by Tammy Knox, director of race marketing affairs, Hoosier Park

Anderson, IN — The Fab Five Drivers along with The Champion and The Challengers are working for their charities once again at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino. The drivers are part of a Charity Slot Tournament that got underway Tuesday, May 17.

A total of four days will be reserved for the Charity Slot Tournament with three days left to assist the drivers in raising money for their causes. The next session will be held Thursday, May 19, beginning at 4 p.m. on the casino floor. Guests wishing to play in the slot tournament can begin registration at noon at Club Centaur Rewards. A fee of $5 is charged and can be directed to any charity for the Celebrity Standardbred Drivers. The slot tournament will conclude at 8 p.m.

During the Charity Slot Tournament, a total of 17 sessions will be held. The winner of each session will receive $100 and an autographed Fab Five t-shirt. Also, the top three players from each day will share a total of $2,500 in prize money.

The Charity Slot Tournament will continue Tuesday, May 24, and Thursday, May 26. The drivers will make special appearances throughout the sessions, interacting with players and providing support for those who wish to support their charity.

Charitable causes for the Fab Five Drivers include D.A.R.E, represented by Trace Tetrick; Outfitters, Inc. for Joe Putnam; American Cancer Society for Jason Dillander; Indiana School for the Deaf for Ricky Macomber; and Shriner’s Hospital for Children, chosen by Mike Peterson. Current leading driver Peter Wrenn, tagged as The Champion, represents St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Three new Challengers were added to the mix in 2011, including Trent Stohler, who represents St. John’s Children’s Clinic; Josh Sutton, representing the Animal Protection League; and Brandon Bates, who puts his fundraising efforts toward Second Harvest Food Bank.

The Celebrity Drivers will also be out in full force during Thrillyard 200, featuring the $200,000 Dan Patch Invitational Pace. All nine drivers will be involved in a special exhibition race at Anderson Speedway where they will experience driving a different type of horsepower. The car race will be aired during Dan Patch night between races, with the winner adding money to his funds for his selected charity.

Also, all nine drivers will kick off the popular Charity Chariots during a special Memorial Day racing program on Monday, May 30. Fans are encouraged to come out and take a trip around Hoosier Park’s oval for a fee of $20, all of which goes to charity. The unique experience puts guests 12 years of age and older behind a real racehorse and beside their favorite driver in a two-seated jog cart. Registration will begin at 3 p.m. near the Grandstand Paddock and Charity Chariots will be conducted from 3:30 until 4:30 p.m. The first race of the special Memorial Day card gets underway at 5:30 p.m.

In addition to Charity Chariots, several special activities will be available for racing fans of all ages. The Harness Horse Youth Foundation will offer free demonstrations beginning at 3:30 p.m. and Lilly, Hoosier Park’s official adopted horse from CSC Farms in Blackford County, will be on hand for a special appearance. Lilly was rescued from an abusive situation in Indianapolis two years ago and Hoosier Park has “adopted” her and is supporting her rehabilitation and training. Also, numerous interactive games and activities will be available during Memorial Day, including a seven element obstacle course and a bungee trampoline. All activities will begin at 3:30 p.m. and continue during racing.

For more information on events supporting the Celebrity Standardbred Drivers, log onto www.hoosierpark.com.