NTT IndyCar Series driver James Hinchcliffe will kick off his new Stop & Go Foundation with its first fundraiser Saturday in Indianapolis with the goal of raising $10,000 in donations to assist in the purchase of a mobile blood unit that could be used to host blood drives at series races and non-race events.

The IDLE to HAMMERDOWN fundraiser takes place from 6-10 p.m. ET Saturday at Flat 12 Bierwerks, 414 Dorman St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46202. Hinchcliffe will host the event that will also feature a performance from musical guest and Indiana native Clayton Anderson, as well as live and silent auctions, a 50-50 raffle and reverse raffle.

Admission to the event is $100 per person, which includes four drink tickets. City BBQ is providing food. To purchase tickets or get more information on the event, visit: https://www.forecheckmktg.com/idle-to-hammerdown/idle-to-hammerdown-pre-race-party-individual-ticket.

Hinchcliffe has actively encouraged the public to become regular blood donors through the American Red Cross since he was involved in a serious crash during practice for the 2015 Indianapolis 500. He required 22 pints of blood to survive that day and has helped promote the constant and urgent need for blood donations since his accident.

The Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports driver has hosted a number of blood drives at NTT IndyCar Series events over the past two seasons, with a long-term goal of conducting one at every race weekend. Having a mobile blood unit available would help make that dream a reality.

Cooper Tires named presenting sponsor of Freedom 100

The Freedom 100, the crown jewel race of the Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires season, will see an increased prize package following announcement that Cooper Tires has stepped up as presenting sponsor of the May 24 event on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval.

The top three finishers in the Freedom 100 presented by Cooper Tires will share $85,000, with the race winner taking in $50,000. The race will be telecast live on NBCSN as part of Miller Lite Carb Day at IMS that includes the final practice prior to the 103rd Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge and the Pit Stop Challenge for NTT IndyCar Series crews.

Cooper is the official tire supplier to all three levels of the Road to Indy development ladder sanctioned by INDYCAR. The Freedom 100, celebrating its 17th running this year, is the seventh of 18 races on the 2019 Indy Lights schedule.

“It is both exciting and appropriate that we welcome Cooper Tires as presenting sponsor of our marquee event,” said Dan Andersen, owner and CEO of Andersen Promotions that operates the Road to Indy. “Cooper Tires has been a tremendous partner of the entire Road to Indy from not only a competition standpoint, but also to marketing, activation and driver development and advancement.”