2002 Racing Against Cancer Press Releases

R.A.C.™ Annual Banquet Celebrates Another Record Setting Season,
New Promising Programs Ahead for 2003

Westbrook, CT (December 19, 2002)

Seven years ago 20 people met in the back room at the Cedars Restaurant at the Foxwoods Resort Casino to celebrate $10,000 raised for the newly formed Racing Against Cancer™ Program. On Friday, December 13, 2002, over 120 guests gathered in the Acapulco Room at Foxwoods to celebrate another record setting fundraising season for the Racing Against Cancer™ Team. The $74,562.94 collected for the fight against cancer in 2002 season brought the cumulative total to over $250,000 raised for the American Cancer Society and other Cancer related programs.

"Clearly this effort is very successful," said Bruce Marshall, the New England representative of the American Cancer Society. "I do not think that any of us ever imagined that in six years over a quarter of a million dollars would be raised."

Back in 1996 the funds were raised exclusively by a cooperative effort created by Jon Blanchette with the Foxwoods Resort Casino. At the inception of Racing Against Cancer™ program, Foxwoods agreed to match the purse winnings of the Foxwoods Motorsports drivers. Those winnings were the first $10,000 donation ever made to the American Cancer Society in the name of Racing Against Cancer™.

Today Foxwoods remains a staple to the R.A.C. program; however, it is the efforts of over 50 individuals and organizations dedicated to raising the funds that make up the yearly contribution. On Friday, the Racing Against Cancer™ Team took the time to recognize each of the individuals and organizations.

Robert DeSalvio, Executive Vice President of Marketing for Foxwoods Resort Casino, kicked off the luncheon ceremonies with a pledge for Foxwoods' continued support of the Racing Against Cancer™ Program. "What we are doing is joyful," said DeSalvio. "We are all collectively doing something to rid this dreadful disease."

The funds raised in 2002 were allocated to five different charities and cancer related programs. The American Cancer Society received a check for $20,000. A $5,000 donation was made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in memory of the late Busch North Series official Bunk Sampson for Brain Tumor Research being conducted by Dr. Patrick Wen. Exeter Health Resources Center at Exeter Hospital in Exeter, NH will receive $1,500 in support of a program called "Laps for Life" that was originated by Star Speedway Street Stock competitor Chris Sullivan, who brothers received treatment for Hodgkin's Disease at the facility.

David's House, a haven for families of terminally ill children near the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH, was once again a recipient of funds from the Racing Against Cancer™ Program. A check in the amount of $10,558 was presented to founder Dick Cyr by Jon Blanchette, Jim Eisenbeis of Burnham Corporation, and Brad & Lynn Leighton representing GRIZCO Racing. Peg and Steve Griswold, owners of the Busch North Series Burnham Boilers #55 driven by Brad Leighton, have been instrumental in providing Racing Against Cancer™ with the funding for David's House.

"This program is extremely important to GRIZCO Racing," said Eisenbeis. "Participation in the Racing Against Cancer™ is one of the key elements in our negotiations of the sponsorship arrangement with Peg and Steve each year."

Burnham Corporation customers contributed a portion of the funds for David's House during their hospitality event held during the Busch North event at Lime Rock Park. The $3,500 raised during the weekend(s) must be the silver lining to all that rain at Lime Rock. The balance of the donation came from the proceeds of the 1st Annual Casino Night, hosted by Foxwoods and White Mountain Motorsports Park.

"Children from all over the world and their parents have stayed at David's House during treatment," said Cyr. "We have a budget of over $350,000 to maintain the program. This donation will be extremely helpful." Information on the poignant and rich history of the legacy of a young boy named David and the house that bears his name visit www.davids-house.org.

The remaining $37,504.94 raised will be allocated to the Racing Against Cancer™ Youth Tobacco Awareness Initiative, a program that will target the highly impressionable children in the 8 to 12 age group. The premise is to use motorsports, specifically a stockcar simulator, as an educational tool and motivator for today's youth in an effort to lower the incidence of smoking related diseases by encouraging children not to start smoking.

The American Cancer Society has extended its endorsement to the Racing Against Cancer™ Youth Tobacco Awareness Program. "Lung cancer continues to be an area where we have experienced little advancement," said Marshall. "There are still no early detection tools, which makes prevention the key to lung cancer. By reaching kids with this message we can save lives of future generations."

In 2002 R.A.C. purchased a refurbished simulator to kick-off the program during R.A.C. Nights at various racetracks this summer. "With the funds raised this season we will be able to take the YTAP to the next level," said Gregory. "This will allow us to realize a dream by getting the simulator and our message to more children."

In 2003 R.A.C. will focus on the complete implementation of the Youth Tobacco Awareness Program, which will be brought to schools, scout camps, and youth groups who request the service. The presentation will include specially trained instructors to distribute educational materials and deliver the anti-smoking message. Kids will be invited to enjoy the simulator and be given the opportunity to interact with actual racecar drivers.

"What I particularly like about this program in New England," said Stu Murray to the crowd gathered Friday, "is that it gets the youth involved in the program."

Stu Murray is the president of the Wirtgen Group of America, the world's leader in asphalt recycling and base stabilization equipment. Based in Nashville, TN, Wirtgen has enjoyed significant success in the world of Auto Racing, with four World of Outlaw Championships, three Knoxville National titles, and an IHRA Drag Racing Championship. Wirtgen is also the proud sponsor of New England's own Bentley Warren in the USAC Silver Crown Series and Bobby Seymour and Bobby Santos III in the Northeastern Midget Association.

