The third annual Dan Wheldon Memorial Pro-Am Karting Challenge

The third annual Dan Wheldon Memorial Pro-Am Karting Challenge, a race no one wishes had to be held in memory of the 2005 and 2011 Indianapolis victor, returns to New Castle Motorsports Park on September 19th.

Raising money for the Dan Wheldon Foundation and the Alzheimer’s Association (a cause Wheldon supported in honor of his mother, diagnosed in 2008 and succumbing to the disease in 2014), the Dan Wheldon Memorial Pro-Am Karting Challenge has raised more than $165,000 to establish the Sue Wheldon Fund.

This fund supports a New Investigator Research Grant and early-stage programs of the Greater Indiana chapter of the Alzheimer’s Foundation. It also supports the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter’s care and support programs near the Wheldon family home in St Petersburg, Fla.

The annual kart race has attracted some of Dan Wheldon’s greatest friends and competitors, all of whom drive in support of their fallen friend. Among those already committed to the event are Scott Dixon, Sarah Fisher, Ed Carpenter and Sebastian Saavedra.

The 2015 format allows for a field of 20 teams in a timed, two-hour event. Each team consists of one professional driver and three amateur racers. They participate in two practice sessions and then the timed race, with the pro drivers contesting the final stint.

“When we started this event in 2013,” noted Susie Wheldon, Dan’s widow, “we did it to honor Dan’s legacy with support for charities that were near to his heart. I’m amazed and humbled at what we’ve accomplished in just two short years.

“It is exciting to see the event grow and for everyone to have such a good time raising money for the Foundation and the Alzheimer’s Association,” she continued. “I really hope we can fill all 20 spots this year in order to raise the bar for 2016 and continue to touch lives through Dan’s legacy.”

Some spaces are still available for this year’s race meeting. To participate in this great, fun event or to spectate on September 19th, you can find out more by sending an email to info@newcastleraceway.com.