Simon Pagenaud celebrated the life of his hero, three-time Formula One World Champion Ayrton Senna, in the 98th Indianapolis 500 Mile Race in May by wearing a helmet with a unique blend of Senna's design and Pagenaud's trademark red scheme.
Now Pagenaud is auctioning the helmet, with all proceeds directed to the Ayrton Senna Institute benefiting children's literacy in Brazil. The auction site features photos and videos of Pagenaud and the helmet, as well as videos from Helio Castroneves and Tony Kanaan talking about the helmet.
Senna, from Brazil, won the Formula One World Championship in 1988, 1990 and 1991 and is universally considered one of the greatest racing drivers in history after scoring 41 victories, 80 podium finishes and 65 pole positions in 162 F1 races between 1984 and 1994. He lost his life at age 34 in a racing accident May 1, 1994, at Imola, Italy.
"We are really pleased to receive this special homage," said Bianca Senna, Ayrton Senna's niece and director of the Ayrton Senna Institute. "In 2014, celebrating 20 years of Ayrton's legacy, we are happy with all the tributes that he is receiving around the world. I also want to thank Simon Pagenaud for creating and auctioning off this special helmet. It will help us in our projects at the Ayrton Senna Institute, which benefit two million children and young people each year."
Get additional information and place a bid HERE.
Foyt recuperating from surgery
A.J. Foyt, who underwent successful triple heart bypass surgery Nov. 12, remains in a Houston hospital because of a post-operative complication that has been resolved, A.J. Foyt Racing said Nov. 26.
Foyt turns 80 in January.
“A.J.’s doing really well,” said Larry Foyt, the youngest son of the four-time Indianapolis 500 winner and team director of A.J. Foyt Racing. “I’d like to thank everyone who sent get well wishes. It means a lot to A.J. and our family. We’re not sure when he will be released because he needs to rest. He’s improving every day and we’re expecting a full recovery.”
Official 2015 INDYCAR calendar sales benefit three organizations
The official 2015 INDYCAR calendar, with proceeds that benefit Racing For Kids, INDYCAR Ministry and the Indy Family Foundation, is available for purchase.
Order the calendar HERE.
A new format features a 19 x 27-inch poster that includes 12 QR codes for fans to download a monthly wallpaper for their computer, tablet and smartphone. The 2015 Indianapolis Motor Speedway calendar is available for purchase HERE.
Also, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway 2015 calendar is available for purchase HERE.
Santa Claus arrives in Speedway
Santa Claus arrives at the Dallara facility in Speedway, Ind., in a two-seat Indy car at 5:50 p.m. Dec. 3 to greet fans until 8 p.m. Concerts by the Speedway Junior and Senior High School choirs and the Speedway Methodist church bell choir also will be presented.