In a short time, the Murrays and Wirtgen have become among the staunchest supporters of the Racing Against Cancer™ Program. In 2001 their support virtually came out of nowhere. A surprise donation of $10,000 was made during the Boston Louie Seymour Memorial Classic at Seekonk Speedway. This year, as yet another surprise, at the Wirtgen sponsored Boston Louie Memorial at the Waterford Speedbowl, Stu and Connie made another significant donation. "Nearly everyone has been touched by this disease and we have an obligation to fight this thing," continued Murray.

He took a few moments to recognize the younger members of the Racing Against Cancer™ Team including Bobby Santos III, Sean Caisse, Anthony Bullock, and the four Junior Ambassadors from Sugar Hill Speedway, Eli Lussier, Joshua Currier, Jacob Dore, and Frank Fichera III, who take an active role in the program.

"We can overcome this problem by starting with education for our youth. We need to encourage these young men here today to spread the word to their friends and in their high schools."

These young men are as serious about promoting Racing Against Cancer™ as they are about their racing careers. Each and every one of these young drivers has unselfishly donated their time and effort to represent the program with a professionalism not often found even in adults. The future looks bright for the R.A.C. program!

The adults do a pretty good job as well. A number of individuals were recognized for their efforts including Mini Sprint competitor Arthur LeBlanc, fellow drag racers Paul Gill and Mick Smallridge, and the C&D Offshore Powerboat Team. Frank Bronner used a different version of Motorsports, the Do Wop Review, a classic car show to raise over $3,000 for the American Cancer Society. An outstanding year for Phil Rondeau net not only $12,000 for the American Cancer Society but also national television exposure for the Racing Against Cancer™ Program. The Foxwoods Resort Casino made a donation in the name of the R.A.C. equivalent of Rondeau's race winnings for a five-race program. Rondeau competed full-time in the USAR Hooters ProCup in 2002 with tremendous success including several finishes in the top-ten finishes.

This season the New Hampshire Race tracks led the way for philanthropic racing. Sugar Hill Speedway owners Archie and Debbie Archambault continue to provide a wonderful atmosphere for racing and fundraising. Bob Stanhope introduced Claremont Speedway with the Racing Against Cancer™ Program with outstanding results for their first year. In addition, to a monetary donation, Claremont Speedway was the first to designate a non-smoking grandstand dubbed the Racing Against Cancer™ No Smoking Section.

Bob Webber, Jr. of Star Speedway received the first Annual Jodi B. Blanchette Award for Outstanding Achievement in Fundraising, named after Jon Blanchette's wife, Jodi who died of cancer in 1994. She was also the inspiration for the Racing Against Cancer™ Program. Webber inspired over 35 of his competitors to donate a portion of their winnings to R.A.C. each week. At season's end over $16,000 was raised, making Star Speedway the largest contributor to the R.A.C. Program in 2002.

The second Annual William J. Fales Spirit of Sportsmanship Award was presented to Kelly Avery of White Mountain Motorsports Park (WMMP) for her tireless efforts for the program. In only the first year, WMMP held four individual events that raised nearly $16,000 on behalf of the R.A.C. A Softball Tournament and a Casino Night combined to raise over $7,000 and both will become annual events. The impact that Kelly and the entire Avery Family have had on the success of the program will be felt for a long time to come.

"Currently, due to the efforts of each member of the Racing Against Cancer™ Team and people like you there are over nine million cancer survivors alive and well in the United States today," said Marshall. "Your leaders, Scott (Gregory-Director of Operations) Steve (Fales-Director of Income Development, and Jon (Blanchette-Founder), are unsung hero material.

Scott Gregory aptly received the 2002 Volunteer of the Year Award. Scott Gregory is undoubtedly the driving force behind this tremendously successful endeavor. He works more hours in one day then probably actually exist. From stuffing envelopes to high-level corporate meetings, he gives it his all.

"Scott Gregory is tenacious," said David Lockrow, the head of New England Vending for M&M/Mars Company, and his partner Steve Fales is a pit bull."

That is why in 2003 the Racing Against Cancer™ Program will benefit from a cooperative effort between M&M/Mars and participating New England Ford Dealers. After months and months of negotiations with both corporate entities, and with a little help from Junior Board Member of the NE Ford Dealers, former Busch North Series, NASCAR Touring competitor, Adam Friend, the R.A.C. program stands to make a substantial amount of money to support the Youth Tobacco Awareness Program. M&M/Mars vending machines will be placed at participating Ford Dealerships with a percentage of the sale from every candy bar going to the Racing Against Cancer™ Youth Tobacco Awareness Program.

"We are excited about our new affiliations for next season with the Ford Dealers and the Southern New England Modifieds, who recently announced that Racing Against Cancer™ will become the official charity of the club," said Gregory. "We have been so fortunate to be linked with so many wonderful people and organizations. It is difficult to put into words how much we appreciate everyone's hard work and dedication. Steve, Jon, and I pledge our dedication to making the R.A.C. program thrive as our way of thanking all of you. We look forward to working with each and every one of our supporters again in 2003. Bruce Marshall spoke of 'statistically measurable advances'. They better getter a bigger calculator, because together will make things happen in the fight against cancer."

The Racing Against Cancer™ program is a federally recognized 501(C)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the raising of funds for cancer research, patient services, youth tobacco educational programs, and awareness.

