IndyCar Series drivers fanned out across the state of Iowa this week to promote Sunday's Iowa Corn Indy 250, but instead found themselves in the midst of the massive relief effort following the flooding of recent weeks.
The severe weather has claimed the lives of at least 18 people and forced 38,000 from their homes in Iowa alone. At least 83 of 99 counties in the state are now considered disaster areas.
Vision Racing pair Ed Carpenter and AJ Foyt IV were joined by Bruno Junqueira in assisting and encouraging Red Cross volunteers. Carpenter and Foyt visited the Red Cross mobile feeding kitchen at New Life Baptist Church in the Quad Cities area, congratulating volunteers for their tireless service while signing autographs and posing for pictures, while Junqueira met with volunteers at the Des Moines chapter of the American Red Cross, visiting a site where relief packets are distributed.
“It was nice to see some of the volunteers that the Red Cross and the church had there and let them know that their hard work is appreciated,” Carpenter said, “They're doing a good thing, and it makes me feel good to know that I could go out and help a little bit.”
The Indy Racing League, in conjunction with its teams, has pledged $60,000 to the dwindling Iowa Chapter Red Cross relief fund.
“It was only appropriate that we help anyway we can the people of Iowa who have been through so much in recent weeks,” said IRL president Brian Barnhart, “We ask that you please keep the local fans and community in your thoughts and prayers through this very difficult time.”
On Tuesday, a group of Iowa-based businesses announced a major effort to raise money for Iowans trying to recover from the recent flood and tornado disasters that have devastated more than 80 of the state's 99 counties. Race2Recovery is established under the Iowa Speedway Foundation, a non-profit tax-exempt entity.
“The recent weather has left many Iowans without food, water, or even a decent place to live,” stated circuit president Jerry Jauron, “The goal of all the businesses backing Race2Recovery is to jump-start the rebuilding efforts while letting the recent flood victims know they are not alone.”
