Mario Andretti Returns for Infineon Raceway Blood Drive

 

SONOMA, Calif. - Race fans and community members
will take the ride of a lifetime, while helping the American Red Cross
save lives, during the 4th annual Infineon Technologies High Speed Blood
Drive at Infineon Raceway on Friday, Jan. 28.  The event will run from
noon-6 p.m.

 

Mario Andretti will return for the third consecutive year to this event,
which offers the chance to meet one of the most recognized drivers in
history and, at the same time, donate a pint of blood to the American
Red Cross.  Andretti has captured victories at both the Indianapolis 500
(1969) and the Daytona 500 (1967), and was named Driver of the Century
by the Associated Press (1999).  Andretti will be available for pictures
and autographs throughout the day.

 

"For the third straight year, I'll be back to represent the employees of
Infineon Technologies at the High Speed Blood Drive," said Andretti, a
spokesman for Infineon Technologies.  "The raceway keeps inviting me
back for this event and I really look forward to being there.  It's
worthwhile and fun."

 

In addition to meeting Andretti, everyone who comes out to the event
between noon-5 p.m. will get their blood pumping with a "hot lap" around
the 12-turn, 2.52-mile Infineon Raceway road course by a professional
driver from the ESPN Russell Racing School.  

 

"We have no other blood drive like this," said Sara O'Brien, spokeswoman
for American Red Cross Blood Services.  "This is the certainly one of
the largest drives we do each year in Northern California, and
definitely the most fun." 

 

Following the hot lap, donors will complete an eligibility form with a
Red Cross representative before donating a pint of blood.  Donating
blood is a simple process that saves more than four million American
lives each year.  For more information on donor eligibility, please
visit ww.beadonor.com.  

 

"We are very proud to again sponsor this important event and help bring
Mario Andretti out for a day of fun and excitement in support of a great
cause. We really hope to be able to attract even more donors this year,"
said Robert LeFort, president of Infineon Technologies North America.
"While our employees focus on the business of making innovative
semiconductors that help improve people's daily lives, it is great to be
able to be involved with a community effort that helps to save lives by
making more vital blood donations available" 

  

This event generated 126 pints of blood for the American Red Cross last
year, and officials hope to shatter that number in 2005. The raceway
will again partner with Infineon Technologies, 107.7 The Bone FM and
Niello Audi on this worthwhile event.  For more information, please
contact Diana Rose at (707) 933-3918 or by e-mail at
drose@infineonraceway.com.