Scott Gregory Wins ARTS Waterford Finale

Westbrook, CT (October 13, 2002)

Racing Against Cancer ™ campaigner Scott Gregory of Westbrook, CT ended a winless streak that spanned nearly two seasons when he pulled his Foxwoods Resort Casino #94 American Race Truck into Waterford Speedbowl’s victory lane on Saturday night. Gregory took the lead late in the caution-free event to post the victory only eight minutes after taking the green flag. The win was significant for the Racing Against Cancer ™ Program, a federally recognized nonprofit organization, as the Foxwoods Resort and Casino matches all winnings garnered by Gregory and presents the year-ending donation to the American Cancer Society.

Chris Correll of Quaker Hill, CT set the pace from the outset of the 25-lap event before relinquishing the lead to Gregory, on lap 17. Gregory, who started fourth, used an outside power move to make the winning move.

“My crew gave me a great truck,” said Gregory. “It would stick anywhere I put it and that was really the key to winning. I had to use both the inside and outside grooves to get to the front. This was a fun race,” continued Gregory, “made even better by the win.”

Gregory is the seventh different winner in ARTS-Northeast competition this season. Correll held on for second followed by rookie standout Alan Eastman of Gales Ferry, CT and Bernie Singer of Danbury, CT. Point leader Chris Hammond of Waterboro, ME rounded out the top five.

Hammond will take his point lead into the final race of the American Race Truck-Northeast season at Thompson International Speedway as part of the 15-division XtraMart World Series October 25-27, 2002. Qualifying for the 25-lap American Race Truck event will be held on Friday night, October 25th with the feature schedule to roll off on Saturday night, October 26, 2002. For more information on the World Series visit the Thompson Speedway website at www.thompsonspeedway.com or call the speedway office at (860) 923-2280.

American Race Trucks-NE Event #10 Waterford Speedbowl-October 5, 2002: 1. Scott Gregory, 2. Chris Correll, 3. Alan Eastman, 4. Bernie Singer, 5. Chris Hammond, 6. Shawn Parker, 7. Walt Wosko, 8. Dave Elliott, 9. Jeff Hallquist, 10. Matt MacDonald, 11. Mike Cirignano, 12. Peter Wilson, 13. Andy Lindeman, 14. Mike Carrigg, 15. Brian Stidsen, 16. Paul Newman, 17. Gilberto Junior, DNS Jay Miller.

Phil Rondeau Completes Successful Hooters ProCup Run Under Foxwoods Banner &
Nets Sizable Donation for R.A.C.™

Westbrook, CT (August 15, 2002)

On August 3, 2002 Phil Rondeau of Baltic, CT finished out a five race marketing partnership with the Foxwoods Resort Casino in the Hooters ProCup Northeast Division. Rondeau, who will compete in the remaining races on the schedule as an independent runner, helped raise over $12,000 for the Racing Against Cancer™ team through his efforts.

The Foxwoods Resort Casino will make a donation in the name of the Racing Against Cancer™ Team to the American Cancer Society in the equivalent of Rondeau's race winnings, which totaled over $12,000 during the five-race program. The impressive string of finishes for Series "rookie" helped make this a sizable donation.

"My racing experience has really helped me to finish as well as we have," said the ten-time New England track champion on his success on the Hooters ProCup Northeast division. Despite his nearly 20 years of racing experience in everything from Street Stocks to NASCAR Modifieds, Rondeau is considered a rookie on the tour.

"We do not have the fastest car, we are actually down on horsepower to most of the competition," continued Rondeau. "But some of the younger guys go out and run really hard to get to the front early. After so many years of racing I've learned that you have to be there at the end. So I bide my time and go to the front when it counts."

Rondeau kicked off the Foxwoods Resort Casino Racing Against Cancer™ program with consecutive sixth places finishes at Jennerstown (PA) Speedway on June 8th and Indianapolis (IN) Raceway Park on June 22nd. He backed that up with a 14th place finish on July 5th at Kil-Kare (OH) Speedway and a fifth place finish at New River Valley (NY) Speedway on July 20th. Rondeau rounded out the program with a 19th place finish at Jennerstown on August 3rd. (For a complete listing of Rondeau's finishes in 2002 visit www.usarprocup.com).

"I really need to thank (R.A.C. Director of Operations) Scott Gregory for making this happen, the R.A.C. volunteers, and everyone at Foxwoods for their support," said a grateful Rondeau. "The support we received from the Foxwoods Resort Casino was a definite plus for the team. We were able to get more coverage for our racing effort and the Racing Against Cancer™ Team."

The drive to make this program a success came from more than just the desire to win, it was a more personal challenge to Rondeau, who lost his father to cancer in 1979. Having the money go toward the fight against cancer made me step up my program,"said Rondeau. "It made me feel like I wanted to do more." That desire translated into a great stretch run for the American Cancer Society and the Racing Against Cancer™.

Rondeau Racing and Racing Against Cancer™ are currently seeking a marketing partner to pick up where the Foxwoods Resort Casino commitment left off. Anyone interested in getting involved should contact the Racing Against Cancer™ Team via their website at racingagainstcancer.com.

Consecutive R.A.C.™ Nights at Sugar Hill Speedway

Westbrook, CT (August 6, 2002)

The Racing Against Cancer ™ Team will be on the road again with two consecutive trips to the Sugar Hill Speedway in Weare, NH. On Saturday, August 10, 2002 Sugar Hill Speedway and the Junior Ambassador program welcome the Racing Against Cancer ™ Team as they celebrate R.A.C. Night at the Races. On Saturday, August 17th they will host a special event with the young guns of the Northeastern Midget Association joining the festivities.

The August 10th appearance will feature the R.A.C. Youth Tobacco Awareness Simulator. A donation to the R.A.C. Program will give race fans the opportunity to climb aboard the simulator and test their racing skills. The interactive video game is contained inside a replica of a Winston Cup stock car and provides players with the feel and sound of an actual racecar. As the drivers maneuver their racecar around the video racetrack, they will feel the steering wheel shake, the gas pedal vibrate, and the “engine” rumble. The top competitors of the evening will receive great prizes courtesy of the M&M/Mars Company, proud sponsor of the Racing Against Cancer ™ Team.

Ryan Dolan, Kyle Carpenter, and Bobby Santos III will return to their roots on Saturday, August 17th as they take part in a back-to-back fundraiser for the R.A.C. Program. These accomplished go-kart racers turned successful NEMA Midget drivers cut their teeth on the oval at Sugar Hill Speedway. Their winged Midgets will be on display throughout the evening as the drivers meet the fans and raise awareness for the Racing Against Cancer ™ Youth Tobacco Awareness Program. These guys may feel nostalgic (if you can be nostalgic at the age of 17) and jump into a couple of go-karts. Could there be a grudge match brewing?

Fans of all ages are invited to support the Racing Against Cancer ™ effort and the up-and-coming drivers of Auto Racing by visiting Sugar Hill Speedway on August 10th and 17th for R.A.C. Nights at the Races. R.A.C. Junior Ambassadors Eli Lussier, Joshua Currier, Jacob Dore, and Frank Fichera III will be in competition on both days.

Sugar Hill Speedway is located 10 miles west of Concord, New Hampshire. Take Interstate 89 North to Exit 2. Follow Route 13 South to Route 77. Follow Route 77 to Sugar Hill Road. For more information on the upcoming events visit www.sugarhillspeedway.com. To learn more about the Northeastern Midget Association check out their new and improved website at www.nemaracing.com. Information on the Racing Against Cancer™ Program can be found at www.racingagainstcancer.com.

Raceway Media Magazine joins Racing Against Cancer™ Team

Westbrook, CT (July 21, 2002)

Raceway Media Magazine is teaming up with Racing Against Cancer™ to help drive the cause to victory lane.The North Adams, Massachusetts-based company has agreed to donate 10 percent of new subscription revenues from Raceway Media Magazine, signed through the Racing Against Cancer™ website, to the Racing Against Cancer™ organization.

The goal is to increase awareness of the Racing Against Cancer™ effort, and to offer racing fans an opportunity to get involved. While visiting www.RacingAgainstCancer.com, visitors can click on an icon for Raceway Media Magazine and subscribe online. Ten percent of the subscription cost will automatically be forwarded to Racing Against Cancer™.

"Our magazine reaches thousands of racing fans, who share a concern about the devastating toll of cancer," said Raceway Media's Paul Renaud. "Racing Against Cancer™ is a magnificent organization and we're glad to help out in any way we can."

Even if a new subscriber does not sign up through the Racing Against Cancer™ website, ten percent of the cost will be donated to Racing Against Cancer™ if the subscriber mentions the cause when ordering by telephone, or by noting on a payment check.

"The racing community, fans, racers and media alike, have really shown a willingness to join the fight against cancer," said Scott Gregory of Racing Against Cancer™. "This affiliation with Raceway Media Magazine will help us reach even more people, and hopefully, raise more money for cancer research."

Raceway Media Magazine is a quarterly publication highlighting the Northeast Racing scene. The magazine features color photos, interviews, driver profiles, racing statistics, standings, schedules and more. The company also manages www.RacewayMedia.com, featuring constantly updated racing information, photos and events coverage.

For more information, visit www.RacingAgainstCancer.com or www.RacewayMedia.com .

For magazine orders via the web visit http://www.RacingAgainstCancer.com or call Raceway Media direct at (413) 663-3496. Mail in orders can be submitted by sending a check with name, address, city, state and zip for $9.95 to Raceway Media Magazine, 121 Union St. North Adams, MA 01247

R.A.C.™ Youth Tobacco Awareness Simulator To Debut
At Thompson Speedway

Westbrook, CT (July 4, 2002)

The Racing Against Cancer ™ Team will debut the Youth Tobacco Awareness Simulator on Saturday, July 6 at Thompson International Speedway for the presentation of Family Fun Night. This is the first appearance for the highly anticipated addition to the Racing Against Cancer ™ Team.

The R.A.C. simulator has the appearance of a real racecar on the outside; however, inside it is an interactive video game that lets players experience the feel and sound of an actual racecar. As they maneuver their racecar around the video racetrack, the driver will begin to feel the steering wheel shake, the gas pedal vibrate, and the “engine” rumble.

The Tobacco Awareness Program will target the highly impressionable children in the 8 to 12 age group. The popularity of auto racing will help to generate the enthusiasm necessary to keep the children’s interest in the program. The premise is to use motorsports, specifically the simulator, as an educational tool and motivator for today’s youth in an effort to lower the incidence of smoking related diseases by encouraging children not to start smoking.

