SCCA Teams Up With MADD For "Get In Gear" Road Rally
TOPEKA, Kan. (May 10, 2004) - Sports Car Club of America is teaming up with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for the "Get In Gear" Road Rally program, in support of MADD's mission to stop drunk driving, support victims and prevent underage drinking. "Get In Gear" Road Rallies are a collection of local events aimed at raising local corporate and community awareness through sponsorships and donations. Events are run in a family-friendly, 40-mile, non-competitive format that bring road enthusiasts together to have fun by figuring out clues and solving puzzles in order to identify landmarks and use them to navigate a course route. The first of two SCCA/MADD events will take place Saturday, June 4, in St. Louis, Mo., at the St. Louis Mills Mall in Hazelwood, followed by another road rally Saturday, July 23, in West Palm Beach, Fla., at the Roger Dean Stadium & Abacoa Town Center in Jupiter. "We are pleased to partner with MADD for these unique events," SCCA President and CEO Steve Johnson said. "The 'Get In Gear' Road Rally is not only a fun and interesting new fundraising concept, but is also something that will focus attention on MADD's core road safety message like no other type of event can." Local SCCA Region staff will handle event logistics, provide officials and offer other similar support in conjunction with MADD representatives at each location. Teams that participate in the event can be comprised of two or more members, with each person asked to raise at least $250. According to MADD, people who get involved and the money that they raise are the crucial elements to benefiting the organization's lifesaving mission. "Drunk driving impacts everyone in our community," MADD West Palm Beach Chapter Executive Director Lynnsey Eakin said. "We need community support in order to make our roadways safer for everyone and to provide youth the tools they need to protect themselves from underage alcohol use." Krista Mallette, MADD St. Louis Chapter Manager of Development, said that getting involved in the event is the perfect option for those who want to contribute, but aren't sure where to start. "I can think of no better way for businesses and individuals to come together and help keep our community safe than by participating in the 'Get In Gear' event," Mallette said. For team registration information, visit www.maddroadrally.org <http://www.maddroadrally.org/> or call your local MADD chapter. Participation is not limited to actually driving or navigating in the events. People can also be a virtual member of the pit crew from anywhere, 24 hours a day, or make a charitable donation to the "Get In Gear" events online. MADD MADD is a 501(c) 3 charity with approximately 600 chapters and 2 million members and supports nationwide. Founded in 1980, MADD is celebrating its 25th anniversary year and helping to save 300,000 lives. For more information, visit www.madd.org. SCCA Founded in 1944, the Sports Car Club of America, Inc. is a 60,000-plus member motorsports organization that incorporates all facets of autocross, rally and road racing at both club and professional levels. It annually sanctions over 2,000 events through its 111 regions and professional subsidiary. Landmark events and series for the Club include the SCCA SPEED World Challenge Championships; the Club Racing National Championship Runoffs(r) Presented by Kohler at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course; The Tire Rack(r) SCCA Solo Nationals and ProSolo Championship at Topeka, Kan.; and the United States Road Rally Championship. For more information, visit www.scca.com <http://www.scca.com/> .