All Marques Welcome as Track Day Raises Funds for Parkinson’s Disease
When non-profit Drive Toward a Cure reached out to car clubs and groups nationwide in support of April’s Parkinson’s Awareness Month, not only did NCM Motorsports Park raise its hand high to show that ‘driving has never meant more’ but chose Easter Monday (April 2nd ) for its own track event as a kick-off to the meaningful month. The Bowling Green, KY facility will be offering a full day of touring laps for all marques and convertibles, from 9am – 4pm, with no helmets necessary. Each entrant will enjoy unlimited touring laps on the 3.2-mile course with the ability to pursue above-highway speeds. To register, view http://www.drivetowardacure.org/drive-toward-a-cure-track-day-2018/ .
“We’ve been creating opportunities for car aficionados to enjoy their vehicles while raising awareness and funds for Parkinson’s since 2016,” said Deb Pollack, founder of Drive Toward a Cure. “And while teaming with the NCM Motorsports Park allows drivers to go one step further in pushing their own enthusiasm to the limits on track, it also provides us an expanded audience whom we can inspire to help find a cure.”
Pollack, a multi-decade automotive industry professional, expanded awareness for Parkinson’s Disease within the car community after her own mother passed away from the disease’s challenges in 2006. While working with Maserati North America in 2008, Pollack created an opportunity for America’s First Formula One Champion Phil Hill, also challenged by Parkinson’s and a dear friend of the marque, to celebrate his 80th birthday among automotive media in what unfortunately was to be his last on-track experience. With his son Derek at the wheel of a Maserati MC12 racecar, Hill’s last drive later became an inspiration for Pollack to take on the cause at a higher level.
Recalling the emotional experience at Laguna Seca Raceway, Pollack noted that following Hill’s passing later that year, she returned with Derek, the MC12 and Maserati to sell passenger hot laps to raise funds in Phil’s name and provide a significant donation to the Parkinson’s Institute in Sunnyvale, Calif., where Phil had been treated. This was the beginning of a near decade of Pollack’s involvement bringing car enthusiasts and Parkinson’s together, and furthering her personal desire to start her own foundation.
The racetrack tie is a meaningful one to Pollack and the ability to team with NCM opens similar channels for those that enjoy their cars to also contribute to Parkinson’s.
According to Matt Busby, head of track operations for NCM, as the racing season begins, ties to Parkinson’s go further. “Though we recognize that racers like Phil Hill, Sam Posey and David Love are examples of those in our industry that have indeed been challenged, we’d be hard pressed to meet someone who doesn’t personally know their own unsung heroes fighting this debilitating disease every day. If we can help in one small way and encourage further awareness to Parkinson’s disease and finding a cure, we’ve taken a good step.”
Reservations for NCM Motorsport Park’s “Drive Toward a Cure Day” are highly recommended, though there will be limited walk-in space available. The cost for the day is $125 per entry, and a $50 tax-deductible* portion of every entry will go to supporting Parkinson’s Disease research and patient care.
Additionally, all registrants will be entered in a draw for a pair of Piloti “Corvette® C7” driving shoes. Inspired by the Corvette C7, Piloti’s specialized co-branded “Corvette C7” driving shoe provides a distinctive black and red color scheme, official C7 crossed flags badging and race-inspired stitching. The C7 shoes have a retail vale of $145 and are provided by Drive Toward a Cure sponsor Piloti – to learn more visit www.piloti.com .
About Drive Toward a Cure:
The Drive Toward a Cure program pursues an alternative to the numerous ‘for profit’ rally driving programs through the creation of events that team cars and camaraderie to raise funds in support of the challenges of Parkinson’s Disease, benefiting research and patient care. Drive Toward a Cure is a 501 (c ) (3) non-profit, with events that are carefully designed to provide a premium experience while raising much-needed funds to continue the search for a Parkinson’s cure, through beneficiaries The Michael J. Fox Foundation and The Parkinson’s Institute and Clinical Center.
As the Drive Toward a Cure program grows within the automotive community, all levels of car devotees are encouraged to join through participation and/or donation. Those seeking more information can visit www.drivetowardacure.org.
About Parkinson’s Disease:
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive movement disorder, meaning that physical symptoms continue and worsen over time. Nearly one million people in the US are living with Parkinson’s disease. The cause is unknown, and although there is presently no cure, there are treatment options such as medication and surgery to manage its symptoms.