Fundraising efforts during the 2002 will focus on the complete implementation of the Youth Tobacco Awareness Program, which will be brought to schools, scout camps, and youth groups who request the service. The presentation will include specially trained instructors to distribute educational materials and deliver the anti-smoking message. Kids will be invited to enjoy the simulator and be given the opportunity to interact with actual racecar drivers. The American Cancer Society has extended its endorsement to the Racing Against Cancer ™ Youth Tobacco Awareness Program.

At Family Fun Night this Saturday night anyone purchasing a raffle ticket or making a $5.00 to the Racing Against Cancer ™ Team will have the opportunity to drive the R.A.C. Youth Tobacco Awareness simulator. The top-five competitors of the evening will receive great prizes courtesy of the M&M/Mars Company, proud sponsor of the Racing Against Cancer ™ Team.

Other appearances for the simulator include additional shows at Thompson on Wednesday, July 17 for the Tony Stewart vs. Ted Christopher Modified match race; Saturday, August 31 for another installment of Family Fun Night; and at the season-ending World Series of Asphalt Stock Car racing scheduled for October 26-27. Saturday, July 27th the simulator will make a stop in Epping, NH at Star Speedway for their R.A.C. Night. On August 10th, Sugar Hill Speedway in Weare, NH will host the Youth Tobacco Awareness Simulator.

Remember the Racing Against Cancer ™ team has opened up membership to include race fans! Anyone wishing to “Join the Team” can do so by visiting www.racingagainstcancer.com. A tax deductible donation of $35.00 will entitle fans to a one-year membership with a number of benefits including premium items, raffle tickets for free merchandise, coupons at participating racetracks, etc. Charter members will automatically be entered to win a Panasonic Triple Play ™ TV/DVD/VCR Combo courtesy of Panasonic. All the proceeds will go to benefit the Youth Tobacco Awareness Program.

Upcoming excitement for the Racing Against Cancer ™ Team includes the 1st Annual R.A.C. ™ Softball Tournament on July 14th at White Mountain Motorsports Park. The inaugural events keep rolling in, as on July 20th, thanks to the efforts of Kelly Avery of White Mountain Motorsports Park, The Margate in Laconia, NH will be the site for the 1st Annual R.A.C.™ Casino Night presented by Foxwoods Resort Casino.

Foxwoods & R.A.C.™ Join Phil Rondeau’s USAR Effort

Westbrook, CT (June 4, 2002)

This past Saturday night Baltic CT’s own Phil Rondeau posted his fourth top-10 finish of the season in Hooters ProCup Northeast competition with a ninth place finish in the Capriotto Auto Parts 150 presented by Lucas Oil at New Holland International Speedway. Rondeau has been competing full-time on the USAR (NE) touring circuit in 2002.

In five starts during the 2002 season Rondeau has posted one Top 5 finish, four Top 10s, and five-Top 15s including a 12th finish at Jennerstown in the Naturally Fresh Foods 250 Presented by Lucas Oil on April 13, 2002 and a seventh in the Miller Lite 250 at Illiana Motor Speedway on April 28th. His best finishes of the season have come in May with a sixth place finish on May 5th in the Naturally Fresh 250 at Winchester Speedpark in Winchester, IN and a fifth in the Naturally Fresh 250 in Salem, IN May 19, 2002.

Phil Rondeau is no stranger to success. In his career he has earned 10 track championships, the most recent a Pro Stock championship at the Thompson International Speedway in 2001. He is also the only competitor at the Waterford Speedbowl to have earned 100 feature victories in a single division. Rondeau did it in the ultra-competitive Late Model division.

Rondeau will make his next ProCup start on June 8th at Jennerstown (PA) Speedway under the banner of the Foxwoods Resort Casino. The event will be the first of five races flying the Foxwoods colors.

Foxwoods Resort Casino’s financial support of Rondeau comes in an effort to expand the fundraising efforts of the Racing Against Cancer ™ Program, a registered non-profit organization comprised of race teams and volunteers dedicated to raising funds for cancer research, patient services, youth tobacco educational programs, and awareness through a variety of motorsports activities. Foxwoods has been a long-time supporter of the R.A.C. Program.

The exposure provided by the USAR Hooters ProCup events will help to increase the awareness of the program. Rondeau’s Foxwoods Resort Casino, Racing Against Cancer ™ #19 will help to expand the geographical reach of the program by visiting tracks throughout the northeast and nationally through the television coverage provided on SpeedChannel.

“Phil has proven over and over to be an excellent representative of our program,” said Director of Operations, Scott Gregory. “Phil has been running so well that he is turning heads, and hopefully they will be turning in our direction as well.”

The Racing Against Cancer™ fundraising efforts of the 2002 season will focus on the Youth Tobacco Awareness Program. The premise is to use motorsports as an educational tool and motivator for today’s youth in an effort to lower the incidence of smoking related diseases by encouraging children not to start smoking.

The Awareness Program will be brought to schools, scout camps, and youth groups who request the service. The presentation will include specially trained instructors to distribute educational materials and deliver the anti-smoking message. Kids will be invited to enjoy a racecar simulator and given the opportunity to interact with actual racecar drivers.

The Racing Against Cancer ™ team is proud to announce the “Join the Team” Program as well in 2002. For the first time, individual race fans will have the opportunity to become an official member of the Racing Against Cancer ™ Program. A tax deductible donation of $35.00 will entitle fans to a one-year membership with a number of benefits including premium items, raffle tickets for free merchandise, coupons at participating racetracks, etc. Charter members will automatically be entered to win a Panasonic Triple Play ™ TV/DVD/VCR Combo courtesy of Panasonic. All the proceeds will go to benefit the Youth Tobacco Awareness Program.

