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

Anderson, IN — Last year, Hoosier Park Racing & Casino set out to bring harness racing into mainstream culture throughout Central Indiana. Using some of the track’s most valuable assets, Hoosier Park introduced the Fab Five — a select group of Standardbred drivers, each with their own logo, signature practices and brand identity.

The launch of the Fab Five proved to be a tremendous success, peaking interest especially among the female fan base. Similar to NASCAR drivers, the Hoosier Park Fab Five helps to promote the sport of harness racing through their unique personalities, life stories and sportsmanship.

Throughout the 2009 racing season, the Fab Five participated in numerous events, concerts and promotions. In addition, each driver personally selected a charitable organization to support with fundraising efforts throughout the year.

In 2009 funds were raised through a Charity Chariots program. With a $20 donation, fans were given the opportunity to ride behind real racehorses on double-seated jog carts around the track with their favorite Fab Five Driver. Additional funds were then committed to each charity by Hoosier Park Racing & Casino in an effort to strengthen the impact these donations will have on the beneficiaries.

The Fab Five and Hoosier Park Racing & Casino will host our inaugural Champions for Charities luncheon where we will dedicate the funds raised to five worthwhile organizations.

Local dignitaries, charitable organizations, Fab Five drivers (Joe Putnam, Mike Peterson, Trace Tetrick, Ricky Macomber Jr. and Jason Dillander), and challenger, Peter Wrenn, will gather at the Homestretch Restaurant at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Tuesday, March 23, from 12–1 p.m.