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

Anderson, IN — Jason Dillander made a special appearance at the Madison County Relay for Life on June 17. Known as the “Bad Boy” in the Fab Five Celebrity Standardbred Driver promotion, Dillander represents the American Cancer Society during all fundraising events with the promotion.

Dillander presented his check for $1,340 from his efforts in 2010. Accepting the check for the local chapter of the American Cancer Society was Jason Sear, event vice chair, and Laura Market, American Cancer Society staff partner.

Jason Dillander (right) presents a check for $1,340 to Laura Market (left) and Jason Sear (center).

A native of Kentucky, Dillander is one of the original drivers involved in the Celebrity Standardbred Driver promotion. He chose the American Cancer Society as his charity of choice because his father was stricken with cancer and passed away in the spring of 2010 from the disease. Dillander worked hard last season to pull in money throughout several different events for his charity, including a win in the $5,000 Hoosierdega exhibition race. He also provided rides to racing fans during Charity Chariots in 2010, adding to the tally.

To date, Dillander has provided funding over the past two years in excess of $2,400 to the American Cancer Society. His fundraising efforts have nearly surpassed that total in 2011, with his current fundraising efforts totaling more than $2,200.

“It feels really good to honor my father with this donation,” said Dillander. “I’m glad I’m able to give back.”

Dillander is currently ranked sixth in the standings in 2011. He recently celebrated his 1,500th career win. Now in his 14th season as a driver, Dillander completed his sixth consecutive year with purse earnings in excess of $1 million and is in line to hit that mark again in 2011, already halfway there with just under $500,000 in purse earnings.

On off days from Hoosier Park, Dillander has been returning to Pompano Park in South Florida to drive. Last weekend, Dillander picked up three wins on Saturday (June 18) and added two more wins to his total on Monday (June 20). Dillander left the Pompano Park circuit in March to return to Indiana for the summer season. He is still ranked 13th in the standings at Pompano Park with 37 wins. Ricky Macomber, who also had an exceptional meet this past winter at Pompano Park, is still ranked seventh in the standings with 60 wins.

Charity Chariots will conclude for the 2011 season on Saturday (June 25). Racing fans will have one last opportunity to take a ride behind a real racehorse at Hoosier Park with one of the Celebrity Standardbred Drivers. The fee of $20 goes directly to the driver of choice for the guest. Rides begin at 3:30 p.m. in the Grandstand Paddock and conclude at 4:30 p.m.