Watch Rondeau as he debuts the Foxwoods Resort Casino, Racing Against Cancer ™ Pontiac on SpeedChannel. The first airing of the Jennerstown event will be on Thursday, June 13th at 9:00 pm. An encore presentation will be aired on Friday, June 14th at 1:00 am with the final airing later that day at noon.

Additional races with Foxwoods Resort Casino include the event at the historic Indianapolis Raceway Park (IN) on June 22nd followed by events in July at Kil-Kare Speedway in Xenia, OH on the fifth and New River Valley Speedway in Radford, VA on the 20th. The team will wrap up their efforts on behalf of Foxwoods back at Jennerstown on August 3rd.

An Exciting New Program For R.A.C.™

Westbrook, CT (May 10, 2002)

Racing Against Cancer ™ is proud to announce an exciting new program that will allow individuals to become members of the R.A.C. family. The “Join The Team” program will give race fans the opportunity to become official members of the Racing Against Cancer ™ Team.

“The success of this program is due solely to the efforts of some amazing people,” said Director of Operations, Scott Gregory. “We have been able to accomplish great things in a relatively short time and we hope that by opening the program to the entire racing community it will allow the Racing Against Cancer ™ program to do bigger and better things in the fight against cancer.”

Jon Blanchette founded the Racing Against Cancer ™ Team in 1996 after cancer claimed the life of his wife Jodi. The purpose of the team was to generate awareness and funding for the American Cancer Society.

The Racing Against Cancer ™ has exceeded Blanchette’s expectations. Since it’s inception in 1996 the program has raised nearly $200,000 for the fight against cancer. The popularity of the program continues to grow with new corporate and speedway partners joining everyday. The fundraising goals climb every year as well, making each year more successful than the last. This season Star Speedway has set a goal of $25,000 in donations, while new team members White Mountain Motorsports Park and Claremont Speedway have pledged $10,000. The “Join the Team” Membership will allow individuals to take an active role in the fight against cancer as well.

“We hope that with more people involved the Racing Against Cancer ™ Program will be a contributing factor in the strides that are made against this deadly disease through our support of the American Cancer Society and our in-house programs like the Youth Tobacco Awareness Program,” continued Gregory.

A tax-deductible donation of $35.00 will entitle the contributor to a one-year membership to the Racing Against Cancer ™ Team. Members will receive an official membership card and semi-annual newsletters. Upon joining the team, new members will receive a R.A.C. decal and other novelty items. Benefits will include discount tickets at participating Racing Against Cancer ™ tracks including Seekonk, Star, Thompson, and Sugar Hill Speedways as well as White Mountain Motorsports Park. Charter members will automatically be entered to win a Panasonic Triple Play ™ TV/DVD/VCR Combo courtesy of Panasonic. A complete listing of members will appear on the Racing Against Cancer ™ website.

The more names listed on the web page the more successful the Racing Against Cancer ™ team can be in the fight against cancer. “Join the Team”!

R.A.C.™ Starts Off 2002 Season With New Partnerships

Westbrook, CT (March 16, 2002)

The Racing Against Cancer ™ Team officially kicked off the 2002 season with several of the team members turning the first laps of competition. R.A.C. Director of Operations, Scott Gregory, Bobby Seymour, who made his second start of the young season, and Bobby Webber, Jr. were all in action this weekend.

Gregory turned in a great run finishing fourth in the American Race Trucks opener at the Waterford Speedbowl on Saturday. Unfortunately early season gremlins continue to haunt Seymour, who after suffering mechanical woes in the NEMA Midget opener at Thompson last weekend, also failed to finish at Waterford on Sunday. Bobby Webber, Jr. made his ACT Dodge Tour debut and suffered a few bumps along the way. The rookie, who is making his way back into racing after a several year hiatus, will look to improve each week at the Thunder Road International Speedbowl were he will compete in the Late Model division on Thursday nights.

The Racing Against Cancer ™ team had already successfully kicked off the season-long fundraising efforts at the 22nd Annual Racearama back in March. A grand total of $4,559 was raised during the weekend. Over $200 was raised by the celebrity match races held at the SIMS Speedway. Special thanks to event coordinators, Bob Stanhope and Mark Piekarski, and the drivers, including Andy Santerre, Cary Heath, Charlie Pasteryak, Mike Olsen and Rob Summers, that put their skills to the test against diehard fans. For a complete schedule of promotional and fundraising appearances for the Racing Against Cancer ™ in 2002 visit the website at www.racingagainstcancer.com.

The Panasonic Consumer Electronics Division of Matsushita is the latest corporation to join the Racing Against Cancer ™ Team for the 2002 season. A Panasonic 27" Triple Play ™ TV/DVD/VCR combination with a retail value of over $800 has been donated to the program for the new "Join the Team" Promotion. (Complete details on "Join the Team" will be released shortly). The Racing Against Cancer ™ Team will also receive marketing and advertising Support through Panasonic's Busch Series Program and driver C.W. Smith. Panasonic is a subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd. Founded in 1918, Matsushita is now one of the world's largest electronics companies. Panasonic joins corporate partners Foxwoods Resort Casino, M&M/Mars Company,and Wirtgen America.

This season R.A.C. will continue to receive support from Speedway partners as well, including New Hampshire International, Seekonk, Star, Sugar Hill, and Thompson Int'l Speedways and Winchester Speedpark. Joining the fight in 2002 will be White Mountain Motorsports Park and Claremont Speedway.

