bonilla said. "Some of the children we see don't get the opportunity to come to the tracks. They're here at the hospital for medical reasons. But it's great for us to bring some cheer into the hospital because it's a sterile environment and they need some stimulation and friends to come see them. Race car drivers coming over is always a big surprise and thrill for them. I'm glad we can be a part of that."

Shriners Hospitals for Children is a one-of-a-kind international health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research and outstanding teaching programs. Children up to age 18 with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment at no charge - regardless of financial need.

This visit was in conjunction with the Austin Hatcher Foundation, the Series' official charity. Formed by SPEED World Challenge competitor Jim Osborn and his wife Amy Jo, the foundation's mission centers on children with pediatric cancer. The Osborn's two-month-old son, "Hatch", died from a rare form of cancer. They have been helping families of children with pediatric cancer for almost a decade.

The Series will continue to help raise money and awareness through the Austin Hatcher Foundation over the next five years in similar events. Last month, Devlin as well as Jon and Clint Field and Paul Drayson made a stop to a Columbus, Ohio children's hospital prior to the Mid-Ohio race. In October, the Series will join with Road Atlanta to host the 5th annual Post Petit Le Mans Motorcycle Charity ride and raffle to also benefit the foundation.

American Le Mans Series Announces Austin Hatcher Foundation: For a Carefree Childhood as Official Charity
News from Chili Pepper Racing
COLUMBUS, OH (July 14, 2008) -- The American Le Mans Series officially kicks off its affiliation with the Austin Hatcher Foundation on Tuesday as four of the world’s top sports drivers visit pediatric wards at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus. Clint and Jon Field of Intersport Racing in Dublin, Ohio along with Patron Highcroft Racing’s David Brabham and Drayson-Barwell’s Paul Drayson will visit with young people and their families from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. to kick off the Series’ partnership with the foundation as its official charity. --->MORE

Patrón Spirits Joins CARA Charities Event at Long Beach
LONG BEACH, California (April 11, 2008) — Patrón Spirits, title sponsor of the Tequila Patrón American Le Mans Series at Long Beach and Patrón Highcroft Racing, and Acura Motorsports will join with CARA Charities as an associate sponsor of the 2008 Raceway Rendezvous Casino Cruise scheduled for Friday, April 18th held in conjunction with the Grand Prix of Long Beach weekend.

"The American Le Mans Series has long been involved in community and charitable outreach," said Scott Atherton, President and CEO of the American Le Mans Series. "CARA is recognized as a long-time philanthropic leader in the motorsports community for reaching out and meeting a wide cross section of needs, and we look forward to participating with them in this fun and very worthwhile event."

American Le Mans Series drivers David Brabham and Scott Sharp of Patrón Highcroft Racing will be on hand along with the Patrón girls who will hand out welcome drinks and cheer.

"Our support of American Le Mans Series racing and the Long Beach competition goes well beyond just a presence on the track. We're honored to also have the opportunity to support CARA and sponsor the Casino Cruise, one of the most anticipated events of the weekend," says Ed Brown, President and CEO of the Las Vegas-based Patrón Spirits Company.

Other special guests slated to attend that evening include American Le Mans Series drivers Marino Franchitti, Gunnar Jeannette and Luis Diaz. Special emcee for the evening again will be well-known Southern California Classic Rock/racing personality, Uncle Joe Benson.

Boarding is at 6:30 p.m. PT in Long Beach's Rainbow Harbor at the foot of Pine Street, next to the Hyatt Bridge. The cruise departs at 7:30 p.m. and will tour the harbor for an hour. For those wishing to debark early, the Hornblower's SS Endless Dreams will return to port at 8:30 p.m. and then go out for another hour tour at 9 p.m. Tickets are available by calling CARA Charities at (317) 299-2277, or by going on line at www.caracharities.org. Tickets are $100 per person. Additionally, tickets can be purchased Friday at the American Le Mans Series merchandise location in Vendors Row at the Tequila Patrón American Le Mans Series at Long Beach.

For tickets or more information contact:
Vickie Faivre, CARA, (317) 299-2277
Julie Bentley, American Le Mans Series, (706) 654-2983 or (770) 380-7770

Avalanche Racers visit Pediatric Ward at MeritCare Hospital, Fargo, ND
News from Avalanche Racing Team
CHICAGO, IL- (December 12, 2007) - Looking at the faces of the children and the racers it's not clear who had more fun! Avalanche Racing Team visited the kids at MeritCare Hospital over the holiday season and can't wait to go back. They spent a couple hours handing out hats, decals, and patches and getting to know the children and their families.

"The kids were fantastic! We enjoyed ourselves as much as the kids did. It was awesome and we would go back in a minute.” said Andrew Johnstad (Avalanche Racing Semi-Pro Pro Driver). Dean Tourcotte (elementary teacher for 25 years) Driver/PR coordinator for Avalanche Racing arranged the visit to brighten the day of the children and their families spending the holidays in the hospital. Dean said, "We are all so fortunate to be a part of this wonderful family we call "Avalanche Racing" and racing snowmobiles for a living. It is so important to give back. The racers and kids had a ball and we would challenge any other teams or anyone for that matter to take a minute and give back in whatever way you can."

Happy Holidays & Our Sincere Best Wishes
Avalanche Racing

'Le Petit Elegance' To Benefit Emory University Breast Cancer Research
BRASELTON, Georgia (September 13, 2007) — Panoz Motor Sports Group and the American Le Mans Series are partnering with Emory University School of Medicine, one of the world's leading health care providers, to raise money for awareness, research and prevention of breast cancer through this year's Petit Le Mans sports car race, the 10th running of the 1,000-mile/10-hour endurance classic.

