INDIANAPOLIS -- You can bet four-time NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon will be back in Indianapolis this August, firing all cylinders and lapping the track during the Brickyard 400. And, when he's not on the fast track, you might find him making a pit stop in the local bowling lanes.
The third annual Tropicana Jeff Gordon Bowling Tournament Presented by Village Pantry takes place Thurs., Aug. 5 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at AMF Raceway Lanes at 4503 W. 16th St. in Indianapolis. Proceeds from the event will go to The Jeff Gordon Foundation benefiting Riley Hospital for Children.
Gordon named Indiana's only comprehensive children's hospital one of the designated charities of The Jeff Gordon Foundation in 2001.
"Riley Hospital for Children is privileged to be among the causes Mr. Gordon so generously supports," said Dr. Richard Schreiner, physician-in-chief at Riley Hospital. "Funding from The Jeff Gordon Foundation supports life-saving patient care services and pediatric medical research which benefit thousands of Hoosier children."
A limited number of team sponsorships, ranging from $2,500 to $5,500, are still available. Team sponsors will receive participation opportunities, complimentary photos with Gordon, gift packs and recognition in publicity materials. Opportunities to sponsor prizes and refreshments also are available.
Bowling tournament participants can register, mingle, enjoy hors d'oeuvres and peruse items for a silent auction from 5 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. A brief welcome, celebrity introductions and event guidelines will kick-off the tournament at 6 p.m. An awards ceremony and trick bowling shots performed by renowned professional bowlers will wrap up the evening.
Banner sponsors include DuPont, Chevrolet, Dale Jarrett Foundation, Barnes & Thornburg and The Source International. Indiana media outlets sponsoring the event include WFMS 95.5 and Comcast.
One of the things I most like about the NASCAR community is that they do tremendous work for charity. Now speaking for myself, I'd much rather imagine Jeff doing his other hobby, diving. I don't like bowling much.