Racing Against Cancer Celebrates 10 Years & Record Fundraising at Awards Luncheon   Artwork courtesy of David Crout Copyright Racing Against Cancer™   Click above to enlarge

Westbrook, CT (Dec 11, 2006)

The Racing Against Cancer™ Team gathered at the Foxwoods Resort Casino to celebrate it’s 10th anniversary on Friday, December 8, 2006 as part of the annual awards luncheon. The banquet, hosted by Foxwoods, honored those that helped the Racing Against Cancer TM team achieve a new single one-year fundraising record of $78,000 to bring the cumulative fundraising effort to over a half-million dollars since 1997.

The celebration came on the heals of the announcement that the Foxwoods Resort Casino would once again support the Racing Against Cancer™ Program for the 2007 season. On hand to congratulate the program participants were John O’Brien-President of Foxwoods Resort Casino, Joe Jimenez-Vice President Casino Marketing; Ken Davie-V.P. of Table Games; Joe DeCarlo-Executive Director of Marketing and Joan Esneault-Executive Director of Resort Sales.

Ken Davie accepted an award on behalf of the Senior Executives from Scott Gregory, Director of Operations for the Racing Against Cancer™ Program. Foxwoods Employee Volunteers were also recognized for the commitment to the Program. This team, which numbers upward of 25 members, volunteers their time to support R.A.C. promotional events throughout New England during the year. Each volunteer in attendance was presented with a Foxwoods Racing hat personally autographed by Tony Stewart.

“Congratulations on 10 years and a half-million dollars,” said Davie. “This is a tremendous effort, a fantastic job done by everyone involved. Foxwoods is delighted to be part of it.”

Steve Fales, Vice President of the Racing Against Cancer™ Program, attributed the record-setting season to a number of items including the expansion of “Join the Team” and Junior Ambassador Programs; the success of the R.A.C. spirit bands sales; and the continued support of racetracks and racing organizations. The single most successful fundraiser of the 2006 season was the Whelen Modified Tour event at New Hampshire International Speedway in July featuring Tony Stewart.

“We have never had a driver of this caliber representing the program,” said Fales. “Thanks to the generosity of car owners Curt & Joan Chase, we were able to raise considerable funds for the American Cancer Society and Tony’s high-profile earned us unprecedented media coverage which has ultimately helped put us on the map nationally.”

Along with the record fundraising came record donations. On Friday, the American Cancer Society received a check for $35,000 while David’s House of Lebanon, NH was presented with $15,000. The remaining funds have been earmarked for the continuation of the nationwide marketing campaign as well as new and expanded fundraising measures.

“I do not know what the actual 10-year grand total is but I do know that every penny that the Racing Against Cancer™ Team has given to the American Cancer Society has gone to good use,” said Bruce Marshall, New England Vice President of Income Development of the A.C.S. “This year marks the 60th anniversary of the American Cancer Society Research Program. That program has resulted in a number of cancer breakthroughs. Today there are more than 10-million cancer survivors in America and scientists are bringing us ever closer to a cure everyday. Your commitment over the last decade is helping us get closer.”

Founder Dick Cyr accepted the check on behalf of David’s House- a haven for terminally ill children and their families near the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire. Dick & Gerry Cyr, inspired by their young son David, who died of acute lymphocytic leukemia in 1984, created David’s House so that families would have a quality home-like atmosphere during their time of need.

Cyr recounted the emotional story of their adopted son David and his astounding vision “to bring all the kids home”. Started with just over $300 that David had “squirreled” away for his fellow patients and funded with private donations, David’s House opened its doors on January 20, 1986. Several years later a new, larger David’s House was built on the campus of the Medical Center. Some 20 years later, over 9,000 families, from 38 states and 20 different countries, have found solace at David’s House. With an annual operating budget of over $600,000, David’s House continues to be fully funded by private donations like those received from the Racing Against Cancer™ Program. To learn more about David’s House visit www.davids-house.org.