Panoz Motor Sports Group founder Dr. Don Panoz and wife Nancy are the driving forces behind "Le Petit Elegance", which will be set against the backdrop of the American Le Mans Series' cornerstone event at Road Atlanta. The purpose for the event, set for 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, October 4 at the circuit, is to raise money for Emory's Department of Surgery and its Program for Breast Cancer Research.

"Breast cancer is an ailment that affects millions of lives each year," Dr. Panoz said. "Nancy and I are pleased and honored to partner with Emory University School of Medicine in this new initiative. It is our hope that Le Petit Elegance will allow us all to make a difference in how breast cancer is diagnosed, treated and overcome."

A variety of items, many race-related, will be up for auction with all proceeds going to Emory. They include a painting by famed motorsports artist Bill Patterson, a weekend package to the Spa at Chateau Élan, parking and hospitality for the next 10 runnings of Petit Le Mans, a firesuit signed by all drivers in this year's Petit Le Mans and a selection of American Le Mans Series photographs.

Many Series drivers also will be on hand to sign autographs during the reception. Donations also may be made during the event.

"Le Petit Elegance is an entirely new and exciting type of fund-raising event for breast cancer research," said Dr. William C. Wood, Chairman of Emory's Department of Surgery. "Thanks to the generosity of Don and Nancy Panoz, and the American Le Mans Series family, every dollar raised - including those from sponsors such as Wachovia - will be used for research at Emory."

For more information on Le Petit Elegance, visit www.americanlemans.com

Raced-On Cooper Atlantic Racing Slicks Raise Money for Hole in the Wall Camps
Photos courtesy Champ Car Atlantics
INDIANAPOLIS (August 15, 2007) – Since the beginning of the 2007 Cooper Tires Presents The Champ Car Atlantic Championship Powered by Mazda season, Cooper Tire’s first season as exclusive tire supplier to Champ Car Atlantic, the Ohio-based tire manufacturer has raised money for the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps, created by Atlantic and Champ Car World Series team owner Paul Newman, through the sale of raced-on Cooper Atlantic Racing Slicks. Hole in the Wall Camps is the official charity of Champ Car.

At every 2007 Champ Car Atlantic U.S. event, race fans had the opportunity to purchase race-used Cooper Atlantic tires autographed by stars of the Champ Car Atlantic Championship for $10 per tire. Fans could also purchase unsigned tires for $5. All told, the program raised more than $8,000 during the 2007 Champ Car Atlantic season, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the Hole in the Wall Camps for children with serious illnesses.

“This is an example of how a used tire can bring a lot of comfort for sick children,” said Newman, “I take my hat off to Mr. (Chris) Pantani (of Cooper Tire) for that.”

Following each race in the U.S., two Champ Car Atlantic Championship drivers spent 30 minutes signing race-used tires at the traveling Cooper Tire display. Among the drivers who participated in the program are 2007 Champ Car Atlantic champion Raphael Matos (#6 ProWorks), three-time 2007 race-winner and Rookie of the Year Franck Perera (#11 CJ Motorsport), and popular Atlantic racers James Hinchcliffe (#9 NOCO/ProWorks) and J.R. Hildebrand (#36 Newman Wachs Racing) among many others.

“Cooper Tire is excited to have established a program that benefits children worldwide,” said Pantani, Director of UHP Marketing and Business Development for Cooper Tire. “The Champ Car Atlantic race fans take home a memento of the race weekend, while Hole in The Wall Camps benefits from the proceeds collected.”

Race fans will again have the chance to purchase raced-on Cooper Atlantic tires at the not-for-points “Dash in the Desert” bonus event as part of the inaugural Grand Prix Arizona on the first weekend of December.

About Hole in the Wall Camps

The Hole In The Wall Camps are for children ages 6 to 17 who have been cheated out of their childhoods because of illness to regain a sense of self, a joy of life and the feeling that for them, there are no limits. The Hole in the Wall Camps provide activities structured to allow campers to experience success no matter what their disease or disability. All of this occurs under state-of-the-art, but unobtrusive, 24-hour medical supervision. At Hole in the Wall Camps, these same children learn what they can do, not what they can’t. They experience a supportive environment with other campers to whom they can relate. They discover a world full of possibilities, not limitations. For more information, visit www.holeinthewallcamps.org

Chili Pepper Racing delights Toronto’s Evergreen Centre for Street Youth

but sidelined from race due to 11th hour testing incident
News from Chili Pepper Racing

photos courtesy Amy Jo Photography
TORONTO, Ontario. Canada (July 5, 2007) — Chili Pepper Racing and A Mother’s Arms” Clothing Company made a scheduled visit to one of Toronto’s oldest and most unique mission’s street youth center, bringing approximately $2,000 in infant clothing, race swag and tickets to the Steelback Grand Prix of Toronto.

The Evergreen Centre for Street Youth is one of five facilities operated by the Yonge Street Mission, focusing on the complex needs of Toronto’s large street youth population. A safe haven serving young people ages 16-24, the Centre provides meals, healthcare, job training and employment assistance. Yearly over 8000 individuals are encouraged and cared for, 25% of which are either pregnant or have given birth in the past year.

The new infant clothing was greatly appreciated. “We are overwhelmed by A Mother’s Arms” generosity,” said Karen Bach, the Centre’s Director. “We try to provide for all the needs for the homeless mothers and their babies including formula and diapers, but we have a real need for infant clothing”. We are very fortunate to receive such a gift.”

