Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer Humanitarian Award Presented to Corvette Racing
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Jan. 26, 2019) – Legendary sports car racing organization Corvette Racing was presented with the third annual Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer Humanitarian Award on Saturday, in recognition of its efforts throughout 2018 in helping the foundation provide essential services to young cancer patients and their families.
Previous award winners were accomplished drivers: Joey Hand in 2017 and brothers Jordan and Ricky Taylor last year. Corvette Racing’s accomplishments include 107 race victories over 21 years of competition plus three consecutive driver and team championships in the International Motor Sports Association’s (IMSA) GT Le Mans class. Corvette Racing is trying to add to its legacy at this weekend’s Rolex 24 At DAYTONA at Daytona International Speedway.
Austin Hatcher Foundation Chairman Jim Osborn presented the award to Corvette Racing Program Manager Doug Fehan and General Motors President Mark Reuss on Saturday, in the speedway’s media center.
“The people who make up the extraordinary Corvette Racing program have always been true friends to children with cancer nationwide, through our foundation. We are proud to present them with the third annual humanitarian award,” Osborn said. “Corvette Racing’s support reflects the overall spirit of all our IMSA partners who go out of their way to assist us.
“The involvement of one of auto racing’s top teams in our efforts really helps raise the level of engagement by fans, when it comes to educating them on the foundation’s mission to erase the effects of pediatric cancer. When you’re at an IMSA race, it’s obvious that virtually everyone knows about Corvette Racing; to use auto racing terminology, the foundation gets to “draft” off that recognition, when we’re combining with Corvette Racing for an at-track event.”
"We are truly honored to accept this award from the Austin Hatcher Foundation,” said Fehan. “The mission by Jim and [his wife and foundation president] Amy Jo Osborn has been making a difference in the lives of children for more than a decade. It’s a program that touches everyone on our team, our Corvette owners and fans. We couldn’t be more proud to work with the Austin Hatcher Foundation. On behalf of Corvette Racing, thank you for this award.”
Osborn also announced three other awards on Saturday:
· The 2018 Achievement Award, to Ford Chip Ganassi Racing for making the largest fundraising contribution from at-track auctions.
· Platinum Club Member Award to IMSA, a Platinum Club Member since 2009. This award recognizes a landmark total of $2,667,159 in contributions to the foundation.
· Platinum Club Member Award to Road Atlanta, also a club member since 2009, for assisting in the generation of $569,212 in contributions.
