BHA Working to Raise Awareness of Kroger Race for Riley |
|---|
Topics: Race for Riley
|
Andrew Herta
Bryan Herta Autosport
July 9, 2010
Bryan Herta Autosport is reaching out to fans, supporters and the racing community to help raise awareness and donations for the 14th annual Kroger Race for Riley presented by Cheerios. Hosted by NASCAR and IZOD IndyCar Series driver John Andretti and Race for Riley co-founder and popular radio personality Dave “The King” Wilson, the charity karting event benefits the Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis and will be held July 21 at New Castle Motorsports Park owned by former IndyCar Series driver Mark Dismore and his wife, Donna. The race is part of the activities leading up to the Brickyard 400 on Sunday, July 25.
BHA team co-owner Steve Newey has been an avid supporter of the fundraiser, which has amassed over $1.4M in donations since the inaugural event in 1997. Kart racing, pro series kart competition, a media go-kart race, the opportunity to race against Andretti and meet some of racing top drivers are some of the day’s highlights in addition to a live broadcast of the nationally syndicated The Bob and Tom Show.
Flying the colors for BHA on July 21 will be Steve’s son Brandon Newey, 17, of Indianapolis, Ind., who is in the process of transitioning from karts to cars as he pursues his dream of a professional racing career. Newey attended the 2009 Skip Barber Racing School Karting Scholarship Shootout and currently competes as a rookie in the BFGoodrich/Skip Barber National Presented by Mazda.
“I have been participating in the Race for Riley since 1997,” said the younger Newey who will take part in TaG Senior Class activities. “My dad always donates and supports Riley because it is such a good cause. I love running the race and working to raise donations. It is a really good event and there is a lot to do for the fans. A variety of race cars will be on display and a lot of drivers like Tony Stewart and Vitor Meira come out to show their support. There is a rental kart race where people can donate $50.00 and try to make it through the heats to the final race to compete against John Andretti. My brothers Justin and Ryan will race in that; it is a fun time.”
As an additional incentive for donations, BHA is offering a William Rast racing t-shirt and hat for every $50 donation received at the team’s headquarters in Indianapolis. William Rast, the ‘New America’ denim culture brand founded by Trace Ayala and Justin Timberlake, is primary sponsor of the #29 Firestone Indy Lights entry piloted by Sebastian Saavedra. Checks should be made payable to Riley Children’s Foundation and sent to BHA at 6815 Guion Road, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46268.
“Race for Riley is a great event and we try to raise as much as possible to help support the tremendous work at Riley Hospital for Children,” said Steve Newey. “We want to reach as many people as we can to not only donate to the Riley Hospital but also encourage the fans to come out and enjoy a fun day at New Castle Motorsports Park to benefit a great cause.”
In addition to race activities, a “progressive dinner” will be held on July 20. Additional information on all events can be found at www.race4riley.com and at www.bryanhertaautosport.com.