From Eric Powell
INDIANAPOLIS, Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010 – Race fans, teams and drivers from around the world continue to help the people of Haiti, as Indianapolis Motor Speedway online auctions have raised nearly $15,000 for American Red Cross relief efforts in the earthquake-ravaged nation.
All proceeds from the eBay auctions of racing memorabilia, which began Jan. 15, are being donated to Red Cross relief efforts for the devastating earthquake Jan. 12. Items are designated as part of the Haiti relief program. The auction site:
http://shop.ebay.com/ims_online/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=25
Items from race teams and competitors in the IZOD IndyCar Series, Indianapolis 500, NASCAR and MotoGP are added to the auction regularly. Check the auction site daily for updates.
Some of the exciting items added to the auctions from Feb. 8-11:
•Checkered flag signed by 18 IZOD IndyCar Series drivers, including 2008 Indianapolis 500 winner Scott Dixon, 2005 Indianapolis 500 Chase Rookie of the Year Danica Patrick, 2004 series champion Tony Kanaan, Will Power and more
•T-shirt signed by San Carlo Honda Gresini MotoGP teammates Marco Melandri and Marco Simoncelli
•Fiat Yamaha Team shirt signed by Red Bull Indianapolis GP winners Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo
•Red Bull Racing cap and card signed by NASCAR Sprint Cup Series standout Brian Vickers
•Red Bull Racing PUMA team shirt signed by NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver and United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis veteran Scott Speed
•Firestone Indy Lights 2009 champion cap signed by series champion J.R. Hildebrand
Recently completed auctions that drew many bids include a helmet signed by 22 Indianapolis 500 winners that sold for $3,585, a Tissot watch autographed by 2006 MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden that sold for $765, a helmet signed by IZOD IndyCar Series standout E.J. Viso that sold for $515 and a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series rear deck lid signed by Ryan Newman that sold for $500.
Fans visiting Brickyard Authentics retail locations at the IMS Hall of Fame Museum and Indianapolis International Airport will receive a 20 percent savings on any purchase with a donation of $5 or more to the American Red Cross canisters located near the register. This program is valid at the retail stores only.
Fans also can contribute directly to American Red Cross International Response Fund at www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS. Donors also can text “Haiti” to 90999 on their cell phone to send a $10 donation to support Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti.
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or read the blog at http://blog.redcross.org.
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IMS tickets: Established in 1909, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has long prevailed as an icon of motorsports excellence. Beginning in 2009, the Speedway celebrates its Centennial Era, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the facility in 2009 and the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race in 2011.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com at any time. Tickets for groups of 20 or more also are on sale. Contact the IMS Group Sales Department at (866) 221-8775 for more information.