NEW CASTLE -
Come shine or rain, as it was Wednesday in New Castle, expect John Andretti to always be at this kart track, at this time every July.
"This started as a match race," said Andretti, referring to the first charity event for Riley Hospital in 1997. "Now its grown into this big event."
Read : Drivers, NASCAR Hope For Redemption at IMS
For 13 years the event has been a staple of the month for Andretti, who is a full time driver in the NASCAR Sprint Cup series and will race in Sunday's Brickyard 400. The main celebrity race, which features Andretti and other local celebrities, is one of many during the day to help raise money for the Riley Hospital for Children.
"We try to make it fun-and giving too," said Andretti on his goal for the event year after year. "And everybody seems to have that kind of fun."
Other drivers, including fellow Sprint Cup Driver Tony Stewart and IndyCar Series Driver Sarah Fisher also made appearances today in hopes for raising both money and awareness.
"We have so many great partners and things that happen, but the people of Indiana, the State of Indiana are really the ones that make it successful because they go to Kroger and buy the coupons and that's a big part of the fundraising we do," said Andretti.
Read : Wes' Mess Brickyard Preview Blog
IndySportsNation.com's Jeremiah Johnson was at the New Castle Motorsports Park on Wednesday to talk with Andretti more about the race and the soggy weather that greeted competitors. Click on the video above to hear more.
"This started as a match race," said Andretti, referring to the first charity event for Riley Hospital in 1997. "Now its grown into this big event."
Read : Drivers, NASCAR Hope For Redemption at IMS
For 13 years the event has been a staple of the month for Andretti, who is a full time driver in the NASCAR Sprint Cup series and will race in Sunday's Brickyard 400. The main celebrity race, which features Andretti and other local celebrities, is one of many during the day to help raise money for the Riley Hospital for Children.
"We try to make it fun-and giving too," said Andretti on his goal for the event year after year. "And everybody seems to have that kind of fun."
Other drivers, including fellow Sprint Cup Driver Tony Stewart and IndyCar Series Driver Sarah Fisher also made appearances today in hopes for raising both money and awareness.
"We have so many great partners and things that happen, but the people of Indiana, the State of Indiana are really the ones that make it successful because they go to Kroger and buy the coupons and that's a big part of the fundraising we do," said Andretti.
Read : Wes' Mess Brickyard Preview Blog
IndySportsNation.com's Jeremiah Johnson was at the New Castle Motorsports Park on Wednesday to talk with Andretti more about the race and the soggy weather that greeted competitors. Click on the video above to hear more.