Due to an 11th hour testing incident, Chili Pepper Racing had to sideline The World’s First Bio Diesel Touring Car from the SPEED World Challenge Touring Car race, a part of the Steelback Grand Prix of Toronto. Chili Pepper Racing continues to develop their 2006 MK 5 Volkswagen Jetta TDI, “but it has not been a simple task,” says Jim Osborn. “This project has come a long way and we are proud of our progress, but we still have more work to do. It is unfortunate that we cannot race this weekend in Toronto but we continue to improve the package. I am definitely looking forward to our next race at Mid-Ohio.”

Vegas Grand Prix charity gala to feature Jon Bon Jovi and Jay Leno
News and photos from The Vegas Grand Prix
LAS VEGAS (Feb. 27, 2007) — The Vegas Grand Prix will host an April 5 charity gala featuring superstar performances by Jon Bon Jovi and Friends and Jay Leno.

Proceeds raised during the event’s silent and live auction will be donated by the newly formed Jenyon Foundation, Inc. to Keep Memory Alive – the foundation for the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute, a local organization that funds research to help find a cure to Alzheimer, Huntington, Parkinson, ALS and memory disorders – among others.

The gala, to be held at the Bellagio, will feature numerous celebrities. Jon Bon Jovi and Friends will be the headline musical entertainment with comedian and “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno doing stand-up. Hit country duo Big & Rich along with Cowboy Troy will also perform at the event. The gala will also feature international cuisine, appearances by Champ Car World Series drivers and A-list Hollywood celebrities and a live auction hosted by auctioneer company Barrett-Jackson with an accompanying high-end silent auction. Auction items include an exclusive winemaking and cooking apprenticeship in Tuscany, Italy with winemaker Roberto Stucchi; a stay in a waterfront condo in Kauai, Hawaii; a walk-on appearance on NBC’s hit show “Medium”; VIP racing experiences with the American Racing Academy and rides in an L39 fighter jet.

Attendance at the event is by invitation only, with seating beginning at $5,000 for a table of 10. Prices progress to the Pole Position, the title sponsorship, which at $350,000 includes three VIP tables to the gala, premium champagne and wine on tables and numerous other benefits.

“The Vegas Grand Prix Gala will be one of the most spectacular evenings for our sponsors and VIP guests to enjoy,” said Bradley Yonover, co-owner of the Vegas Grand Prix. “It will be a night to remember, beginning the moment guests enter the cocktail reception through the Jon Bon Jovi and Friends concert.”

The Jenyon Foundation, Inc. is named after the owners of the Vegas Grand Prix, Dale Jensen and Yonover. Their company, DDB Ventures, is also putting on the Grand Prix Arizona, a similar event, in December 2007. The foundation will work with similar charities for the Arizona festival. The foundation will also donate money raised at the celebrity poker tournament to be held at Binion’s Gambling Hall on Saturday, April 7, to benefit Keep Memory Alive, among other charitable organizations.

“The Vegas Grand Prix will prove to be a big help to so many people in Southern Nevada and beyond,” said Jensen, partner with Yonover in DDB Ventures. “We’re proud to be a part of the Las Vegas community and honored to be able to help those in need at the same time.”

Keep Memory Alive works hard to raise research dollars, develop a cure for Alzheimer’s disease and build a state-of-the-art facility designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute, which broke ground last week. Since being founded in 1996, the foundation has raised $50 million toward the goal of opening the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute in downtown Las Vegas. The center is named in honor of Lou Ruvo, father of foundation founder Larry Ruvo, who died from Alzheimer’s disease. For more information, visit www.keepmemoryalive.org

CTE Racing HVM lifts spirits of the Oberbeck Family
News and photos from CTE Racing HVM
INDIANAPOLIS, IN. (June 26, 2006) — The Oberbeck family lived a weekend with fast cars and freedom that helped lift the spirits of a young, brave leukemia patient, Alden Oberbeck. CTE Racing HVM welcomed the family into the pits and paddocks with the crew at the Portland International Raceway for the Father’s Day Grand Prix of Portland’s three-days of speed on July 16, 17, and 18.

“It was an experience we will never forget,” said the Oberbeck family. “It really helped lift Alden’s spirit. CTE-HVM really welcomed us warmly and brought Alden to sit in the cars and take pictures with the racing machines. Nelson and Dan were amazing to us; Alden left smiling from ear to ear.”

CTE-HVM gave Alden and his family a weekend to remember by providing them with tickets to the race and open garage access to the cars and drivers. Alden met Frenchmen Nelson Phillipe (#4 CTE Racing HVM/Ford-Cosworth/Lola) and rookie Dan Clarke (#14 CTE Racing HVM/Ford-Cosworth/Lola) and had the opportunity to get strapped into their cars and take photos. “Everyone was so friendly and eager to accommodate during this busy time for the team. Thanks to all who helped to make this an experience we will never forget,” said the Oberbecks. “We had not followed the Champ Car races prior to this event; however, we are all anxious to watch Dan and Nelson in their future races.”

In 2005, Alden began having increasing pain in his left knee, which resulted in an MRI that showed a lesion on the bottom of his left femur. The family, residing in Eugene, OR, was referred to a bone specialist at Shriner’s Hospital in Portland. After undergoing two biopsies, and visits by an oncologist at Doernbecher’s Hospital, a CT scan revealed multiple lesions in both of Alden’s kidneys. In February of 2006, a tumor the size of a grape was removed from his left kidney and sent for testing. Alden and his family have been traversing to Portland for chemotherapy treatments to bring an end to his battle with Lymphoma. For more on the Oberbeck family, visit http://www.geocities.com/micobeus/oberbeck.html .

Named after actor/comedian and team partner Cedric “The Entertainer,” CTE Racing HVM has achieved early success in the Champ Car World Series, earning three victories, a pole position and nine podium finishes. With more than 2.2 million people attending Champ Car races annually and a massive worldwide audience, CTE Racing also offers a range of proven marketing and advertising platforms to enhance the business of its corporate partners. For more information on CTE Racing and its partners, visit www.CTEracing.com.

Salvation Army benefits from Petersen / White Lightning championship celebration print
News and photos from Darkhorse Autosport
LAS VEGAS, Nev., (December 7, 2005) – Noted artist Paul Holroyd of Batley, Great Britain, has created a special, limited edition print commemorating the 2005 success of Petersen Motorsports/ White Lightning Racing. A run of just 100 prints of the piece, “Team Work”, will be offered to the public with all profits from the sale going directly to the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army is the charity partner of Petersen/ White Lightning and the Official Charity of the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) through its “Grid Kids” program. The print depicts, in full-color, ‘05 ALMS Drivers Champion Patrick Long — who co-drove to the title with Jörg Bergmeister (Langenfeld, Germany) — behind the wheel of the Team and IMSA Cup Championship winning No. 31 Westward Ho Casino/ MMPIE/ PAWS/ Michelin Porsche 911 GT3 RSR at the Petit Le Mans. Below that primary landscaped image are two black and white pencil portraits; team owner Michael Petersen (Las Vegas), team manager Dale White (Bozeman, Mt.), Long (Las Vegas) and Bergmeister on the podium in one corner while the Petersen/ White Lightning team lines-up on the Laguna Seca grid on the other.

A devoted Porsche fan, Holroyd’s works center around the German sports car master. “Team Work” is the second painting of the Petersen Motorsports/ White Lightning Racing Porsche 911 that he has created. The first painting, “Lightning Strikes Twice” was presented this past June at Le Mans to commemorate the team’s second victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2004. Other works include modern interpretations of Porsche motorsports events as well as events from its past in sports car racing, rally and more. Further strengthening the act of charity for “Team Work”, Holroyd will donate five dollars (US) from the sale of prints from other works of art he has brought to life.

“This is a tremendous honor for us,” commented Dale White. “Paul’s work is awesome. To have a second piece centered on our team is special enough but to have him step-up and donate all the profits from the sale of ‘Team Work’ to the Salvation Army makes Mike and me even prouder to be a part of this. This print will hold a place right next to the one he gave me at Le Mans. But knowing that it will help people through the efforts of the Salvation Army makes it even more special to me.”

The print will be available exclusively through Holroyd’s studio in England and the American Le Mans Series in the United States. Fans and motorsports art collectors can buy their artist signed and numbered prints through the American Le Mans Series Shoppe at www.AmericanLeMans.com. The print is currently available for purchase.

“The Petersen/ White Lightning team is one of the friendliest teams I have ever known,” Holroyd commented on his latest work. “Not only do they do an outstanding job with the Salvation Army but they take time out to talk to their fans too… not to mention their success on the track. I want to help in any way that I can and it's a great honor to be working with Dale and Mike on this project. The painting is to celebrate their well-earned championship title and to help with the outstanding work that they do for the Salvation Army. The painting is titled ‘Team Work’ and I think that is a very fitting description of the Petersen / White Lightning team.”

Park's family establishes memorial to help develop young Co-Drivers
(October 6, 2005) — The family of late FIA World Rally Peugeot co-driver Michael Park has started an initiative to help develop young British co-drivers, it was announced on Wednesday.

Park's family has opened a memorial account in his name to fund a development scheme for co-drivers.

Full details of the scheme have still to be finalised and more information will be available when they are confirmed.

The 39-year-old Briton, who was partnering Estonian driver Markko Martin, was killed in an accident during last month's Rally of Britain.

The family said they would be pleased to receive donations in Park's name to:

Marie Park (Memorial account)
NatWest Bank, Ledbury, Herefordshire, England
Sort Code: 53-61-47
Account Number: 69044376

Randy "The Rocket" Pobst to co-host the 2005 Post Petit Le Mans Motorcycle Charity Ride
Photos © SCCA/Weber and Chili Pepper Racing
OOLTEWAH, TN (Sept. 7, 2005) -- Brothers Jim and John Osborn of Chili Pepper Racing announced today that world class driver and close friend Randy "the Rocket" Pobst of Tri-Point Racing, a fellow competitor in the SPEED World Challenge, will be co-hosting the 2005 Post Petit Le Mans Charity Motorcycle Charity Ride on October 2, 2005. With generous backing from Road Atlanta, Sports Car Revolution, Autosport Development, Trenton Forging and the Flowery Branch Yacht Club, participants of the 2005 motorcycle charity ride will be cruising the famous 12 turn road course at Road Atlanta, then heading off through the winding roads of North Georgia for an enjoyable Sunday afternoon of great scenery, food and bench racing with some of North America's best road racers. Last years participants included Terry Borcheller, Stu Hayner, Randy Pobst, Seth Thomas, and TV Star Greg White of "Two Wheel Tuesday".

“Last years ride was a great success" said Jim Osborn,” and we expect this year to be even better. Several of the guest riders from last year have returned, including Terry Borcheller and his wife Tracy, and the Bimmerworld guys, and we have some new riders this year including Alex Job (owner of Alex Job Racing), Dorsey Schroeder, Mitch Wright, and Steve Pfeiffer (driver for Turner Motorsports). Drivers and crew members participating this year come from the American Le Mans, Grand American, Pro Miata, and SPEED World Challenge series.

"We are excited to have Randy (Pobst) co-hosting this year’s event,” said Osborn. “Randy has always been a supporter of our charity endeavors and is such a great driver and friend. It should be a fantastic event.”

All monies raised from the 2005 Post Petit Le Mans Charity Motorcycle Ride go to The Light House Family Retreat and Remote Area Medical; any expenses or overhead for the Ride are borne by Chili Pepper Racing and its corporate partners.

Entries are still being accepted, and rental motorcycles are available through our marketing partners to those with a valid motorcycle rider’s license. To register, to arrange motorcycle rental, or for more information on the 2005 Post Petit Le Mans Motorcycle Charity Ride, Chili Pepper Racing or "racing with a reason" partners visit: www.chilipepperracing.org or contact Amy Jo Young at Amyjo@chilipepperracing.org

Remote Area Medical brings supplies and medical team to aid in New Orleans Relief Efforts.
News from Chili Pepper Racing
CHATTANOOGA, TN. (Sept. 6, 2005) - The REMOTE AREA MEDICAL KATRINA DISASTER CARE LIFT was launched Sunday morning, September 4, when R.A.M director, Stan Brock, along with co-pilot, Jim Massengill, took off for Baton Rouge , LA , in the organization’s historic DC3. The aircraft’s 3000-pound payload consisted of medicine, water and a variety of supplies from diapers to generators. Several R.A.M volunteers are already at work in the region and two teams of medical providers also departed on Sept. 4. Sixteen of them were transported on a Beech 1900 provided by Dow Chemical Company in Baton Rouge, and a group of 8 boarded Knoxville’s Diversified Energy Company aircraft piloted by David Brown. RAM expects to be providing relief services, possibly including transportation of refugees, for several weeks.

RAM http://www.ramusa.org has been part of the SPEED channel family through its ties with Chili Pepper Racing and the SPEED World Challenge GT and Touring Car Series since 2002. RAM’s motorcycle brigade providing free medical care to rural areas of the United States has been show cased on “Two Wheel Tuesday”. Through its association with Chili Pepper Racing, RAM is an associate sponsor of “Sports Car Revolution”

Remote Area Medical® (RAM) Volunteer Corps is a non-profit, volunteer, airborne relief corps dedicated to serving mankind by providing free health care, dental care, eye care, veterinary services, and technical and educational assistance to people in remote areas of the United States and the world. The need to get medical care to people in inaccessible regions was one which founder Stan Brock knew all too well while living 15 years with the Wapishana Indians in the Amazon rain forest. When he left South America to do the Wild Kingdom television series, he found medically helpless populations throughout the world. His deep desire to find a way to take health care to people who had none was the seed of RAM.

American Le Mans

Team ADT Champion Racing and Champion Motors offer assistance to Hurricane Katrina refugees
News from ADT Champion Racing

Photos © DeFord Photo
BOWMANVILLE, Ontario, Canada (September 4, 2005) – Dave Maraj, owner of Champion Porsche and Champion Audi dealerships and his racing team, Champion Racing, have teamed up to provide more than $100,000 of immediate aid to the thousands of refugees in Lafayette, Louisiana.-->MORE=

Randy Ruhlman looks to make a difference at Road America
on the track and for the Lance Armstrong Foundation
Photos courtesy MotoRock Trans Am Series
GREENSBORO, N.C. (Aug. 17, 2005) — Randy Ruhlman is going to Road America this weekend to do two things: one is to try to extend his points lead in the Trans-Am Series Driver's Championship, and the other is to try to help raise money for charity. The first he will do by trying to win the pole for the Trans-Am race and finish on the podium, just as he did last year. And the second will be to ride in the Tour de Road America charity bike ride Saturday evening to help to raise money for the Lance Armstrong Foundation for cancer survivorship.-->MORE

DriversAid: Jurgen van den Goorbergh takes initiative for Tsunami victims
Top riders give unique items for auction
(August 5, 2005) -- Straight after the tsunami, that left Asia devastated on December 26, Jurgen and Misha van den Goorbergh wanted to set something up. Their idea – an auction of unique items of Motorsports aces – took some time. `We wanted to do things right`, says Jurgen. `Not just an auction, but something really special. We will be supporting a project in Sri Lanka where they are rebuilding houses, an absolute necessity when rebuilding your life."

Jurgen contacted his colleagues in the racing world. Almost everyone responded enthusiastically and donated unique items of memorabilia during the last few months, Jurgen´s office is getting more and more crowded with great items which will fund the housing project in Sri Lanka. A selection of the items available:

- A signed Valentino Rossi shirt

- A signed Freddie Spencer, Kenny Roberts and Erv Kanemoto photo

- Helmets by Loris Capirossi, Carlos Checa, Colin Edwards and Stefan Everts

- Leathers of Kenny Roberts jr and John Hopkins

- Paddock- and VIP-passes for Grand Prix’ and Superbike events

- Donations by Marco Melandri, Sete Gibernau, Nicky Hayden, Andrew Pitt, Troy Bayliss, Raymond Schouten, Jarno Janssen, Barry Veneman and (of course) Jurgen van den Goorbergh

- And more!

The items can be viewed on www.driversaid.net Bidding starts in a few days! More items will be added to the auction so make sure to check in often!

DriversAid will support a housing project in Sri Lanka that will give hundreds of people a new roof over their heads. All the money made with www.driversaid.net will go directly to that project.

DriversAid is supported by www.tamara-design.nl, Computer Mobiel, SportTravel, RaceReport, Frank Weeink, Natascha Kayser and with a very special `thank you` to Jarno de Jong, without him this website would not be happening!

For more information:

www.driversaid.net
www.vdgoorbergh.com

Trans-Am driver Steve Toth to 'Race for the Cure' at San Jose
SAN JOSE, Calif. (July 20, 2005) — Steve Toth, who competes in the Trans-Am Series’ GT America Class, will drive in support of The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation’s San Francisco Affiliate during the July 29-30 Cytomax Sport Drink 100, part of the Taylor Woodrow San Jose Grand Prix.

