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AutoNation joins racing champ Hunter-Reay to raise at least $1 million to help fight cancer
Fresh from launching its name coast-to-coast, AutoNation is starting its first nationwide drive for charity: a push to fight cancer, working with South Florida’s IndyCar champion Ryan Hunter-Reay.
The Fort Lauderdale-based auto retailer will contribute an initial $500,000 to match funds raised by its associates and stores through its Racing for Cancer campaign, to be formally announced Wednesday, AutoNation Chief Executive Mike Jackson told the Sun Sentinel.
Hunter-Reay announces third Yellow Party post-Barber win
Fresh off his win and one of his most complete weekends in IndyCar, Ryan Hunter-Reay took the momentum to announce the third straight edition of The Yellow Party ahead of this year’s Indianapolis 500.
“Proud to announce @RacingForCancer will host it’s 3rd @TheYellowParty on May 23rd in downtown Indy. Bigger & better than ever. #beatcancer,” Hunter-Reay tweeted on Sunday.
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INDIANAPOLIS (Dec. 5, 2012) – The open-wheel race team Andretti Autosport announced their 2013 INDYCAR line up today at an event held at the team’s Indianapolis-based racing headquarters. With a full-time stable of three IZOD IndyCar Series entries, two Firestone Indy Lights entries, two Star Mazda entries and entries in USF2000, team owner Michael Andretti will again claim credit to having the only team competing in every step of the Mazda Road to Indy ladder.
The reigning IZOD IndyCar Series Championship team will be led into 2013 by a familiar trio of IndyCar drivers as Ryan Hunter-Reay, James Hinchcliffe and Marco Andretti and will return for full-season efforts. Hunter-Reay, who clinched the 2012 Series Championship in a season-finale showdown at Auto Club Speedway in September, will showcase the honors that come with being the champion by running the No. 1 on his DHL Chevrolet for the 2013 season.
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Racing For Cancer Announces the Championship Challenge
Houston, TX – November 28, 2012 – In celebration of Ryan Hunter-Reay’s 2012 IndyCar Championship, and to promote the cause that drives him on and off the track, Racing For Cancer is kicking off a 28-day Championship Challenge today.
Hunter-Reay, who drives the Andretti Autosport DHL/Sun Drop Chevrolet IndyCar, is the co-founder and ambassador for Racing For Cancer and a LIVESTRONG Global Envoy. Consistent with Ryan’s drive and “never give up” attitude that helped him win the 2012 IZOD IndyCar championship, he is determined to promote awareness and raise funds to support the global fight against cancer. In 2012 Ryan selected his number 28 car number in honor of the 28 million people living with cancer worldwide.
In January 2010, Hunter-Reay signed with Andretti Autosport, where he won the prestigious Long Beach Grand Prix, just months after losing his mother to colon cancer. He dedicated the win to his Mom. By her side the entire fight, Hunter-Reay became determined to help in the global fight against cancer.
The tragic loss of his mother, combined with his passion to help others resulted in Hunter-Reay partnering with Tom Vossman to launch Racing For Cancer in July 2010. Since then, the two have set aside the time needed to spread the word and promote the cause.
In the Racing for Cancer Championship Challenge, Ryan Hunter-Reay is asking fans to donate $28 to the charity. The campaign begins today, November 28, and will run for 28 days (until December 26). Whether this challenge raises $2,800 or $28,000 for cancer research, Hunter-Reay hopes to spread the message of hope and commitment to all those battling cancer today as well as to help prevent the loss of others through early detection.
“I saw first hand what this disease can do to our loved ones”, said Hunter-Reay. “My Mom was a fighter. She was my biggest fan. I want to do all I can to ensure others don’t have to endure what my Mom had to endure…I want to get out the word to get checked and help prevent the loss of others’ loved ones. It means everything to me to beat this disease. I’ll do whatever I can to help!”
