A win and a runner-up finish was good enough for 2015 Indianapolis 500 winner Juan Pablo Montoya at his annual Carrera De Estrellas karting event in Colombia.
The event’s host, Montoya topped a star-filled field that included three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves, 2015 Verizon IndyCar Series Rookie of the Year Gabby Chaves, race winner Carlos Munoz, Sebastian Saavedra and action sports star Travis Pastrana to win Saturday’s opening race around the Autodromo de Tocancipa, near Bogota.
Chaves finished just behind with former Indy Lights competitor Gustavo Yacaman coming home third.
In Sunday’s finale, GP2 competitor Julien Leal held off Montoya and Chaves to take the win, after which the entire field of drivers climbed the fence to thank the Colombian fans who attended the races and raised money for the Formula Sonrisas (Formula Smiles) Foundation, led by Montoya and his wife Connie.
Since 2003, the Montoyas, through Formula Smiles Foundation, have funded social programs for Colombian children. It focuses on the education through sports for youngsters 6-17 living in vulnerable areas of Colombia as a comprehensive activity to reduce social and gender inequality.
Alltown to promote “Freedom Friday” at Boston GP
The Grand Prix of Boston powered by LogMeIn recently announced a partnership with Global Partners’ Alltown convenience stores and ExxonMobil that help Veterans, Active Military and First Responders in the New England area attend the event.
Approximately 50,000 tickets will be given away for Freedom Friday events on Sept. 2, which features the first on-track activity for the inaugural Grand Prix of Boston, as well as family-friendly activities around the Grand Prix site.
“We are excited to partner with Alltown and ExxonMobil to honor those who protect and serve the public,” said Mark Perrone, CEO and President of the Grand Prix of Boston powered by LogMeIn. “Freedom Friday is a great event that is jam packed with activities for everyone. There will also be a special Veteran’s Job Fair, Family Fun Zone and Lifestyle Expo throughout the day.”
Freedom Friday is an opportunity for participating Alltown convenience stores and Mobil branded fuel stations to give back to the community and the veterans, active military and first responders in the New England area.
Massachusetts Iraq and Afghanistan Fallen Heroes Fund and the Veterans Homestead will be participants in Freedom Friday and will have an on-site presence during the event. Friday ticket distribution will begin in early summer 2016, and more details will be announced closer to that date.
“We are thrilled to be able to give back to those who put their lives on the line every day to protect our freedom and safety locally and around the world,” said Jeff Popper, Chief Marketing Officer for Global Partners. “This is an opportunity for these deserving men and women to enjoy a fantastic day at the race track, and have fun with their families and friends watching the Verizon IndyCar Series and other events at the Grand Prix.”
Sato gives thanks to Honda fans in Japan
IndyCar race winner Takuma Sato joined other stars of Honda’s motorsports racing lineup for the manufacturer’s annual “Thanks Day” at Twin Ring Motegi in Japan.
Sato took to the track for demonstration laps in Honda's 1968 RA301 F1 car at the event, alongside Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso, who drove the McLaren-Honda MP4/6 used by Ayrton Senna and Gerhard Berger in the 1991 F1 season.
More than 18,000 fans attended the day, which is held annually to give thanks to all the fans and colleagues in Honda.