As the sun rose over Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, anticipation filled the air. Peter Hanson and the Sanders Motorsport Team were back for our much-anticipated annual fan appreciation event. Despite the brisk temperatures, a remarkable crowd gathered, eager to witness the thrilling season’s culmination. Fans shared stories, exchanged hugs, and expressed admiration for the teams […]
“Mom, I met some amazing racecar drivers today “said the diminutive girl with dark hair and dark eyes as she left Sheboygan Falls Boys & Girls Club, Thursday.
The “amazing drivers,” were Verizon IndyCar Series star, James (Hinch) Hinchcliffe and talented Indy Lights racers Zach Veach, Shelby Blackstock and Dalton Kellett who conducted a Racing For Kids visit to the Sheboygan Falls, WI club.
Nearly 100 youngsters waited in the facility’s gymnasium to meet the drivers and watch exciting IMS Productions videos on Racing For Kids and the Verizon IndyCar 2016 series.
Each of the four drivers talked individually about their racing careers and their respect for the Road America track, which will have their full attention from Friday through Sunday. It will be the first time IndyCars have raced on the historic Central Wisconsin course since 2007.
“How many of you are coming to Sunday’s races,” asked Indy 500 Pole Sitter Hinchcliffe. About 90 per cent of the crowd raised their hands. “That’s good” he said.
“Now how many of you have traveled at 240 miles an hour,” Hinch followed. When another 90 per cent responded positively, Hinch laughed, “I don’t think all of you are telling the truth.”
A lively question and answer session soon developed with Blackstock, Veach and Kellett taking active roles. Then the youngsters patiently took their places in two lines for autographs and pictures. Each youngster was given a red Racing For Kids baseball cap and advised to wear it to the track this weekend so that the drivers “will know that they had met you.”
After the 75 minute program, the quartet of racers left Sheboygan Falls for a late afternoon “track walk” at Road America. Friday Morning racing begins in earnest.