Joining the Championship Challenge is easy. Fans can simply go to www.RacingForCancer.org and click the “Donate Now!” button. There, they’ll have the option to donate $28 or enter any other donation amount. For each $28 donation, supporters will be entered in a drawing and three lucky winners will receive autographed items from Hunter-Reay commemorating his 2012 championship.
Racing For Cancer would like to congratulate Ryan Hunter-Reay on his hard-fought, 2012 IndyCar championship and thank the fans for joining the 28-day Championship Challenge!
About Racing For Cancer
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.
For more information, please contact Monica Hilton at pr@racingforcancer.org or call 608.669.3211.
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Official 2013 INDYCAR Calendar Now Available
Proceeds Benefit Racing For Cancer, Racing For Kids and Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation
Indianapolis, IN – November 26, 2012 – United Medical Providers, Inc. (UMP) is proud to announce the release of the official 2013 INDYCAR wall calendar.
Now renowned throughout the paddock, the calendar has become a must-have for any racing enthusiast. The 12-month, 12″ x 9″ (12″ x 18″ open), full-color, photographic wall calendar features some of the hottest stars and cars from the IZOD IndyCar Series.
Ryan Hunter-Reay’s title gifts keep on giving
DHL, sponsor of Andretti Autosport and the No. 28 IZOD IndyCar Series entry driven by Ryan Hunter-Reay, celebrated its driver’s championship victory at its corporate headquarters earlier this week, and also took the opportunity to support his Racing for Cancer – a charity Hunter-Reay co-founded after the death of his mom to cancer.
SUNDAY Q&A New IRL champ Ryan Hunter-Reay in the race to find a cure for cancer
Even before Saturday night’s MavTV 500 at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Ryan Hunter-Reay could already be called a winner.
The 31-year-old who led IndyCar Racing this season with four wins, set a career high in podium finishes and laps led ended up with a sixth-place finish and became the first American since 2006 to win the series title.
Earlier in the day, he announced he was staying with his current team, Andretti Autosport, rather than be wooed to join Penske Racing. It all came down to loyalty, he said.
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Troy Hanson is proud to announce that Racing for Cancer has been selected as an official event beneficiary for the 171 Challenge.
“I’m super excited to name Racing for Cancer as one of the event beneficiaries for the 171 Challenge,” said Troy Hanson. ”I wanted to align the 171 Challenge with causes that reflect my core values and Racing for Cancer really caught my attention. I’ve seen Racing for Cancer in action and they walk the walk. They provide education, build awareness and provide resources for early detection, but they also provide another valuable resource – HOPE. It’s a honor for me to carry the Racing for Cancer message and colors to the top of the world. I will do my best to help them continue the fight against this horrible and devastating disease.”
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Race Driver Hunter-Reay Reels in Funds in Tournament
INDIANAPOLIS – Andretti Autosport driver Ryan Hunter-Reay recently competed in the Florida Fish for Life charity off-shore fishing tournament in West Palm Beach, Florida to benefit Racing for Cancer and LIVESTRONG. Hunter-Reay first began his involvement with the tournament in 2011 when his team placed 24th overall. The self-proclaimed “Dream Team,” returned to the tournament this year and capture seventh place overall and second in their division.
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IndyCar Calendar Celebrates Indy 500 Month with Unique Autograph Session
Indianapolis, IN – May 1, 2012 -To celebrate the month of May and the legacy of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, United Medical Providers, Inc. (UMP) has arranged for a very special autograph session to take place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Community Day, May 23, 2012 from 12-1 p.m. ET.
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The Yellow Party Gives IndyCar Fans a Memorable Way to Fight Cancer
Indianapolis, IN – April 24, 2012 – In the midst of the celebration leading up to the legendary Indianapolis 500, a brand-new, must-attend event emerges on Thursday, May 24. The Yellow Party, presented by DHL, (formerly #beatcancer Bash) is an IndyCar-focused, fundraising event aimed at raising awareness and donations for the fight against childhood cancer.
Michael Andretti to Compete on NBC’s “Celebrity Apprentice” for Racing For Cancer
Indianapolis, IN – 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.
