Homestead FL-- (5 March  2010) – As if there wasn’t enough for the new drivers in the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge to be racing for already, the newest members of the paddock will have a new honor to chase in 2010. And with the new award directly benefiting a worthy charity, the winners will have two reasons to feel good about it.
 
Mustang Challenge officials announced on Friday the establishment of the Sunday Group Management “Rookie of the Race” Award. The Award, sponsored by Mustang Challenge media partner Sunday Group Management, will see Sunday Group Management donate $150 to the Austin Hatcher Foundation in the name of the best-finishing rookie driver in each of the 11 rounds of Mustang Challenge competition.

The 2009 season saw the combined efforts of the series, its drivers, BFGoodrich Tires and Hurst Performance raise over $40,000 for the Austin Hatcher Foundation through the year. Drivers participated throughout the season in the Foundation’s diversionary therapy events designed to give families dealing with the effects of pediatric cancer a chance to escape the world of hospitals and doctors and create lasting memories together.  The drivers also visited local children’s hospitals in cities during the race season.

“Our relationship with the Mustang Challenge has been a really gratifying one, and this new rookie award is just another new chapter in this partnership, so we are very pleased,” said Austin Hatcher Foundation co-founder Amy Jo Osborn. “I want to thank the drivers for their efforts, and we are looking forward to another successful year. Best of luck to all the rookies of course!”

Three drivers will be eligible for the award this weekend as Roberto Bengoa, John “Chip” Scarlett, and Richard Golinello vie to be the first winner of the Sunday Group Management Rookie of the Race, and all three will get two chances as the series opens with a double-header.  

“We are very proud of our relationship with the Austin Hatcher Foundation, and we’ve been amazed by how our drivers and partners have stepped up to help such an amazing cause,” said  Mustang Challenge Series Director Lynda Randall. “To combine a new rookie award with something so dear to our hearts is really a win-win, and I am excited that Sunday Group Management has signed on to help make this happen.”

The Austin Hatcher Foundation for a carefree childhood was formed in 2006 after Amy Jo and Jim Osborn lost their infant son Hatch to a rare form of pediatric cancer.  The foundation’s mission is to support research towards the diagnosis, treatment and development of a cure for pediatric cancer, and to provide support and hope to children and families undergoing treatment as well as those who have lost children due to cancer.  The foundation has developed a landmark group of programs and services essential to help cancer stricken children and their families function within their community.

Sunday Group Management is based in Indianapolis with clients in GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series, Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge, Star Mazda Championship, and NASCAR Sprint Cup competition as well as the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge.   For additional information: www.sundaymanagement.com, sundaygroupmanagement.blogspot.com, www.facebook.com/sundaygroup, or twitter.com/Sundaygroup
 
About Ford Racing Mustang Challenge: The Ford Racing Mustang Challenge is a professional racing series co-developed by Ford Racing and Miller Motorsports Park. Utilizing the new Ford Mustang FR500S and sanctioned by the Grand-Am Road Racing, Mustang Challenge is a support series to major professional road racing events across North America.  Mustang Challenge is an affordable, challenging platform for racers who want to compete in a V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive car on a level playing field that showcases driver ability in high-profile events. A competitive point structure and generous purses make the Mustang Challenge The Place to Race!


LHM
 
The Ford Racing Mustang Challenge is an ongoing continuation of the passion, vision, and commitment that Larry H Miller had for Ford and the Ford Mustang. The Ford Racing Mustang Challenge is just one of the countless living legacies of Mr. Miller, and the drivers, team, and fans of the Mustang Challenge are proud to honor his memory and carry on his passion. Thank you, Mr. Miller.

www.mustangchallenge.com