Racing to End Alzheimer’s carries momentum into the Canadian GP weekend

With a sweep at Miami, Mark Kvamme looks to continue the form that has the 2022 and 2023 Porsche Carrera Cup North America champ back in the top three in points

LOS ANGELES (3 June 2023) – All roads point north for the Racing to End Alzheimer’s/MDK Motorsports team, as driver Mark Kvamme looks to continue his rise up the Porsche Carrera Cup North America standings – and help raise awareness of dementia and Alzheimer’s – at the Canadian Grand Prix weekend.

With his No. 43 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car emblazoned with the purple and yellow Alzheimer’s colors – and the names of loved ones who have suffered from the disease – Kvamme helps carry a message of hope to each race weekend.

“Alzheimer’s disease has affected my family, as it has so many families,” said Kvamme, whose grandfather had Alzheimer’s. “Knowing that I can help this program raise awareness and funds means the world to me. We know the crowds will be huge this weekend, and we know how passionate about racing the Canadian fans are, so we’re excited to get the weekend underway, to reach as many people as possible with our message of hope.”

According to global data firm Statista, it was estimated that 14,920 women and 8,696 men in Canada died due to dementia in 2021. Alzheimer’s disease was the eighth leading cause of death in Canada at that time, with almost two percent of deaths resulting from the disease.

With its bright purple tent to match the race car, Racing to End Alzheimer’s will work to raise awareness of the disease, and of the racing team’s mission: to increase awareness of this terrible disease while giving families a way to honor their loved ones in a very tangible way – and raising funds for research and treatment. For a $250 donation, a loved one’s name is placed on the car as it races across the United States and Canada (https://www.r2endalz.org), with 100% of the donations matched, and shared between the team’s two beneficiaries. The No. 43 Porsche currently carries over 130 names – with plenty of room for more.

On the way to Montreal, the team made a stop at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium for an event to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s and dementia – and to honor Columbus Zoo Director Emeritus Jack Hanna, who is currently battling Alzheimer’s disease. Kvamme and his wife Meg are friends with the Hannas, with Mark Kvamme placing his friend’s name on the No. 43 Porsche in an emotional video.

The Kvammes, longtime Zoo supporters, appreciated the chance to honor their friend, while for Racing to End Alzheimer’s founder Phil Frengs, the event offered the opportunity to speak to thousands of zoo patrons during the day, and VIPs and members that evening about the disease and Racing to End Alzheimer’s.

“What a wonderful day we had last Saturday with our new friends at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium,” said Frengs, who was joined by Zoo CEO Tom Schmid. “We honored the beloved Jack Hanna, zoo director emeritus, who is in his own battle with Alzheimer’s disease. So many of today’s over 14,000 visitors came and met us, viewed our No. 43 Racing to End Alzheimer’s Porsche, and talked to MDK Motorsports founder, principal and driver Mark Kvamme and me. We were thrilled to be there.”

The Porsche Carrera Cup North America series will contest two races at the Canadian Grand Prix. Race one takes the green flag Saturday at 5:55 p.m., with race two Sunday at 9:40 a.m. Eastern. The race will be broadcast live in the U.S., on IMSA.tv, the NBC Peacock streaming app and PorscheCarreraCup.us.