Each year I look forward to the Kart 4 Kids Pro-Am Kart Race. It is an event that brings the community together to make a difference in the lives of children and families who need it most. Over the years, Kart 4 Kids has raised much-needed funds for the purchase of life-saving medical equipment to help diagnose and care for some of the sickest patients.
Photo Credit – Chris Owens/Indycar Media
Little did we know that our event would be the last major event held on the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg course in downtown St. Pete for 2020. St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman was excited to be driving with us again and was looking forward to the big weekend featuring Indy Lights, Porsche GT3 Cup, and the feature NTT IndyCar Race. Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus outbreak, the remaining events were canceled.
We are happy to announce that this was our 9th year supporting the Kart 4 Kids Pro-Am Kart Race. Our cumulative donation to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital is currently over $750,000. We couldn’t continue to raise the amount of money we do without the generosity of the drivers and event sponsors.
Kart 4 Kids Pro Drivers:
IndyCar Pros – Sebastien Bourdais, Scott Dixon, James French, Pato O’Ward, Felix Rosenqvist, Colton Herta, Ryan Hunter Reay, James Hinchcliff, Joseph Newgarden, Dalton Kellett, Zach Veech, Matheus Leist, Ryan Hunter Reay, and Santino Ferrucci
Indy Lights Champion – Oliver Askew
IMSA Pros – Jan Heylen, Spencer Pumpelly, Trent Hindman, Tristan Vautier, and Kyle Masson as well as up and coming pro Sabre Cook
Event Sponsors:
Returning sponsors included Firestone, Cardio Access, IndyCar, and CSI, who continued to help us be the largest private fundraiser for the hospital. Big shout out to Dan Andersen of Andersen Racepark, Firestone, as well as the Green Savoree, owner/operator of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Also, thanks to our newest sponsor, Ciccio Cali, who provided delicious food to our VIPs and pros, many of which enjoyed the vegetarian/vegan options provided.
As Sponsor Chair, I’m proud to be a small part of this big community fundraiser. Please reach out to me if you are interested in participating next year.
Bob