“I don’t know how I could ever express my gratitude for what you people have done for us at David’s House,” said Cyr. “All I can say is thank you.” This year’s contribution of $15,000 brings the cumulative total to $73,797. A portion of the funding for the 2006 donation to David’s House came from the first annual “Endure for a Cure” event at Sugar Hill Speedway.

“Sugar Hill Speedway is a very important part of the Racing Against Cancer™ Program,” continued Fales. “It is amazing how much they continue to raise. It is amazing what they have done with their Junior Ambassador Program.”The “Endure for a Cure” go-kart endurance event raised $4,500 including $1,500 in sponsorship and donations secured by former Jr. Ambassador Danny Bowes. The Junior Ambassador Program fosters sportsmanship and altruism among the young competitors at Sugar Hill Speedway. “The Program is open to all drivers and families who are interested in helping raise money for the Racing Against Cancer™ Program,” said program creator Debbie Archambault. “In 2006, there were 12 drivers who contributed to the success of the Junior Ambassador Program.”

Silver Level Ambassadors from Sugar Hill Speedway who raised between $250-$999 through a variety of fundraising activities included Josh Bickford and Chris and John Kenyon. The Gold Level Ambassadors with $1000 or more in fundraising were Austin Brehio, Luke LaBonte, Kyle Poodiack, and Russell and Laura Wood. The combined efforts of Sugar Hill Speedway and the Junior Ambassador Program contributed $12,583 to the Racing Against Cancer™ Program in 2006.

Richmond Raceway has followed the lead of Sugar Hill and created a Junior Ambassador Program as well. In this, the inaugural year of the program, a total of nine teams joined together in fundraising for R.A.C. Bronze-Level Ambassadors included Justin and Jordan Bisson while Silver Level Ambassadors, who reached $250-$999, in fundraising included Josh Adams, Michael Haley and Willie Pelotte.

Both Sugar Hill Speedway and Richmond Raceway were presented with plaques in recognition of their support of the RA.C. Program. Other tracks honored included Londonderry Raceway, Poughkeepsie Speedway, and Thompson International Speedway, who hosted the Racing Against Cancer™ Team for fundraising events at their facilities. The racing series and organizations that were acknowledged for their continued support included the Pro All Star Series (PASS), the Northeast Pavement Series, the World Karting Association, and the Allison Legacy Series.

Last month the Legends of Auto Racing honored Mr. Jim Martel for his noteworthy contributions to the auto racing community during his 50 years in Auto Racing. At the request of Mr. Martel all proceeds from the event ($2,119.56) including ticket sales, auction and raffle revenues went to the Racing Against Cancer TM Program. Wes Pettengil and Rick Eastman accepted a plaque on behalf of the Legends of Auto Racing event coordinators.

Racing Against Cancer™ Volunteer Dave Crout created a pictorial look over the last 10 years of the program. The theme of his presentation was simple-10 Years of Racing, 10 Years of Caring and 10 Years of Giving. “Everyone on the Racing Against Cancer™ Team gives so freely,” said Crout, “so that some day there will be a cure for this dreadful disease.”

Several individuals have set themselves apart by giving freely of their time to support the Racing Against Cancer™ Team. Earning accolades at the Silver Level for fundraising efforts of $250-$999 were Andy Santerre Motorsports, Czarnecki Bros. Racing, Steve Pukas, Max Zachem, Art LeBlanc, Josh Currier, and Brian “Skip” Culbertson of Dubuque, Iowa. Gold Level honorees, those that earned between $1,000-$4,999 in fundraising, included Danny Bowes and B & M Motorsports with memorial donations for William “Wimpy” Bailey.

Custom-made Racing Against Cancer™ watches were presented to the members who reached the Platinum Level in 2006 with fundraising in excess of $5000. Bill Doll was recognized for his involvement with the WKA and for his personal fundraising efforts. Debbie Archambault was applauded for her work with the Sugar Hill Speedway programs while newcomers to the R.A.C. Program, Mr. and Mrs. Curt Chase, were honored for facilitating the Tony Stewart fundraiser.

