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Indianapolis, IN – February 9, 2012 – World-renowned racecar driver Michael Andretti is set to compete on behalf of Racing For Cancer as he joins the cast of NBC’s “Celebrity Apprentice,” premiering February 19.

Andretti, son of racing legend Mario Andretti, has the third most victories (42) of any driver in IndyCar history, and he lead 6,702 IndyCar laps during his career. Currently, he is the Chairman, President and CEO of Andretti Autosport. As one of the most well-known racing personalities in the U.S., Andretti continues to set the standard in the industry, albeit from behind the pit wall.

After the mother of one of Andretti’s racecar drivers, Ryan Hunter-Reay, passed away of cancer, Tom Vossman, a past associate sponsor of Andretti Autosport, started Racing for Cancer with Hunter-Reay. The non-profit organization is aimed at uniting motorsport fans, racing organizations, drivers and sponsors in support of the global fight against cancer. Michael Andretti has supported this charity from its inception. When contacted by the producers of “Celebrity Apprentice,” charity selection was an easy choice.

“I chose Racing for Cancer because I believe that the effort put forth by this organization is helping to win the fight and helping people,” says Andretti. “My mother is a cancer survivor and Ryan (Hunter-Reay) lost his mother to the disease, so the cause is near and dear to me and our team. We need to continue to fight this disease in any way we can. Racing For Cancer is fully committed and I’m honored to be competing on “Celebrity Apprentice” to benefit this great organization.”

The season premiere of “Celebrity Apprentice,” broadcast on NBC, airs on February 19, 2012 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. Andretti will compete against 17 other celebrities for a donation of $250,000 or perhaps more, to Racing For Cancer. Only a month after the premiere, Andretti and Racing For Cancer CEO, Tom Vossman, will head to the streets of St. Petersburg, FL, for the season opener of the IZOD IndyCar Series on Sunday, March 25.

To donate to Racing For Cancer and support Michael’s “Celebrity Apprentice” attempt, please visit www.RacingForCancer.org.

About Racing For Cancer, Inc.

Racing For Cancer, Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) organization, is “helping pick up the pace… one fan at a time.” Racing For Cancer was formed to unite motorsports fans around the world, racing organizations, drivers and sponsors to help those afflicted with cancer. The mission is simply to beat cancer. Support is focused towards early detection and prevention, and efforts to help raise awareness and support of fighting childhood cancer. One hundred percent of the net proceeds of fundraising efforts are committed to the cause. Racing For Cancer also partners with various marketing efforts to aid in the global cancer awareness campaign. For more information, visit www.RacingForCancer.org.

Research has long looked at the health benefits of exercise. Regular physical activity can help you lose weight, maintain healthy bones and muscles and reduce the risk of a number of diseases, including diabetes and high blood pressure. Physical activity can also help to improve mood and psychological outlook.

Recent research has suggested that physical fitness can affect the risk of developing cancer. Physical activity is linked to lower risks of breast, colon, prostate, lung, and endometrial cancer, according to numerous scientific studies. Studies have found that physical activity can reduce the risk of colon cancer by as must as 50 percent.

However, exercise does more than just prevent cancer. A British cancer charity examined 60 scientific studies and surveyed over 400 health professionals on the topic of cancer and physical fitness. The report found that with exercise, breast cancer patients had a reduced risk of recurrence or dying by nearly 40 percent. Prostate cancer patients saw a 30 percent reduction in fatalities.

Exercise also helps with negative side effects that cancer patient’s deal with regularly. Symptoms such as fatigue, heart disease or osteoporosis can all be improved with regular physical fitness. Many people diagnosed with cancer also deal with mental symptoms, especially in fatal cancers such as mesothelioma. Regular exercise can help to improve mood and ward off depression.

Because of these recent studies, many doctors are changing their advice to cancer patients. Instead of telling people to take it easy and relax, doctors recommend engaging in an active lifestyle. Aerobic activities, such as cycling, walking or swimming for just 30 minutes per day at least five days a week provides patients with the health benefits.

Over 11 million Americans have cancer in the United States. The American Cancer Society also encourages people to engage in physical fitness to reduce cancer risk and improve treatment outcomes in patients already diagnosed with cancer.

Consult with your physician before you begin a new exercise, especially if you have cancer. Your doctor may recommend certain exercises or suggest you avoid other exercises, depending on your exact illness.

The month of May is celebrated in the calendar by showcasing IZOD IndyCar champion, and two-time Indy 500 winner, Dan Wheldon. From now until December 31, 2011, UMP will also donate $1 from the sale of every calendar to the Dan Wheldon Family Trust Fund.

Race fans will also enjoy a full-page poster of Cameron Haven, the IZOD IndyCar Series Trophy Girl. The entire calendar offers everything a race fan needs to celebrate their favorite open-wheel sport, or give as a gift.

Fans can purchase the calendar online now at www.UMPonline.com/calendar.

Bulk purchase discounts are available. In addition, updates will be published throughout the 2012 season for fans that wish to purchase additional calendars at the track.

About The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation

The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation was started in 2000 by Indy Racing League driver Sam Schmidt shortly after a practice-run crash left him paralyzed from the chest down.  SSPF is leading the charge to cure paralysis by funding scientific research, medical treatment, rehabilitation and technological advances, benefiting stroke victims and people diagnosed with ALS, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.  In addition to initiating local and national advocacy efforts on behalf of those disabled, SSPF funds various quality of life grants to organizations, provides college scholarships for people with spinal cord injuries/paralysis, and funds the national Day at the Races program. For more information, visit www.samschmidt.org.

About Racing For Kids

Founded in Detroit in 1989, Racing For Kids is designed to use the increasing popularity of motorsports to focus public attention and funding on the health care needs of children. The hospital visits form the heart of the program. RFK drivers visit children in Children’s Hospitals wherever they race. They spend time with each sick youngster answering questions about their sport, posing for pictures, signing autographs and handing out the distinctive RFK hats, coloring books and assorted memorabilia provide by our sponsors. RFK representatives have visited with more than 20,000 young patients in nearly 400 hospitals in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Australia. For more information, visit www.RacingForKids.org.

About Racing for Cancer

Racing For Cancer, Inc. was formed to unite motorsports fans around the world to help those afflicted with cancer and to promote early detection and prevention initiatives that support the global fight against cancer. The mission is simply to help beat cancer. Racing for Cancer commits 100 percent of net proceeds, raised through various fundraising programs, to (1) promote and launch early detection and prevention initiatives, and (2) promote awareness and the eradication of childhood cancer. The organization also partners to support various marketing efforts to aid in the global cancer awareness campaign. For more information, visit www.RacingForCancer.org.