Sheltra Motorsports to Support Big Brothers Big Sisters Charity at Toledo; More Teams Step Up

Topics:  Patrick Sheltra, Hantz Group 200

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Ohio
Sheltra Motorsports
May 14, 2008

TOLEDO OH (5-14-08) - When it comes to "charity for all", ARCA RE/MAX Series teams notoriously step up to the plate.

And that's certainly the case for this weekend's Hantz Group 200 presented by Federated Car Care at Toledo Speedway.

At present, six ARCA RE/MAX Series teams have pledged support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Ohio, the Charity of Choice for the 4th annual ARCA Fan Fest, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, May 17 & 18 at Toledo Speedway.

Sheltra Motorsports, by way of the Patrick Sheltra Foundation, was the first ARCA RE/MAX Series team to donate to the cause and more teams have come forward in support of the charity.

"We are very excited about our strong involvement with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Ohio this weekend at Toledo Speedway," said Chris Knight, Public Relations Representative for Sheltra Motorsports and driver Patrick Sheltra. "I am also extremely grateful to the other teams that are making a huge difference for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Ohio."

Sheltra Motorsports has donated $250 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Ohio so that children in the program can ride for free on carnival rides at the ARCA Fan Fest. Andy Belmont Racing with driver Tom Hessert III, Fast Track Racing with driver Bryan Silas and Win-Tron Racing with driver Andy Hanson, have also contributed to the cause.

"This is a great cause and we are thrilled to be a part of it," said former ARCA RE/MAX Series driver and current car owner Andy Belmont. "We hope the kids really have a great time and we look forward to seeing their smiling faces this weekend."

In addition to sponsoring the carnival rides for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Ohio, Sheltra Motorsports will donate $1 to the organization for every lap the team completes in Sunday's Hantz Group 200 presented by Federated Car Care. The team has challenged other teams to match the pledge. So far, Spraker Enterprises and Team Glock Racing with driver Dexter Bean have vowed to match the $1 contribution. Hixson Motorsports with driver Donny Kelly has exceeded the pledge, vowing to donate $1.50 to the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Northwestern Ohio for every lap the team completes in Sunday's ARCA RE/MAX Series race.

The Fan Fest will serve as a prelude to the ARCA Touring Series double header weekend, featuring the ARCA Lincoln Welders Truck Series Champion Credit Union 50 on Saturday afternoon, May 17, and the ARCA RE/MAX Series Hantz Group 200 presented by Federated Car Care on Sunday, May 18.

"We are excited to partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters for this event, and hope to help them in their efforts to find matches for kids who want and need a big brother or big sister," said Mark Gundrum, VP Marketing and Communications for ARCA.

The 4th Annual ARCA Fan Fest has been designed as a family and fan friendly motorsports promotion allowing ARCA fans to interact with ARCA officials, drivers, teams, crews, and sponsors at ARCA's hometown track. In addition, fund raising efforts including a raffle for motorsports collectables and a 50/50 raffle will be administered on behalf of the charity.

"Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Ohio is very excited to team with ARCA for the 4th annual Fan Fest," said Bruce Johnson, VP of Fund Development BBBSNWO. "It is a proven fact that a positively mentored child will become a competent, confident and caring adult. I would encourage everyone to come out and enjoy some great racing, while investing in the future-the children!"

The Fan Fest, which will take place in the parking lot area directly in front of Toledo Speedway, is free to the public. Fans will be required to purchase tickets to enter the speedway for the racing action.

If you're interested in making a pledge on behalf of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Ohio for the 4th Annual ARCA Fan Fest, please contact ARCA (734) 847-6726.

Toledo Speedway is located at 5639 Benore Rd., Toledo OH, near the intersection of I-75 and Alexis Road. For more information, please call ARCA at (734) 847-6726, or Toledo Speedway at (419) 727-1100.