Austin Hatcher Foundation Honors IMSA and AO Racing as 2026 IMSA Season Kicks Off at Daytona

• Foundation begins 13th season as Proud Charity of IMSA
• IMSA to receive 2025 Impact Award; AO Racing to receive 2025 Humanitarian Award
• Live Bill Patterson painting auctions scheduled throughout the weekend

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CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Jan. 20, 2026) – The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer will head to Daytona International Speedway this weekend for the Rolex 24 At Daytona, the iconic endurance race that kicks off the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season.

A longtime Proud Charity of IMSA, the Foundation will be on-site throughout the weekend to raise awareness and funds in support of its mission to provide free, lifetime support to childhood cancer families.

Honoring IMSA and AO Racing

During the weekend, the Foundation will present IMSA with its 2025 Impact Award, recognizing the organization’s longstanding support of families facing pediatric cancer. Since 2009, IMSA has provided the Austin Hatcher Foundation with a national platform that has helped generate more than $4 million in support of its mission.

In addition, the Foundation will present the 2025 Humanitarian Award to AO Racing for its exceptional contributions throughout 2025. AO Racing supported families through fan activations, creative marketing campaigns, on-track experiences for pediatric patients, and other initiatives to directly further the Foundation’s mission.

The Austin Hatcher Foundation was named “Official Charity” of AO Racing in 2025

“We are deeply grateful to both IMSA and AO Racing for their extraordinary support of children and families impacted by pediatric cancer. IMSA’s partnership has given our Foundation a national platform to reach families navigating this journey. AO Racing’s steadfast advocacy and belief in the Austin Hatcher Foundation’s mission throughout 2025 have created a lasting impact for the children and families we serve. Honoring these organizations reflects our sincere appreciation for their commitment to advancing hope, healing, and joy,” said Amy Jo Osborn, CEO and Co-Founder of the Austin Hatcher Foundation.

Live Auctions with Bill Patterson

The Foundation’s presence at IMSA events has also built lasting relationships with sports car teams, manufacturers, drivers, fans, and racing-themed artists. These connections help fuel fundraising efforts through live auctions at the track.

Acclaimed motorsports artist Bill Patterson will be on-site creating original paintings live throughout the weekend. These works will be auctioned in fan-favorite areas, including the Corvette, Porsche, Cadillac, and Rolex Lounges, with proceeds directly supporting the Foundation’s programs for children and families impacted by pediatric cancer.

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Media Contact: Katey Koon, Director of Marketing & Communications – katey@hatcherfoundation.org

About the Austin Hatcher Foundation: The Austin Hatcher Foundation is a nationally recognized leader in psycho-oncology care, providing innovative, evidence-based services for families facing pediatric cancer. Through a holistic approach, the Foundation supports the emotional, mental, and social well-being of children, siblings, and parents—ensuring families have the resources to heal and thrive during and after treatment. Learn more at www.hatcherfoundation.org.

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