THE CANADIAN PRESS
TORONTO — Canadian driver J.R. Fitzpatrick’s car will sport a somewhat different look Saturday at the Nationwide Series race at Watkins Glen, N.Y.
Go Canada Racing’s No. 67 Ford will feature logos for both the Michael (Pinball) Clemons Foundation as well as the Rally for Kids with Cancer Scavenger Cup in support of the SickKids Foundation.
Go Canada Racing is in its first year of operation and is owned by Toronto businessman Steve Meehan. The team’s car is primarily driven by Fitzpatrick, a 22-year-old native of Cambridge, Ont., who had a 10th-place finish June 25 in the Bucyrus 200 at Road America.
Former Champ Car competitor Andrew Ranger of Roxton Pond, Que., is the team’s alternate driver.
Usually such spaces on cars are reserved for corporate sponsors, who often pay thousands to get their logos on NASCAR vehicles. In this case, though, the spaces will be dedicated to charity.
"The NASCAR team is a great way to raise funds and awareness for good causes," Meehan said in a statement. "Given the huge popularity of NASCAR in Canada and the potential exposure a team can receive, it creates a great opportunity to help other organizations and inspire others to be philanthropic in their community."
In addition to providing the space, Meehan will also enter a team into the Rally for Kids with Cancer Scavenger Cup, which takes place in Toronto on Sept. 16. He will also match the funds raised for the team in the form of a corresponding donation to Clemons’ foundation to mark the launch of a partnership between himself and the former Toronto Argonauts star player, executive and head coach.
"I’ve known Michael (Pinball) Clemons for many years, and I can’t imagine a more caring, generous person to team up with," Meehan said. "He’s an icon of community leadership and character in Canada.
"I’m extremely excited to partner with him to help inspire others to become more philanthropic and to have his foundation along for the ride on the Go Canada Racing car."
Clemons echoed those sentiments.
"Exhilarating, empowering and invigorating…there is little else that can super charge your life like fast cars and philanthropy," he said. "Helping others is infectious and today we proudly profess our gratitude for the generosity of Steve Meehan and the Go Canada Racing Team.
"But don’t wait for the #67 car to come to your community, because heroes don’t just drive fast cars — they look just like you."