IMSA teams racing with a higher purpose at Indy

Almost every car in today’s TireRack.com Battle on the Bricks at Indianapolis Motor Speedway will have one courageous child as part of the team in spirit.

This month, IMSA is teaming with charity partners Camp Boggy Creek and the Austin Hatcher Foundation to launch the IMSA Resilient Racers program, which was created to raise funds and maintain awareness for children and families battling pediatric cancer and other serious illnesses.

52 of the 53 cars participating are paired with a child from one of the two charity partners, including the JDC-Miller MotorSports team, which is leveraging its existing partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. That child’s first name and last initial will be placed alongside the names of the drivers of each car, above both doors on the cars themselves, and in the official spotters’ guide.

Updated IMSA Battle on the Bricks qualifying report

The teams themselves have embraced the initiative by hosting their Resilient Racer at the track, incorporating them into their hero cards, and sharing video messages during the event.

“The Resilient Racers program is a powerful example of how we merge the world of motorsports with our mission to empower families facing childhood cancer,” said Amy Jo Osborn, CEO and co-founder of the Austin Hatcher Foundation whose son, Austin “Hatch” Osborn, will be among those honored – on the No. 1 Paul Miller Racing BMW M4 GT3 EVO, competing in the GTD PRO class.

“At the Austin Hatcher Foundation, we use racing as a platform to teach resilience, teamwork, and perseverance – qualities that our children and families live out every day. Our partnership with IMSA, which has spanned over a decade, allows us to bring this to life on an incredible stage, connecting the racing community with a cause that truly changes lives. Together, we’re not only building champions on the track but also building strength and hope for families across the country.”

“Our long-time partnership with IMSA has always been rooted in their dedication to giving back,” said Jacqueline Boykin, chief development officer at Camp Boggy Creek.

“This latest effort of Resilient Racers is just another example of how IMSA, and this community of racing, continues to stand alongside Camp Boggy Creek in bringing joy and empowerment to children living with serious illnesses.”

In addition to those raising funds for children who are still here, GTD class championship leaders Winward Racing is helping the families of children who were killed in the devastating Hill County, Texas floods of July.

Winward Racing will be raising funds for the Heaven’s 27 charity, created by the parents and siblings of 27 young girls who lost their lives at Camp Mystic this summer. Their names will be on the No. 57 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO, which features a unique black and pink livery.

Heaven’s 27 will receive any collectively raised funds and also serve as an easy landing place for those wanting to donate to every family without having to search and contribute to each individual fund.

Proceeds will be distributed periodically and equally to each girl’s fund. The individual families will then use their portion for things such as providing scholarships, funding youth programs, supporting vulnerable groups and other outlets to spread joy and hope in their memory.

More information on the IMSA Resilient Racers program and the Heaven’s 27 charity can be found here: