IndyCar drivers to race at Terre Haute
The Race to Recover was the brainchild of Davey Hamilton, who has never raced on dirt. He started talking to fellow drivers in the IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights paddocks, as well as some modified team owners about using some cars, and the event came together quickly.
The tentative driver lineup includes Hamilton, A.J. Foyt IV, Tomas Scheckter, Sarah Fisher, E.J. Viso, Arie Luyendyk Jr., Jay Howard, Vitor Meira, Scott Goodyear and 2004 Indianapolis 500 winner Buddy Rice.
The hope is to raise at least $10,000 for Wabash Valley charitable organizations.
09/05/08 Some of the Midwest’s top modified stock car teams will be on hand at the Terre Haute Action Track Friday, September 12th for the Monster Modified Classic presented by MacAllister Machinery. The event is part of The Wolfpack Challenge Modified Series, and marks the only appearance by the modifieds at the Action Track in 2008.
“We’ve had great racing all season and can’t wait to get to Terre Haute," said series director Tim Wolfe. “We’re expecting 40+ cars and I know our guys will put on a great show for the fans."
In addition to the Monster Modified Classic, that will feature heat races, a semi-feature and 30 lap feature, fans will also be treated to an appearance by some of the top names in Indy Racing Friday night.
The Race to Recover has been designed to help raise money for local relief agencies that saw their annual budgets nearly wiped out by the need to assist Wabash Valley flood victims in June. IndyCar Series driver Davey Hamilton and Mike King created a program that allows fans and/or businesses to make contributions directly to the relief agency of the contributors choice, while receiving a VIP package for the event that includes tickets, a chance to meet the drivers, souvenir photos and even a chance to give the command to start engines or present the trophy in victory lane.
“Our hope is to raise at least $10,000 for local agencies with this event, and if we can exceed that in our first year we would be thrilled," said King. “Davey has done a great job coordinating the drivers that will be taking part, and local modified teams have been very generous in allowing the use of their cars. We believe this could become a huge annual event."
Among the drivers tentatively set to tackle the half-mile clay oval in The Race to Recover… 2004 Indy 500 winner Buddy Rice, Sarah Fisher, Davey Hamilton, Scott Goodyear, AJ Foyt IV, Tomas Scheckter, EJ Viso, Rafa Matos, Arie Luyendyk Jr. and 2006 Indy Lights Champion Jay Howard. Friday’s event will mark the first appearance by a Foyt at the legendary track in three decades.
“I’ve never raced on dirt, so I’m really looking forward to this," said Luyendyk. “Rafa (Luyendyk’s Indy Lights teammate at AFS/Andretti Green) heard me talking about it and had me call Davey so he could race too. I think we’re all excited about trying something new and being able to help raise money for a good cause at the same time."
The Action Track ticket office opens September 12th at 4:30pm. Gates will open at 5:30, and Hot Laps are scheduled to get underway at 6:30pm. Indy Car drivers are scheduled for a 7:30pm autograph session in the Action Track infield.
Adult tickets prices start at just $10 for infield admission. Fans can get $3 off reserved and general admission grandstand tickets by wearing a Monster Energy Drink hat or t-shirt, or by bringing an empty Monster drink can.
Businesses wishing to participate in The Race to Recover are encouraged to contact Mike King at 812-239-4078 for information on event benefits packages. Checks for charitable contributions will be written directly to area relief agencies (i.e. American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities).