Helmet Signed By Indy 500 Winners Added To Haiti Relief Auction

Autographed helmet Credit: IndyCar Series

INDIANAPOLIS ­ A helmet signed by 22 Indianapolis 500 winners is among the unique new items added recently to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway eBay auctions to benefit American Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti, which already have raised more than $8,400.

Indy winners who signed the helmet include Helio Castroneves, Scott Dixon, A.J. Foyt, Gordon Johncock, Buddy Lazier, Arie Luyendyk, Rick Mears, Bobby Rahal, Jim Rathmann, Buddy Rice, Johnny Rutherford, Tom Sneva, Al Unser, Al Unser Jr., Bobby Unser, Dan Wheldon and more.

"What a great piece of history," Dixon said. "I'm not sure anything like this helmet exists today. I hope it will bring in a big number, as the proceeds will definitely be going toward a very worthy cause."

All proceeds from the eBay auction of racing memorabilia, which began Jan. 15, are being donated to Red Cross relief efforts for the devastating earthquake Jan. 12. Items are designated as part of the Haiti relief program. The auction site:

http://shop.ebay.com/ims_online/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=25

More items are arriving from race teams and competitors from around the world and being added to the auction regularly. Check the auction site daily for updates.

• ABC Supply helmet visor and ABC Supply diecast car signed by four-time Indianapolis 500 winner A.J. Foyt
• Andretti "Racing Line" poster signed by 1969 Indianapolis 500 winner Mario Andretti, Michael Andretti and Jeff Andretti
• Tissot watch signed by 2006 MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden
• Race-worn camouflage gloves and shoes signed by 2005 Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon
• Brushed metal diecast of the No. 14 Old Spice Chevrolet signed by two-time Brickyard 400 winner Tony Stewart
• Red Bull Racing PUMA team jacket signed by NASCAR star Brian Vickers
• Red Bull Toyota sheet metal signed by Vickers
• Promotional standup of IZOD IndyCar Series star Sarah Fisher, signed by Fisher
• 1973 Indianapolis 500 qualifying photo of Bill Vukovich Jr., signed by Vukovich

"This is a great cause, and I'm happy to help," said Hayden, a podium finisher in the first two Red Bull Indianapolis GP races at IMS. "What happened there is terrible and breaks my heart, but it's cool when you see the whole world coming together and trying to help out and show the Haitians that we are with them."

Other autographed items remain up for auction, including memorabilia signed by NASCAR standout Scott Speed, IZOD IndyCar Series star Ed Carpenter and noted motorsports artist David Uhl.

Completed auctions that drew many bids include a VIP ticket/hotel package for the 2010 Indianapolis 500 race weekend May 28-May 30, which sold for nearly $4,400, and a replica milk bottle signed by three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Castroneves, which sold for nearly $350.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Haiti," Castroneves said. "The devastation there is terrible, and when you see that, you want to help however you can. We're happy that we are able to help, even in just a small way, by raising relief funds through the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the American Red Cross through this online auction."

Fans visiting Brickyard Authentics retail locations at the IMS Hall of Fame Museum and Indianapolis International Airport will receive a 20 percent savings on any purchase with a donation of $5 or more to the American Red Cross canisters located near the register. This program is valid at the retail stores only.

Fans also can contribute directly to American Red Cross International Response Fund at www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS. Donors also can text "Haiti" to 90999 on their cell phone to send a $10 donation to support Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization ­ not a government agency ­ and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or read the blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

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