The #81 BimmerWorld M4 GT4 raced by Nick Galante and Dillon Machavern plays an important fund-raising role for Racing to End Alzheimer’s as it competes in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Series. But with the series on hold until mid-July, Racing to End Alzheimer’s has turned to a road trip as a new way to raise money for Alzheimer’s care and research while honoring loved ones affected by the disease.
Racing to End Alzheimer’s founder Phil Frengs is driving a BMW M4 emblazoned with the names of people affected by Alzheimer’s in the On The Road Again tour, a road trip that began at Daytona International Speedway on June 8 and will end at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca later in the month. Frengs left Daytona with over 80 names on the car; the number will grow as he makes his way to California. Along the way, Frengs will visit donors, honorees, and some of the most famous landmarks in the U.S.
Racing to End Alzheimer’s works like this: a donor adds the name and hometown of a loved one affected by Alzheimer’s to the race car for a donation of $250, and the name remains on the car for the rest of the year. Corporate sponsor Legistics matches the $250 so that each name represents $500. Now, the name will be on both the race car and the On the Road Again car.
100% of all donated funds plus matches are granted to charity partners, while all of the administrative and marketing expenses are funded by Legistics. During the nationwide tour, Frengs will present checks to two of those partners: the Nantz National Alzheimer Center at Houston Methodist Hospital and UCLA’s Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care facility.
Fans are welcome to ride along virtually as Racing to End Alzheimer’s raises money and adds names to the car during an epic road trip. Racing to End Alzheimer’s will be posting continuous updates on its website, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.—Brian Morgan
[Photo courtesy BimmerWorld, Racing to End Alzheimer’s.]