Curt and Joan Chase were also presented with the “Jodi B. Blanchette Fundraising Award”. They not only helped create the most lucrative event for R.A.C. this season but the most exciting as well. Two-time NEXTEL Cup champion Tony Stewart, driving the NASCAR Modified for Chase Racing, had a shot at winning the event but an incident on the last lap resulted in a spectacular display of driving by Stewart and a ninth-place finish. Foxwoods was to have made a contribution to the American Cancer Society equivalent to Stewart’s winnings that day. They matched the winner’s purse instead. A total of $14,450 was raised that day. The program likely will net a considerable amount more for the A.C.S. when the autographed body panels and Tony’s fire suit are raffled off later in 2007.

Bill Quirk of the Pro All Star Series accepted the “William J. Fales Spirit of Sportsmanship Award” on behalf of Amanda Mayberry and Jack Gerbrands for their group approach to fundraising. Throughout the 2006 season, a monetary donation was made to the Racing Against Cancer TM Program for every tire that was sold to the Pro All Stars Series through the “Match Jack” program. The Pro All Star Series also held their Annual Racing Against Cancer TM Cruise on the Songo River Queen II in July 22, 2006.

The moving ceremony was concluded when Steve Fales implored the team members to rally together again in 2007.

“Together we can continue to raise funds for the fight against cancer. Together we can continue to raise awareness for our program. Together we can continue a tradition that was started 10 years ago. The Racing Against Cancer™ Team is one big family, always getting bigger, always getting stronger.”

2006 Year In Review   Tony Stewart stands behind the $14,450 check that will be presented to the American Cancer Sociery for his efforts in Chase Racing's Whelen Modified Tour car at the New Hampshire International Speedway in July 2006

Westbrook, CT (Sept 22, 2006)

By the end of the 2006 calendar year, the Racing Against Cancer™ team will reach two major milestones. This year the program celebrates its 10-Year Anniversary and reaching the half-million dollar mark in fund raising.

Over the ten years, hundreds, maybe even thousands, of people have pitched in to help the program reach that benchmark. Year after year tracks and racers, fans and corporations join together to raise money for our tremendously worthwhile cause.

As it has for many years, the fundraising season for the Racing Against Cancer™ program commenced in early March at Racearama held this year, fittingly, in the Dana Farber Field House at Gillette Stadium (Home of the New England Patriots) in Foxboro, MA. Over $1,200 was raised through general donations, proceeds from the prize wheel, and sales of their raffle tickets. The success of this first event was only a glimpse into what lie ahead for the R.A.C. Team in 2006.

Race facilities like the Sugar Hill Speedway in Weare, NH and Thompson Speedway in Thompson, CT remain resolute in their support with sponsored nights and events. Other local short tracks hosting Racing Against Cancer™ nights at their facilities included Poughkeepsie Speedway in New York and Londonderry Raceway in New Hampshire.

Sugar Hill Speedway, a racetrack catering to youth and miniature motorsports, has become one of the most prolific supporters of the Racing Against Cancer™ Program in recent years. Through their Junior Ambassador Program, Sugar Hill has developed and nurtured not only great racecar drivers but also humanitarians. (See the related story.) A number of talented young drivers who got their start at Sugar Hill have moved up the ranks in auto racing but have never forgotten their support of the R.A.C. Program.

Up and coming racers like NASCAR Busch East sensation, Sean Caisse has long been a supporter of the R.A.C. Program. Sean continues today, along with his sponsor Casella Waste Systems, to provide fundraising opportunities at promotional and hospitality events. Josh Currier has emerged as a young lion bringing the R.A.C Program to the True Value Modified Racing Series while Danny Bowes has made the leap to the Supermodified ranks at Lee USA Speedway.

Richmond Speedway in Richmond, ME stepped up their support in 2006 with 59 members “Joining the Team”. Those dues, along with other miscellaneous donations, have brought the Richmond tally over $2,900 this season.