As part of the agreement, Toth’s No. 63 Pontiac Grand Prix will carry the organization’s Race for the Cure® trademark and the internationally recognized pink ribbon, which symbolizes breast cancer awareness, on the hood. Also, the Toth Motorsports Girls will raffle off racing memorabilia at his racing transporter in the Trans-Am paddock. All ticket proceeds will benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and early detection of breast cancer.

Toth will return to competition at San Jose after recovering from a back injury. His son, Stevie, as always, will be cheering for him from the pits.

“Little Stevie and I are very excited I’m back in the driver’s seat, and we’re ecstatic to see the growth in Trans-Am’s GTA Class,” said Toth. “The in-market promotional strength from GTA allows us to raise additional funds for a very good cause. We’re proud to be racing for the cure this weekend.

“The Toth Motorsports Girls will be raffling off some really great prizes, and with your donation you can help support breast cancer research and early detection,” concluded Toth. “When breast cancer is detected early, there is a 95% cure rate.”

For more than 20 years, The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation has been a global leader in the fight against breast cancer through its support of innovative research and community-based outreach programs. Working through a network of U.S. and international Affiliates and events like the Komen Race for the Cure®, the Komen Foundation is fighting to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by funding research grants and supporting education, screening and treatment projects in communities around the world.

SPEED World Challenge drivers bring racing fun to Columbus Children's Hospital

Stu Hayner, Jim Osborn and Seth Thomas visit children on way to Round Four at Mid-Ohio.
News from Chili Pepper Racing

Photos courtesy Amy Jo Photography
COLUMBUS, Ohio (May 19, 2005) -- Round four of the Trenton Forging QualityFormed Solutions race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course begins May 19, 2005, but, drivers Stu Hayner, Jim Osborn and Seth Thomas find time in their busy schedule to stop and visit patients at the Columbus Children’s Hospital. The drivers visited with children and their families who were treated in the hospital’s burn, orthopedic and rehabilitation units. Heather Canty a child-life specialist, stated, “It’s nice to have people visit the hospital who understand what our patients are going through and are comfortable dealing with the children. The staff looks forward to their visit every year.”

Trenton Forging and Chili Pepper Racing are hosting several patients are their families from the Columbus Children’s Hospital for a fun filled weekend at the track. The children will soon be able to watch newest friends of the SPEED World Challenge:

Stu Hayner, driver of the No. 5 Trenton Forging /GMAC Pontiac GTO; Jim Osborn, driver of the T.C. Thompson Childrren’s Hospital /Remoter Area Medical BMW 325ci; and Seth Thomas driver of the No. 38 Bimmerworld /Thomas Lumber BMW 325ci.

Trenton Forging Company from Trenton Michigan is a leading producer of custom impression die forgings to a wide variety of industries. They have a strong reputation as a supplier of choice to many Tier 1 and Tier 2 automotive/light truck suppliers. Trenton produces multiple cavity die forgings to meet customers exacting specifications and offers a wide range of high quality custom forging products with exceptional customer service. For more information about Trenton Forging, visit www.trentonforging.com

T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital is part of the Erlanger Health system and is a level-one trauma center. Located in the Tennessee Valley of Chattanooga, TN. T.C. Thompson does not only serve the Tennessee area but also those living in North Alabama, East Tennessee, North Georgia and Western North Carolina. The hospital serves as a teaching facility for the University of Tennessee School of Medicine.

To find out more information on Chili Pepper Racing or “racing for the health of it” partners visit their websites at:
www.chilipepperracing.org
www.goautosport.com
www.bimmerworld.com
www.lighthousefamilyretreat.org

BimmerWorld Racing donates winnings to Wheelchair Foundation
BLACKSBURG, Va. (Oct. 27, 2004) – BimmerWorld Racing drivers Seth Thomas, James Clay and Matt Richmond donated $7,500 of the team’s winnings to the Wheelchair Foundation in a check presentation ceremony following the SCCA SPEED World Challenge Touring Car race Sunday, Oct. 17 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

Thomas and Clay presented the check to Jason Katz, Associate Director of Community Relations for the Wheelchair Foundation, which will be used to purchase 100 new wheelchairs for those in need.

“The Wheelchair Foundation is grateful for the support that BimmerWorld Racing has shown us,” Katz said. “Their donation means granting the gift of mobility to those who need it most. We are pleasantly surprised at the generous amount that BimmerWorld was able to donate and we look forward to a continued relationship with BimmerWorld Racing.”

“You really can’t describe in words how this affects the kids and the families until you see their faces,” Thomas said describing the impact of the team’s donation. “The Wheelchair Foundation is an organization that does a lot of good for people throughout the world. We’re just glad that we can be a part of it and that we can help them out. We want to help kids and adults have fun with their lives, while we’re having fun racing. It’s just something that we can give back.”

The Wheelchair Foundation has delivered more than 300,000 wheelchairs in 129 countries to adults, teens and children and distributes an average of 10,000 wheelchairs each month. A $75 tax-deductible donation can help deliver one wheelchair to a recipient in need.

The Wheelchair Foundation is a nonprofit organization leading an international effort to create awareness of the needs and abilities of people with physical disabilities, to promote the joy of giving, create global friendship, and to deliver a wheelchair to every child, teen and adult in the world who needs one, but cannot afford one. For these people, the Wheelchair Foundation delivers Hope, Mobility and Freedom.

For more information about the Wheelchair Foundation, visit www.wheelchairfoundation.org or call 877-378-3839.