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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.
HUNTER-REAY’S TEAM INLINE REELS IN FUNDSFOR RACING FOR CANCER, LIVESTRONG
Ryan Hunter-Reay and His “Dream Team” Are Top Placers in Recent Florida Fish for Life Tournament; Raising Funds for Charitable Causes INDIANAPOLIS
(Jan. 25, 2012) –
Andretti Autosport driver Ryan Hunter-Reay recently competed in the Florida Fish for Life charity off-shore fishing tournament in West Palm Beach, Florida to benefit Racing for Cancer and LIVESTRONG. Hunter-Reay first began his involvement with the tournament in 2011 when his team placed 24th overall. The self-proclaimed “Dream Team,” returned to the tournament this year and capture seventh place overall and second in their division. Hunter-Reay’s team, comprised of group of friends and captaining the tournament’s smallest boat, challenged full-time professional fishing crews in their 60 foot, multi-million dollar Sport fishing boats. Despite being the underdog at sea, Hunter-Reay and crew captured notable honors such as: second largest “meat” fish with a 30 lb. Wahoo, placed third overall on day three of the tournament, and tied for third overall in total fish caught over three days. The total funds raised has yet to be determined, but suffice it to say, it was a successful event to support the fight against cancer. The Florida Fish for Life tournament was started in 2003 by Fred Miller, a colon cancer survivor and North Palm Beach resident, as a way to raise awareness and money to support colon cancer research and various other cancer programs. For more information, please visit www.racing forcancer.org.
RYAN HUNTER-REAY, DRIVER OF NO. 28 TEAM DHL / SUN DROP CITRUS SODA, CO-FOUNDER OF RACING FOR CANCER: “We had such a great time this past week in the Florida Fish for Life and Buccaneer Cup tournaments. Last year we finished toward the bottom…which is what you would expect your first year out against the best in the business. The self-proclaimed “Dream Team” came back strong this year, we worked really hard and we beat some of the best big boat teams in the east coast. Tying for third on overall fish caught with a group of friends in this massive tournament is unreal. We ran from Jupiter to Ft. Lauderdale and everywhere in between looking for these sailfish and we found them by marking the bait fish on our Garmin sonar displays. Our 36 foot Yellowfin ran great with three Honda Marine 225’s. They are fast and reliable.“The best news of all is that we raised some serious cash for the fight against cancer, benefitting both Racing for Cancer and LIVESTRONG.“I also want to thank each person on team Inside Line, they all worked really hard. Chris DeLeo, Kenny Stiles, Dave Collier, Steve Cross, Tommy Kornahrens, Tom Vossman and most of all my wife, Beccy.” 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.
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New 2012 IZOD IndyCar Official Calendar Now Available
Indianapolis, IN – November 21, 2011 – United Medical Providers, Inc. (UMP) is proud to announce the release of the official 2012 IZOD IndyCar wall calendar. For the first time in history, proceeds of the calendar will benefit three racing-related charities: Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation, Racing for Kids and Racing for Cancer. By purchasing the popular calendar, fans are doing their part to support all three organizations. Now renowned throughout the paddock, the official calendar has become a must-have for any racing enthusiast. The twelve-month, 12”x9” (12”x18” open), photographic wall calendar features some of the hottest stars of the IZOD IndyCar Series, including Dario Franchitti, Will Power, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Marco Andretti, Simona De Silvestro, Helio Castroneves and more!
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 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. “We’re really excited about the 2012 calendar,” said David Wills, President of UMP. “The demand for this awesome product keeps going up, which gives us the ability to donate to three amazing charities in the racing community. It’s a win-win for everyone involved and we truly appreciate the fan support.” 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 United Medical ProvidersUnited Medical Providers (UMP) has been serving the medical supply and equipment needs for thousands of clients in the United States since 1996. UMP can supply clients’ urological needs with a complete line of quality products. UMP carries thousands of products from top manufacturers like Astra Tech, Bard, Coloplast, Hollister, Rochester Medical, Rusch and Securi-T. For more information, visit www.UMPonline.com. About The Sam Schmidt Paralysis FoundationThe 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 KidsFounded 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 CancerRacing 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.
David Wills
United Medical Providers
504.520.8374
davidw@umponline.com
Derry Hobson and Dr. Pepper Snapple Group donate $10,000 to Racing For Cancer at the Grand Prix of Toronto 2011.
IZOD IndyCar Series Driver Ryan Hunter-Reay, Phillips-Van Heusen President and COO Allen Sirkin, Comfort Revolution Founder Michael Fux and RacingForCancer.Org Founder Tom Vossman celebrate after Tom finished his 2,800 mile bike ride in 28 days at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. The ride’s purpose was to raise awareness and funding for RacingForCancer.Org.The charity received a check from the IZOD IndyCar Series for $28,000 and the Michael Fux purchased Tom’s bike for $10,000 and will donate the bike to the Miami Children’s Hospital Family Center on behalf of the Michael Fux Foundation. Fans are encouraged to donate 1 penny per mile completed to RacingForCancer.Org. (3_27_11) Courtesy Noah Abrams/IZOD
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Auto Racing News Revenue to Benefit Racing For Cancer
Los Angeles, CA, May 24, 2011: Autoracingnews.org announced today that all advertising revenue generated by the website in 2011 will be donated to Racing For Cancer, a non-profit organization, whose global ambassador is IZOD IndyCar Series/Andretti Autosport driver, and recently appointed LIVESTRONG Global Envoy, Ryan Hunter-Reay.
Racing For Cancer proceeds, in part, are used to finance its “Children’s Cancer Fight of the Race” program. Through this program, one young child who is battling cancer is given an invitation to an IZOD IndyCar Series race and VIP treatment through the weekend at some of the races throughout the season. Other programs under development will be supported as Racing for Cancer expands its support to the cancer community.
“I am humbled by the continued and growing support we are receiving from race organizations around the globe. To have Auto Racing News donate their ad revenues in 2011 to Racing For Cancer is a very generous offer. I am pleased to accept the pledge and look forward to helping promote Auto Racing News throughout the year in all that they do for the motorsports fan base!” -Tom Vossman, President and Founder, Racing For Cancer
“I’m just a diehard fan of the sport and what sport is more active in charitable fundraising than racing? From the sanctioning bodies down through the teams, drivers, sponsors and fans the level of generosity has always moved me. In contributing to Racing For Cancer, I’m just doing my part, as so many race fans do.” -Dale Ford, Senior Editor and Founder, Auto Racing News
About Auto Racing News
Auto Racing News, LLC founded by Senior Editor Dale Ford is a multimedia motorsports outlet offering unique content about the NASCAR, IndyCar. NHRA and Grand-Am Series. Coverage of the IZOD IndyCar Series is written by Robyn Lynne Schechter, a motorsports attorney based in Los Angeles, California. For more information, please visit www.autoracingnews.org.
About Racing For Cancer
Founded in 2010 by West Point Academy graduate Tom Vossman, Racing For Cancer’s goal is to unite motorsports fans, racing organizations, drivers, and sponsors in the global fight against cancer through various fundraising programs and a commitment to direct 100% of the net proceeds raised to support families with a loved one who is battling cancer. For more information, please visit racingforcancer.org.
IndyCar Star Ryan Hunter-Reay Joins LIVESTRONG® as Global Envoy for the Fight Against Cancer
Austin, Texas April 13, 2011 LIVESTRONG® is pleased to announce the addition of IndyCar driver Ryan
Hunter-Reay to the foundation As a LIVESTRONG Global Envoy, Hunter-Reay serves as a committed cancer advocate who connects with constituents and demonstrates extraordinary leadership in the global fight against cancer. Hunter-Reay gives a voice to the diagnosed who suffer in silence. He takes a stand against cultural stigma attached to cancer and helps to spur grassroots mobilization.
Racing For Cancer Makes Stop At TMS As Part Of Cross-Country Tour
Cancer is a disease that affects the lives of thousands of Americans, and Racing for Cancer’s founder Tom Vossman is helping raise awareness of their fight by embarking on a 28-day, 28,000-mile coast-to-coast trip that included a stop Tuesday at Texas Motor Speedway.
Vossman departed from Long Beach, Calif., on Feb. 25 and will continue to his final destination of St. Petersburg, Fla., with a target date of March 27 that is in conjunction with the IZOD IndyCar Series season-opening event in that city.
Op-Ed – Racing for Cancer
How many of you race fans have been affected by, or know someone who has been affected by cancer? Chances are most of you know someone who has been affected by this terrible disease.
Racing For Cancer is an organization that has a goal of raising awareness about cancer as well as raising funds to help battle this disease through programs sucha as their Children’s Cancer Fighter of the Race program and promotion of early detection and prevention. They have partnered with Andretti Autosports, The Michael Fux Foundation, LIVESTRONG, and have Ryan Hunter-Reay as their ambassador.
Indy league announces the Ride to St Pete.
Vossman, the founder and president of Racing for Cancer, embarks Feb. 25 on a 2,800-mile ride — from Long Beach, Calif., (site of the April 17 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach) with the intent to join Hunter-Reay and other IZOD IndyCar Series drivers on race day for the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
Inland donates $10,000 to Racing for Cancer
Oct. 2, 2010 – Andretti Autosport sponsor Inland Industrial Services donated $10,000 to Racing For Cancer today at the IZOD IndyCar Series Cafes Do Brasil Indy 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Inland pledged $10,000 to Racing For Cancer as part of a campaign to get the charity’s spokesperson Ryan Hunter-Reay 10,000 followers on Twitter by Oct. 2.
Day at IndyCar race a gift for young cancer survivor
Keaton Gershen-Lewis got a taste of what it’s like to be a famous race car driver last week at Infineon Raceway.Gershen-Lewis, a Vallejo Charter School fifth-grader who has cancer, accompanied IndyCar Series star driver Ryan Hunter-Reay on stage during driver introductions Sunday before the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma.
Asked if he wants to follow in the footsteps of Jeff Gordon, the four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion from Vallejo, Gershen-Lewis blurted out: “No, Ryan’s footsteps.”
Charities reap Indy rewards
This spring, Andretti Autosport unveiled Racing for Cancer, a program to raise funds for cancer research and other causes in honour of driver Ryan Hunter-Reay’s mother, Lydia, who died of colon cancer last November.
“I’ve never seen anything like this, so many people pulling together to make things happen,” said Hunter-Reay. “I’ll never forget that. I was really close to my mom.”
Dr Pepper Snapple Group presenting Racing For Cancer with a donation of $10,000!
Thanks to DPSG for their support and thanks to Tom Vossman at Inland Industrial Services Group for spearheading the effort!
HUNTER-REAY CONFIRMED FOR REMAINDER OF 2010 IZOD INDYCAR SERIES SEASON
TEAM AND INLAND INDUSTRIAL SERVICES GROUP UNVEIL “RACING FOR CANCER” INITIATIVE
WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (July 4, 2010) – Andretti Autosport announced today that Team IZOD driver Ryan Hunter-Reay is set to run the remainder of the 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series season after a group of team sponsors stepped up collectively to fund the effort.
In addition to confirming Hunter-Reay’s full-season participation, the team also unveiled a new charitable initiative connected to the #37 entry called “Racing For Cancer.” The program, which was developed by Tom Vossman – chief executive officer of team sponsor Inland Industrial Services Group – will raise money for cancer research and other charitable causes in honor of Hunter-Reay’s mother, Lydia, who lost her battle with colon cancer in November 2009.
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Cancer as part of a campaign to get the charity’s spokesperson Ryan Hunter-Reay 10,000 followers on Twitter by Oct. 2.