"Year after year more and more people seek out to help the Racing Against Cancer ™ program," says Gregory, "and each year the commitments get stronger. It still amazes me. We are honored to be affiliated with so many great people."

White Mountain Motorsports Park has an excellent jump on fundraising without having run one lap of competition yet this season. WMMP has set a fundraising goal of $10,000.00 for the Racing Against Cancer ™ Team this season. Teri and Kelly Avery have recruited a number of corporate supporters to help them reach that goal.

Their efforts got underway this past weekend with the help of Oxford Plains Speedway and the Pro All Star Series. The Averys were on hand to sell raffle tickets for a newly developed promotion. Kelly has organized a season-long raffle for four great items. Tickets are available for a $5.00 donation. The winning ticket will be pulled on October 6, 2002 at White Mountain Motorsports Park. All proceeds from the raffle benefit the Racing Against Cancer ™ Team. Tickets sales began at Oxford for the PASS season opener.

First prize is a 2003 Youth ATV DS50 Bombardier donated by Bixby's Power Equipment of Woodsville, NH; Second prize is Murray 3-1/2 horsepower 21" Push Mower donated by MB Tractor of Tilton & Plaistow, NH. Pollard Brook Resort of Lincoln, NH donated the third prize, a 3 Day/2Night Mini Vacation. Citizens Bank, also of Lincoln, NH, has contributed a $100 Savings bond for the fourth prize.

The first of many "fun raisers" that WMMP will host this season for Racing Against Cancer ™ will be held on April 20, 2002 at a car show at Tenney Mountain Auto Care of Plymouth, NH. The first 100 people who make a donation toward the Racing Against Cancer ™ Team will receive a multitude of coupons and free items courtesy of Tenney Mountain Auto Care. Tenney Mountain Auto Care will have a car to smash with a sledgehammer for donations of $1.00 a swing. Global Net Business Solution LLC will donate $14.95 (or the equivalent of one-month internet service charge) to Racing Against Cancer ™ for each new customer that signs up that day. Global Net Business Solution LLC in locally owned and operated.

Claremont Speedway and CHS Motorsports are working closely together to expand the reach of the Racing Against Cancer™ Team to the 1/3-mile facility. CHS Motorsports is a two-car, two-division team at Claremont, which will spearhead the effort to bring the RAC program to the track in 2002. Team co-owner Bob Stanhope is working closely with track management, Marketing Director Brian Patrick, many drivers and local business owners to bring everyone together for the common goal of raising awareness and funds for the Racing Against Cancer™ team. They, too, have set a goal of $10,000 for their first year fundraising efforts.

Among the favorite contributors to the Racing Against Cancer ™ program are the Sugar Hill Speedway bunch. Track owners Archie and Debbie Archambault are proud to announce the newest Junior Ambassador elect, Frank Fichera III. Fichera, an Outlaw Sprint competitor, will join existing team members Joshua Currier, Jacob Dore, and Eli Lussier as they continue to help the Racing Against Cancer™ team gain valuable exposure and donations through pledges, raffle and candy bar sales.

"We are so optimistic about this season," stated Gregory. "We have so many people working toward fundraising and many new projects on the horizon. I believe that together we will be able to get the R.A.C. Youth Tobacco Awareness Program up and running."

Racing Against Cancer™ Team Set For Racearama

Westbrook, CT (February 25, 2002)

The Racing Against Cancer™ Team is, in every sense of the word, a team. It is the overall effort of management, volunteers, teams, drivers, and fans alike that make the programs fight against cancer a success. Nowhere is the sense of teamwork more evident then at Racearama each year. All the supporters come together year-after-year to kick-off the season in grand style.

The 2002 season will be no different. This weekend the various team members and volunteers will join together for the 22nd Annual Racearama to start another year of racing, fundraising, and fighting cancer as they meet and greet the fans that drive the success of the program.

The display will feature the debut of Phil Rondeau's Hooters Pro Cup #19, Sean Caisse's Late Model, the new-look Foxwoods Resort Casino American Race Truck of Scott Gregory, and the Wirtgen America sponsored NEMA Midget driven by Bobby Seymour. Fans are invited to check out the new racecars while they purchase raffle tickets in support of the Racing Against Cancer™ program for a host of wonderful prizes up for grabs in 2002. Team apparel will also be on sale in the Better Living Center display.

The Racing Against Cancer™ booth will have an interactive element this year as well. Fans will have a chance to race against some of the best drivers in New England, all in the name of charity.

SIM Speedway USA of Nashua, NH, provider of cutting-edge race simulator technology, through a promotion with Racing Against Cancer™, will give fans an opportunity to race head-to-head with their favorite Busch North and Featherlite Modified Series drivers on Saturday, including Busch North Champ Mike Olsen and newly crowned New Smyrna Speedway Modified champion Rob Summers. A complete list of participating drivers will be available in the RAC Booth at the show.

This is NO Video Game! This is a white-knuckled simulation of full-throttle racing. The SIM Speedway USA racing simulators allow participants to experience wrestling 700HP at speeds of 180MPH on the country's most popular speedways.

Fans wishing to race can register at the RAC booth beginning Saturday morning. "Qualifying" for the event will be a in the form of a silent auction. Registrants will bid to race against a driver of their choice. High bidder for each driver gets the ride. After the auction is finalized, the competitors are matched with racers.