For more information on BimmerWorld Racing,
visit www.bimmerworldracing.com

Trans-Am Series driver Randy Ruhlman races on and off the track
In support of the Lance Armstrong Foundation
Photos © Randy Ruhlman
Greensboro, NC (Oct 14, 2004)—When Randy Ruhlman is away from the racetrack, where he earns his living as a professional driver, he often trades in his need for speed for a passion for pedaling. And now he is using that passion in support of the Lance Armstrong Foundation. The Lance Armstrong Foundation, which focuses its activities on cancer survivorship, education, and resources, believes that in battling cancer, knowledge is power and attitude is everything. --> MORE

American Le Mans

Road racing with the Lord
Pastor Richard Anderson of Motorsports Ministries
By Kate Shaw

Photos © Margot Orenchuk
BOWMANVILLE, Ontario (August 9, 2004) -- “Motor racing is dangerous” proclaims the sign at the entrance to the paddock in Road Atlanta. Naturally our first thought is of huge flying crashes, ambulances and perhaps a fire like the burning Corvette in Sonoma. But Pastor Richard Anderson of Motorsports Ministries will tell you that the dangers, difficulties and dramas in the world of motorsports are usually much less spectacular and in fact are a lot like what we face when we are at home.

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It's Auction Time!

Motorsport Ministries prepares for 14th annual Silent Auction at Sebring
By Jennifer Anderson

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (February 6, 2004) — Motorsports Ministries will be conducting its fourteenth annual silent auction during the 12 hours of Sebring event. The dates will be March 18-19, 2004. The past auctions have been a great success and a lot of fun. We are once again we are asking for and collecting items for this year’s auction.

Items desired include team uniform clothing (shirts, jackets, hats, etc.), driver suits and helmets, racing memorabilia, pins, patches, artwork and photography (signed if possible), racing parts of interest, products or services of your company, and any other items that may be of interest to racing fans. This is a great way to clean out and reduce old inventory.

Items may be sent to one of the addresses listed below:

Motorsports Ministries Auction
c/o Bob Snodgrass
Brumos Motor Cars
10231 Atlantic Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32225

Motorsports Ministries Auction
c/o Jerry Howard
4611 Pine Tree Dr.
Del Ray Beach, FL 33445

Please do not send items to Sebring Raceway as in the past these items have been misplaced or lost.

All donations will receive a receipt for tax deduction purposes. Please enclose a list of items sent to aid us in preparing your receipt. Or you may e-mail the list directly to us at racerev@earthlink.net.

Thank you!

Road racing with the Lord
Pastor Richard Anderson of Motorsports Ministries
By Kate Shaw

AASCO Motorsports Races For Local Make-A-Wish Foundation
Photos courtesy AASXO

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., January 28, 2004 – AASCO Motorsports announced today a special effort to raise funds for local chapters of the Make-A-Wish Foundation® (MAW). For this weekend’s 42nd Running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona, the Anaheim, California-based race team will use driver and team pledges to contribute to the Make-A-Wish Foundation® chapter that serves the Daytona area and two California-based MAW chapters. All contributions designated to the No. 16 of Craig Stanton, David Murry and Tim Sugden will go to the local MAW chapter, the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Central and Northern Florida. All donations dedicated to the No. 17 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup entry of Gary Becker, Derek Clark, Pat Flanagan, Joe Kunz and Mark Webber will be donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Greater Los Angeles and the Make-A-Wish Foundation® Orange County.

Contributions for the No. 16 will be based on:

Each participating driver, team member and team friends, will make a donation based on the number of hours completed by the No. 16. If the car earns a SGS class podium finish (first, second or third) AASCO Motorsports will match the amount raised by the drivers and team members for the local chapter. If the No. 16 fails to finish the event for any reason, AASCO Motorsports will be responsible for a $100/hour donation for the hours of the race not completed.

Contributions for the No. 17 will be based on:

Each driver of the No. 17 has contributed to the “California MAW Pool.” An even or odd designation will be chosen prior to the event’s start for the LA and Orange County Chapters. This designation will remain in a sealed envelope until the finish of the event. The overall finishing position of the car, even or odd, will then determine which chapter of the California MAW (Greater Los Angeles or Orange County) will receive the donation. If the No. 17 takes a SGS podium finish, the drivers will double their contribution and both chapters will receive a donation equal to the initial “California MAW Pool”.

A running tally of each car’s fund raising effort will be kept and updated every hour in the AASCO Motorsports pit lane throughout the 24 Hour race.

Dennis Aase, owner: “Several of our drivers have been heavily involved with the Make-A-Wish program for years so this was a natural way for us to get involved. We want to make these two cars run to the front and stay there. The longer the cars run and the higher they finish, the more kids’ wishes we can make come true.”

Craig Stanton, driver, No. 16: “I get to live my wish everyday by racing Porsches. Being a part of the Make-A-Wish effort to make children’s wishes come true is the best way I can imagine to say ‘thanks’ for that opportunity!”

Gary Becker, driver, No. 17: “I have worked with the Make-A-Wish Foundation several times before and it has always meant so much. I try to live by one motto; ‘For the children… anything.”

David Murry, driver, No. 16: “I am so proud to be part of a team raising money for Make-A-Wish. Here we are driving race cars for a living, how lucky are we. It puts it all in perspective. When you see the smile on the kids’ faces that visit with us it's indescribable. You get pretty attached to them in a short time. It's very special.”

Mandy Reimert, Team Make-A-Wish Representative: “As both an amateur racer and a Board Member of my local chapter of MAW, the question I always ask – other people, as well as myself – is how these wishes compare with wanting new tires, better suspension or more horsepower? I think it is very important for us all to remember how fortunate we are to be able to race cars. And I hope every time someone sees a MAW decal on a race car it makes them think about how lucky they are, and maybe it will make them want to share their good fortune with others. The power of a wish makes the power of a Porsche seem so small in comparison!”