Londonderry, along with the Allison Legacy North Series, contributed $900 to Racing Against Cancer™ with a promotional racing event. The track donated admission revenues while all competitors contributed their entry fee, which normally helps pay the nightly purse. Former Junior Ambassador Jake Vanada was the winner of the Legacy car event while R.A.C. Director of Operations, Scott Gregory finished just outside the top five in sixth.

On Saturday, August 5th, Sugar Hill Speedway hosted the “Endure for a Cure 200” go-kart endurance even with racers Jim Hendrix, Nathan Braun, and Nate Parkhurst taking home top honors. Fellow competitor Danny Bowes was the fundraising leader for the event by securing sponsorship/donations in the amount of $1,500 for the R.A.C. Program. The event, which was originally scheduled for Wednesday, July 12, 2006, was rescheduled due to rain and ultimately run in conjunction with Sugar Hill’s R.A.C. Night.

In total, the “Endure for a Cure” event raised over $4,000 that has been earmarked for David’s House, a haven for terminally ill children and their families near the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire. Log on to www.davids-house.org to read about the heartwarming story of David’s House.

This summer, R.A.C. was “cruising” toward a cure. The scope of fundraising went beyond just racetrack events. Long-time supporter KOOL 101 FM radio in conjunction with the Ocean Beach Park in New London, CT hosted the R.A.C. team at the August 7 and 21 Cruise Night. While the Pro All Star Series held their Annual Racing Against Cancer™ Cruise on the Songo River Queen II on July 22, 2006. Proceeds from admission and raffle tickets exceeded $1,900 as part of the yearlong fundraising effort of PASS Management. PASS Racing, Inc. President Tom Mayberry generously covered the cost of the boat rental and other expenses in an effort to maximize the potential of the event.

The Pro All Stars Series has helped bring prominence to Super Late Model/Pro Stock racing in the New England area during the past half decade and continues to provide the best full-fendered short track racing action in the country.

Throughout the 2006 season, Jack Gerbrands of Northern Race Tire, the official tire supplier of all PASS Series, continues to raise money through his “Match Jack” tire sales. A monetary donation is made to the Racing Against Cancer™ Program for every tire that is sold to the Pro All Stars Series competitors.

In 2006, the Racing Against Cancer™ fundraising even went cyberspace. Thanks to the efforts of Deryl Morley, announcer at Londonderry Raceway and broadcasting manager of RLMTv, the Racing Against Cancer™ Program is the beneficiary of SIM Speedway Online racing events. On February 18, a simulated racing event raised over $1,571, a second R.A.C. sim event will be held in November.

“RLMtv offers the thrill of sim racing on live Internet television. Hundreds of viewers tune in every week to watch the exciting sim racing action from all over the globe.” For more information visit www.rlmtv.com.

One of the most lucrative fundraising events for the Racing Against Cancerr™ Program this season was also one of the most exciting. Two-time NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series champion Tony Stewart jumped behind the wheel of a ground-pounding open-wheel Modified for car owner Curt Chase in the July 15 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race at New Hampshire International Speedway (NHIS) in Loudon. With the support of the Foxwoods Resort Casino of Mashantucket, CT, Stewart ran in the New England 100 on behalf of the American Cancer Society.

Stewart raised some eyebrows with his daring moves in the Modified and Foxwoods Resort Casino made a significant donation to R.A.C. in the amount of $14,450 in honor of Stewart’s performance. This is the fifth year that Foxwoods has joined Racing Against Cancer™ for a racing/ fundraising promotion at NHIS.

Outstanding individuals, driven by their own personal stories, continue to be the backbone of the Racing Against Cancer family.

Bill Doll of Manchester, CT is a well-respected and talented member of the World Karting Association. Through his efforts, the Racing Against Cancer™ team has gained notoriety in the vast go-kart racing community. With his track record, the R.A.C. team has gained donations.

