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NorthernLight IRL: Charity takes center stage at Indy for Actor Edwards, Calkins

23 March 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Cure Autism Now to sponsor Bradley Motorsports at Indianapolis 500

INDIANAPOLIS, Wednesday, March 22, 2000 - Bradley Motorsports and Cure Autism Now have reached a unique partnership agreement for the charitable, non-profit organization to be the title sponsor of Buzz Calkins Dallara/Oldsmobile/Firestone entry in the Indianapolis 500 this May.

Team CANs supporters include actor Anthony Edwards, star of the smash television series "ER," and Artisan Entertainment producer Jonathan Shestack. The mission of the marketing program is to raise awareness and financial support to find an effective biological treatment, prevention and cure for autism and related disorders.

"We are focusing on taking the issue outside of the community directly affected by autism and bringing it into the mainstream," Edwards said. "Racing fans are among the most generous group of people I know, and because of that I know they will rally around the cause."

Shestack, a co-founder and vice president of CAN, also believes strongly that the program with Bradley at Indianapolis will be a tremendous benefit to the organization.

"I know that members of CAN, the families, doctors, researchers and all of us share in the excitement that Bradley Motorsports will be generating on our behalf," Shestack said. "We know this racing team will help have a definite impact on awareness for autism and help us raise new funds, which are desperately needed for research."

1996 Indy Racing League co-champion Calkins will attempt to make his fifth consecutive Indianapolis 500 start with Bradley Motorsports. His best finish at Indy was 10th in 1998.

"Were very happy to be associated with CAN and what it is trying to accomplish," Calkins said. "I think its an interesting approach to helping people. Autism is not very well known. Were excited about being a part of a program to create awareness and a new level of visibility for CAN so that it can attract the proper funding it needs."

Autism is the third most common developmental disability in the United States. It affects more than 400,000 Americans.

CANs Indianapolis program will be supported by several other major associate sponsors, which will share signage on the car and enjoy all other related benefits. Those negotiations are being finalized.

Calkins and Edwards unveiled the CAN paint scheme that will appear on the car at Indianapolis during the MCI WorldCom Indy 200 on March 19 at Phoenix.

The 84th Indianapolis 500 is May 28.

Text provided by Paul Kelly

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