Big night out for charity

ORDA Christmas Party and Trophy Presentation December 20 2003- Eagle Farm Racecourse

QUEENSLAND, Australia (January 3, 2004) -- The annual Queensland Racing Drivers Association (QRDA) Christmas Party and Trophy Presentation held last year proved to be a brilliant finish to season 2003.

With a record 180 people in attendance, a highlight of the evening was a massive raffle for the Royal Children's Hospital Christmas Appeal, which raised an impressive $1385.

Evening coordinator Mark Walker was overwhelmed with the support of the Queensland motorsport community.

“Two years ago we raised $600 for the Hospital Appeal, and last year we were over the moon when we raised $1000.

“So we have to be proud of bettering that mark this year, and we would really like to thank everyone who dug deep and purchased tickets or donated the many prizes for the evening,” said Mr Walker.

Not only the QRDA, but also the Improved Production, Formula Vee, Officials and Fire Marshall clubs, attended the evening, the first time so many clubs have shared the evening.

The main trophy winners from the QRDA were Nick Rangeley, who took out the overall club championship at his first attempt, Scott Simpson, who picked up the Rookie of the Year award, Mal Thomas who won the Ken Nelson Encouragement Award, and Charlie Midolo who was awarded the President's Award.

From the Improved Production club, Steve Draheim took out the overall championship in his Datsun 1200, from the Mazda RX7 of Mark Thomas and the Corolla Levin of Chris O'Shannessy, with three different classes of cars represented in the top three in the championship.

Shane Hart was the big winner in the Formula Vees, taking home a total of seven awards for the evening including overall champion and clubman of the year.

Other Formula Vee winners included rookie of the year Cameron Green, and most improved driver Grant Bromley.

Drivers and teams are now busily preparing for the 2004 season, which kicks off at Queensland Raceway on February 21-22 with the MG Car Club State Championship race meeting.

The 2004 State Championship features five meetings at Queensland Raceway and Morgan Park Raceway, with further details available at www.qrda.asn.au.

The QRDA would like to thank the following for their contribution to the 2003 Christmas Raffle-

- Dick Johnson Racing
- Auto Biz, Michael McCloud
- High Octane, Dale Press
- Exelite, Ross Loudon
- Chevron Publishing Group
- Peter and Bev Brock
- Shopmotorsport, Matthew Roberts
- Repco Enoggera, Bernie Canavan
- Biante Model Cars, Kristy

- Southern Model Supplies/Classic Carlectables, Lynne
- Car Bitz and Accessories, Kevin McGiffin
- Gloria Jeans Coffee Chermside, Alison & Joanna
- Diecast Distributors Australia, John Marios
- Troy Marinelli
- Bryce Francis
- Jeff Barnes
- Queensland Improved Production Racing Association
- Tyretech/Yokohama, Rod Lynch
- Procar, Ross Palmer
- Castrol
- Fortron, Sarah
- Byrne Ford Social Golf Club
- Coventry Spare Parts
- Grand Prix Mazda, John Hayden
- Mark Pryor, Charlie Midolo raffle coordinators

Wisconsin motorsports charity banquet honors racers, benefits Ranch Community Services
Elkhart Lake, Wisc. (Dec. 5, 2003) — Fox and SPEED Network commentator Jeff Hammond will serve as honorary chair for the 13th annual Wisconsin Motorsports Charities Recognition Dinner to be held Jan. 9, 2004, at the Country Inn, in Waukesha, Wisc., a Milwaukee suburb. The dinner, organized as a benefit for Ranch Community Services, a facility for developmentally disabled adults and children, annually draws top drivers from various racing series. The evening activities include an autograph session, raffle and prizes. Tickets are $60 each or $1100 for a celebrity table with one of the honorees or $800 for a corporate table.

Company tables include a full page ad in the evening's program. To order tickets or to place a program ad, call 262.567.7837 or e-mail russlake@execpc.com Noted race car driver and SPEED F-1 commentator David Hobbs and Jim Tretow, SPEED ASA commentator and Racing Round-Up Radio Show host will emcee and co-host the festivities. Motorsports notables to be honored include:

Kim Mock, IRA Sprint car series driver
Erik Darnell, 2003 Wisconsin Challenge Series champion
Brad Mueller, 2003 Slinger (Wisc.) Super Speedway champion, and ARCA and
Craftsman Truck Series driver
Kevin Cywinski, 2003 ASA Champion
Dave Estok, Formula USA National Thunderbike Class champion, Buell Motorcycles
Howie Lettow, ASA crew chief and driver mentor for Jimmie Johnson and David
Stremme, among others
Gunnar Jeannette, American Le Mans Series, Panoz race team driver

Dave Kallmann, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel motorsports columnist, will receive the Ted Lake Dedication to Auto Racing Award, presented to an individual who has made long-time contributions to the motorsports industry.

"Each year we find wonderful drivers and riders who are willing to give back to the community," said Russ Lake, event founder and organizer. "We are deeply grateful for their participation and we appreciate the many race fans who come out to see their racing heroes and to help out with a worthwhile cause."

Over the past 12 years the banquet has contributed $330,000 to Ranch Community Services, located in Menominee Falls, Wisc., a Milwaukee suburb.

The Country Inn is located at 2810 Golf Road, Waukesha, Wisc.

The Wisconsin Motorsports Charity Banquet is organized by Russ Lake and a Board of
Directors consisting of area race enthusiasts and industry representatives.