This year Doll enlisted the support of the WKA Northeast Pavement Series. A portion of every entry fee collected at the following five events was donated to the Racing Against Cancer™ Program: Pomfret Speedway (CT)-May 21; Londonderry Raceway (NH)-June 11; Poughkeepsie Speedway (NY)-July 8; Sugar Hill Speedway (NH)-August 6; Woodstock Fairgrounds (CT)-September 9/10.

R.A.C. Team Members, Bailey Motorsports took solace in their time of grief when friends and family made donations to the Racing Against Cancer™ Program in excess of $2,000 in memory of Winthrop “Wimpy” Bailey, who lost his battle with brain cancer in February 2006.

Thankfully not all stories end tragically, with medical advances there are more and more cancer SURVIVORS. With the help of great racers and race fans, the Racing Against Cancer™ Program will continue to support amazing charities like the American Cancer Society, David’s House and others. Together we can make changes…together we can be “Racing Against Cancer™”.

The fundraising efforts of 2006 wind down with what has historically been the largest single fundraiser for R.A.C. The Foxwoods Race Team will head to the Eastern States Exposition on September 15 through October 1 for this year’s “Big E” Fair. In 2005, over $20,000 was raised for the R.A.C. program, everyone at the Racing Against Cancer™ Family hopes for bigger and better in 2006.

As the end of the 2006 racing and fundraising season is quickly approaching the Racing Against Cancer™ Team would like to thank all the racers, race teams, fans and sponsors that have made it possible for us to reach the half-million dollar mark in funds raised to help cure 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.

Tony Stewart Finishes Ninth in Exciting New England 100 Finish     

Westbrook, CT (July 15, 2006)

The phrase “Busch-Whackers” has become one of the most used terms in “big-league” NASCAR racing. It refers to Nextel Cup Series regulars racing in the Busch Series. And this year it has been a source of controversy in NASCAR. Currently, “Busch-Whackers” own seven of the top-ten spots in the Busch Series standings and that raises questions about the fairness of allowing them steal the spotlight and money from some of the division’s less famous boys.

At New Hampshire International Speedway this past weekend, a new phrase was born – “Mod-Whackers.” Defending Cup champ Tony Stewart and fellow seris superstar Carl Edwards donned their firesuits and climbed behind the wheel of a couple Mods for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour event at the “Magic Mile.” And just like their predecessors in the Busch Series, these “Whackers” stole the spotlight, some of the money and also caught the ire of several of the Modified Tour regulars.

“Those guys are racing to win; they aren’t there to make any friends,” said race winner John Blewett III. "Tony pulled out of line at the end to win the race. He wasn’t going to stay in line to finish fourth. Our regulars have to pay the bills too, so they aren’t going to pull out of line and take a chance to get wrecked.”

Asked whether he hit him on purpose, the normally calm Marquis replied, “I turned left because he hit me. Enough’s enough. I gave him some respect, he should respect me too.”

Much to everyone’s surprise, Stewart, who was raising money for charity (Racing Against Cancer) by racing the Foxwoods car, and five-time Mod Tour champ Tony Hirschman also exchanged heated words on pit road after the contest. After the race, the cars of Stewart and Marquis were parked near each other on pit road. Stewart proceeded to approach Marquis to talk to him about the incident and a shouting match ensued.

“He told me, ‘Hey, nice left turn.’ Well, we’re on a racetrack that turns left, so I guess I have to turn left, right?” said Marquis, still simmering off inside the cockpit of his number-4 Modified. “Coming off of two he bumped me and I thought we were going to bump draft and he got me completely sideways. I corrected it; we hit again, then he comes up and he banged me again. So I said, ‘Well here ya go,’ and banged him back."

For complete story, click here

Tony Stewart to Race in NASCAR Modified Tour Event at NHIS   with Support of Foxwoods for Racing Against Cancer™ Fundraiser     

Westbrook, CT (June 26, 2006)

A two-time and reigning NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series champion Tony Stewart will drive for car owner Curt Chase in the July 15 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race at New Hampshire International Speedway (NHIS) in Loudon.

