Two-time and reigning NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series champion Tony Stewart will drive for car owner Curt Chase in the July 15 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race at New Hampshire International Speedway (NHIS) in Loudon. Foxwoods Resort and Casino of Mashantucket, Conn., will sponsor Stewart in the New England 100 on behalf of the American Cancer Society. Foxwoods Resort and Casino will make a donation equivalent to Stewart’s race winnings in the New England 100 to the American Cancer Society through the Racing Against CancerTM program.  This is the fifth year that Foxwoods has joined Racing Against Cancer for a promotion at NHIS.
   
    “This is always an excellent opportunity for Racing Against Cancer TM,” said Scott Gregory, director of operations for the non-profit organization.  “We have an exciting way to raise money for the American Cancer Society while gaining valuable exposure for our program.  Having one of the most colorful and talented racers of the modern era is a tremendous boost to an already great fundraiser.” The fundraiser began in 1999 with Brad Leighton and the GRIZCO Racing Team.  In 2003, veteran competitor Randy MacDonald joined forces with Racing Against Cancer TM.  To date, the promotion has raised over $58,000 for the American Cancer Society.

    In 1999, Leighton and company earned over $18,000 during the NASCAR Busch East Series event.  In 2003, MacDonald drove a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series entry on behalf of the American Cancer Society to earn $7,940.  In 2004 while driving for MacDonald in the NASCAR Busch Series, Kevin Lepage earned $16,810.  And most recently, Busch East regular Dale Quarterly raised $14,610 in last year’s July race at New Hampshire while driving for MacDonald.

    “Thanks to a number of amazing people, the event at NHIS has been hugely successful,” said Gregory.  “Thanks to Foxwoods Resort and Casino this is the most visible promotion we do each year, and with Tony’s star power this fundraiser will receive an unprecedented amount of media exposure that will only help to strengthen our fight against cancer.”

    The Racing Against CancerTM program is working to develop additional avenues to raise money for the fight against cancer through this tremendous opportunity.

    The body panels from the race car, as well as the firesuit worn by Stewart, will be offered in a charity auction hosted by Racing Against CancerTM at a date and location to be announced. During the event, Stewart and his crew will don purple Racing Against CancerTM  awareness wristbands in a show of support for the program.  Fans can purchase the same wristbands by logging on to www.racingagainstcancer.com or www.tonystewart.com. 

    The New England 100 will be the first time in several years that Stewart has piloted a Modified Tour machine.  The versatile driver has dabbled in Modified racing throughout his career, having participated in match races in the Sunoco Modifieds at Thompson (Conn.) International Speedway in 2002 and 2003.  His earlier forays into Modified racing have become famous in Modified racing circles.  A stint during race weeks at New Smyrna (Fla.) Speedway back in the late 90s originally spurred a rivalry between Stewart and Modified racing’s most prolific driver – Ted Christopher.  That rivalry has since evolved into friendship between the two competitors. To bring home the top prize for the American Cancer Society, Stewart will undoubtedly have to contend with Christopher, who has had a stronghold on victory lane at the 1.058-mile oval, winning four Modified Tour events in a row at New Hampshire. Foxwoods will produce a special photo card to commemorate this one-time event.  Fans will be invited to pick up their free card, while supplies last, at the Foxwoods promotional booth located beneath the NHIS grandstands during the race weekend.

    Jon Blanchette founded the Racing Against Cancer TeamTM  in 1996 after cancer claimed the life of his wife Jodi in 1994.  The purpose of the team was to generate awareness and funding for the American Cancer Society.  From its humble beginnings, the Racing Against Cancer TeamTM  has blossomed into a true fundraising effort. Today, the Racing Against Cancer Team TM   is a diverse group of members, from race fans to competitors, to track promoters and corporate partners that share a love of auto racing and a desire to find a cure for cancer.  The Racing Against Cancer TM   program raises funds for cancer research and patient services through a variety of channels including donation drives, raffles, merchandise sales and a paid membership program called “Join the Team”. Since its inception in 1996, the cumulative fundraising total for the Racing Against Cancer TM   program is $454,215.