All the proceeds will go to benefit the Racing Against Cancer™ Youth Tobacco Awareness Program. The fan with the overall fastest time during the competition will receive a SIM Speedway USA hat, T-Shirt, a photo with the match race driver plus a special gift courtesy of the Racing Against Cancer™ Program and the Foxwoods Resort and Casino. Simulator rides will be available to the general public throughout the weekend for a donation to the Racing Against Cancer™ program.

"We look forward to Racearama each year," said Scott Gregory, R.A.C. Director of Operations. "We are even more excited to get this season underway. We have so many great things happening this year and we are eager to get it all started here at Racearama."

The 2002 season is full of promise for the Racing Against Cancer™ Program. Rondeau Racing will help broaden the reach of the Racing Against Cancer™ Program, as he will campaign on behalf of R.A.C. and Foxwoods in the USAR Hooters ProCup Series. Rondeau has teamed up with the Foxwoods Resort Casino to compete in five races in 2002 in an effort to expand the fundraising efforts of the Racing Against Cancer™ program. Events on tap include races at Jennerstown (PA) Speedway, Indianapolis (IN) Raceway Park, Kil-Kare (OH) Speedway and New River Valley (VA) Speedway.

Sixteen-year-old Sean Caisse will step up his racing program in 2002, moving from the Hobby Stock division at Lee USA Speedway to the highly competitive Late Model class. Bobby Webber, Jr., Promoter of Star and Hudson Speedways, who will display next to the R.A.C. booth in the BLC at Racearama, has set a $20,000 goal for his "Take the Challenge" Program in 2002.

New teams join the fight against cancer every day. In 2002 over 100 drivers will contribute their time, effort, and funds to support the Racing Against Cancer™ Program. Anyone interested in joining the fight against cancer should stop by the display in the Better Living Center during the 22nd Annual Racearama. Racers and Fans alike are welcome. Stop by and see what makes this organization so special! See you at the show!

For more information about SIM Speedway USA's Mobile Units, which are available for corporate functions, log on to www.simspeedwayusa.com or call603-882-7244.

Rondeau Teams With R.A.C.™ To Compete In Hooters ProCup

Westbrook, CT (January 14, 2002)

It was what could be termed an upset when Phil Rondeau of Baltic, CT finished third in his first-ever USAR Hooters ProCup start among series regulars when the Hooters ProCup made it’s inaugural visit to Thompson International Speedway back in May of 2001. The talented driver capitalized on his years of experience at the Connecticut oval to record a crowd-pleasing podium finish on May 6th over veterans like Mardy Lindley, Charlie Ford and series standouts like Regan Smith and Lonnie Rush.

Although the Series will not return to Thompson during the 2002 season, Rondeau will return to the ProCup Series. Rondeau has teamed up with the Foxwoods Resort Casino to compete in five races in 2002 in an effort to expand the fundraising efforts of the Racing Against Cancer ™ Program. Events on tap include a trip to Jennerstown Speedway (PA) on June 8th, a visit to the historic Indianapolis Raceway Park (IN) on June 22nd followed by events in July at Kil-Kare Speedway in Xenia, OH on the fifth and New River Valley Speedway in Radford, VA on the 20th. The team will wrap up their efforts back at Jennerstown on August 3rd.

“We have to keep pinching ourselves, trying to believe this is happening,” said Rondeau. “We had hoped to run more ProCup events, but we never thought this would happen.”

Rondeau will be considered a rookie but should be a contender at each event. In a storied career that dates back to 1983, Rondeau has raced in Street Stocks, NASCAR WRS Modifieds, NASCAR’s Modified and Busch North Touring Series and most recently Late Models and Pro Stocks. In 19 year of Auto Racing, Rondeau has accumulated 10 track championships between the Waterford Speedbowl, Stafford Motor Speedway, and Thompson International Speedway. In 1999 Rondeau made history winning his 100th Late Model feature race at the Waterford Speedbowl; a feat never duplicated by any driver in any division at the Speedbowl. In 2001 Rondeau added the Thompson Speedway Pro Stock Championship to his impressive resume.

“We could not be more excited to have Phil and his team on board,” said R.A.C. Director of Operations, Scott Gregory. “Adding a driver of Phil’s caliber will be an asset to the team and the exposure that the USAR Hooters ProCup provides will be a huge boost to our program with national television coverage and the opportunity to expand into additional geographical areas.”

The Foxwoods Resort Casino will make a donation to the American Cancer Society in the equivalent of Rondeau’s race winnings on the ProCup Series in 2002. An effort is also underway to bring the “Take the Challenge” program to the ProCup events, whereby contributors make a fixed donation for each lap that Rondeau completes during the five-race program. All proceeds will go to the Racing Against Cancer ™ program.

“It is great to be competing at this level, but to be doing it to raise funds in the fight against cancer makes it even more meaningful to me,” said Rondeau, who lost his father to cancer in 1979.

Rondeau’s Pontiac Grand Prix will carry the signature purple and white colors of the Racing Against Cancer ™ team and will don the familiar #19. The Rondeau Racing Foxwoods Racing Against Cancer ™ Hooters ProCup car will be debuted in the R.A.C. booth at the 22nd Annual Racearama on March 1-3, 2002 at the Eastern States Exposition in W. Springfield, MA.

Press Release Archive

We would love to hear from You ==> RAC Mail

R.A.C.™ Annual Banquet Celebrates Another Record Setting Season, New Promising Programs Ahead for 2003