Foxwoods Resort Casino of Mashantucket, Conn., will sponsor Stewart in the New England 100 on behalf of the American Cancer Society.

Foxwoods Resort Casino will make a donation equivalent to Stewarts race winnings in the New England 100 to the American Cancer Society through the Racing Against Cancer™ program. This is the fifth year that Foxwoods has joined Racing Against Cancer for a promotion at NHIS.

“This is always an excellent opportunity for Racing Against Cancer™, said Scott Gregory, director of operations for the non-profit organization. “We have an exciting way to raise money for the American Cancer Society while gaining valuable exposure for our program. Having one of the most colorful and talented racers of the modern era is a tremendous boost to an already great fundraiser.

The fundraiser began in 1999 with Brad Leighton and the GRIZCO Racing Team. In 2003, veteran competitor Randy MacDonald joined forces with Racing Against Cancer™. To date, the promotion has raised over $58,000 for the American Cancer Society.

In 1999, Leighton and company earned over $18,000 during the NASCAR Busch East Series event. In 2003, MacDonald drove a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series entry on behalf of the American Cancer Society to earn $7,940. In 2004 while driving for MacDonald in the NASCAR Busch Series, Kevin Lepage earned $16,810. And most recently, Busch East regular Dale Quarterly raised $14,610 in last years July race at New Hampshire while driving for MacDonald.

“Thanks to a number of amazing people, the event at NHIS has been hugely successful, said Gregory. “Thanks to Foxwoods Resort Casino this is the most visible promotion we do each year, and with Tony’s star power this fundraiser will receive an unprecedented amount of media exposure that will only help to strengthen our fight against cancer.

The Racing Against Cancer™ program is working to develop additional avenues to raise money for the fight against cancer through this tremendous opportunity.

The body panels from the race car, as well as the firesuit worn by Stewart, will be offered in a charity auction hosted by Racing Against Cancer™ at a date and location to be announced.During the event, Stewart and his crew will don purple Racing Against Cancer™ awareness wristbands in a show of support for the program. Fans can purchase the same wristbands by logging on to www.racingagainstcancer.com or www.tonystewart.com.

The New England 100 will be the first time in several years that Stewart has piloted a Modified Tour machine. The versatile driver has dabbled in Modified racing throughout his career, having participated in match races in the Sunoco Modifieds at Thompson (Conn.) International Speedway in 2002 and 2003. His earlier forays into Modified racing have become famous in Modified racing circles. A stint during race weeks at New Smyrna (Fla.) Speedway back in the late 90s originally spurred a rivalry between Stewart and Modified racings most prolific driver Ted Christopher. That rivalry has since evolved into friendship between the two competitors.

To bring home the top prize for the American Cancer Society, Stewart will undoubtedly have to contend with Christopher, who has had a stronghold on victory lane at the 1.058-mile oval, winning four Modified Tour events in a row at New Hampshire.

Foxwoods will produce a special photo card to commemorate this one-time event. Fans will be invited to pick up their free card, while supplies last, at the Foxwoods promotional booth located beneath the NHIS grandstands during the race weekend.

Jon Blanchette founded the Racing Against Cancer Team™ in 1996 after cancer claimed the life of his wife Jodi in 1994. The purpose of the team was to generate awareness and funding for the American Cancer Society. From its humble beginnings, the Racing Against Cancer Team™ has blossomed into a true fundraising effort.

Today, the Racing Against Cancer Team™ is a diverse group of members, from race fans to competitors, to track promoters and corporate partners that share a love of auto racing and a desire to find a cure for cancer. The Racing Against Cancer™ program raises funds for cancer research and patient services through a variety of channels including donation drives, raffles, merchandise sales and a paid membership program called “Join the Team”.

Since its inception in 1996, the cumulative fundraising total for the Racing Against Cancer™ program is $454,215.

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.

Press Release Archive

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2007