USAC'S PANKRATZ ORGANIZES A FUNDRAISER FOR D. HAMILTON

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

USAC DRIVER WALLY PANKRATZ ORGANIZES A
"LET'S GET DAVEY TO TURKEY NIGHT FUND"

Saying: "We just think that Davey should be out here on Turkey Night ... "  driver Wally Pankratz from Orange, California announced his plans to lead competitors in "passing the helmet" around in the pit area to raise airfare and hotel accommodations for injured driver Davey Hamilton to be able to attend the November 23 Turkey Night Grand Prix at Irwindale Speedway.   Pankratz will collect contributions at the USAC open wheel night races at the Speedway on October 27.  "Irwindale is one of Davey's favorite tracks, he's always run well here and we think it would be great if he could be here with us on Thanksgiving Night."  

Pankratz, the USAC 2000 Western States Midget Champion, has been a friend and competitor of Hamilton's for more years he cares to remember.  "Davey took some terrible injuries to his legs and feet in the IRL race at Texas, but he's a fighter, he's serious about resuming his racing career."  Hamilton won't be racing in the 61 running of the famous event at Irwindale, as he'll still be on the mend; but his luminescent smile, and undefeatable spirit will be very much in evidence on that night.  "We're hoping that he'll be able to stand up out of his wheelchair for a minute at start/finish and wave to the crowd, that would be worth all the effort,"  said Pankratz.

Although Pankratz has planned this to be a driver/pitcrew-centric kind of a deal, all fans of the personable Hamilton will also be able to contribute to the cause by stopping by the number 1 midget pits (Pankratz) after the races.

"Davey Hamilton is just about everyone's favorite racing driver," Pankratz concluded.  "We want to get him and his family out here to remind him of that at the race track ... He's been laying around that hospital to darn long!"

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL:  Doug Stokes (626) 358-1100 x 206

THANKS!