On Friday July 11, 2008 Hooked On Driving, a high-performance driving school with locations across the country, hosted a fundraiser benefiting the Susan G. Komen For the Cure Foundation. The foundation is dedicated to breast cancer research and education.
The "Tracking for the Cure – One Lap at a Time" event was held at Thunderhill Park Raceway in Willows, Calif. In all, close to 300 participants (80 drivers) showed up to support the event which was held on the 3 mile track in Northern, Calif. Although smoke from recent wild fires had clouded the area for several weeks, it gave way on the day of the event resulting in sunny skies and warm temperatures at the track.
Warriors in Pink Mustang Pace Car
Highlights of the day included pink checkered flags (in place of white checkered flags) as well as a 2008 Warriors in Pink Mustang pace car. This limited-edition Mustang first appeared in the 2008 lineup as part of a collaboration between Ford and Susan G. Komen For the Cure. Ford donates a portion of money from each vehicle sold to the foundation.Lisa Ryland, the Hooked On Driving coach who helped spearhead the event said, "The highlight for me was driving the Warriors in Pink Mustang in the first all-woman pace lap. That had never been done before at any racetrack. We had 22 cars on the track driven exclusively by women drivers with their women coaches." Ryland added, "We were so lucky to have the Mustang in attendance for the event. Francis Hopping with Corning Ford helped us make the arrangements. Mustangs have become my favorite track cars of late. I love driving Mustangs no matter how fast I am going."
In addition to time on the track with professional coaches, participants were given the opportunity to donate money for charity in exchange for hot laps in cars such as the Hooters Winston Cup NASCAR racer, an Ariel Atom, as well as a Ferrari F430, Ford GT, and a 600 hp Z06. The event also featured a silent auction as well as a live auction.
Sponsors in attendance included Washington Mutual, BR Racing, Suspension Performance, Yokohama/ADVAN Tire, Got Blue Milk Photography, Clear Armor, Capital Glass, and NorCal Beverage.
Wedding Bells on Turn 5
The day concluded with a wedding at the top of Turn 5 on the Thunderhill track. That's right. Ryland and her husband, Eric, exchanged wedding vows in front of participants and friends. David Ray, founder of Hooked On Driving, drove Ryland up the hill and proceeded to give her away in the ceremony held by local pastor Ted Crandell. It was a picture perfect ceremony as vows between Ryland and Eric were exchanged as the sun set over the West valley.In all, the event generated $25,000. All proceeds were donated to the SGK Foundation. Ryland said, "This is the first charity event that Hooked on Driving has done. David Ray and I have discussed doing one charity event each year from now on." Hooked On Driving's Founder, David Ray, added, "Giving back is a part of our culture and we want to make it a priority in a focused event every season."
About Hooked On Driving
Hooked On Driving is a high-performance driving school that teaches students to drive street cars, such as Mustangs, on the track. The school puts an instructor in the passenger seat with an emphasis of teaching the student to control and enjoy their car in a safe traffic-free setting. The goal is to also make students safer drivers on the street.For more information, visit the School's Official Web site.
