Drivers from the NHRA and GM Racing made their annual stop at the world-renowned James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children on Thursday. The GM Racing program has made the yearly visit to Riley Hospital a part of its Mac Tools U.S. Nationals weekend since 1999. It is the second time this season that a GM Racing contingent of drivers has spread good cheer at a children's hospital in conjunction with a locally held national event. Earlier this year, a group of drivers made a visit to the Pediatric Specialty Clinic at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Fla., and later this fall a similar children's hospital visit is planned for Las Vegas.

Signing autographs, and visiting with the kids and their families on Thursday were Kurt Johnson, Melanie Troxel, Marty Ladwig, Greg Anderson, Jason Line, Cory McClenathan and Hillary Will.


Drivers from the NHRA and GM Racing made their annual stop at the world-renowned James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children on Thursday. The GM Racing program has made the yearly visit to Riley Hospital a part of its Mac Tools U.S. Nationals weekend since 1999. It is the second time this season that a GM Racing contingent of drivers has spread good cheer at a children's hospital in conjunction with a locally held national event. Earlier this year, a group of drivers made a visit to the Pediatric Specialty Clinic at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Fla., and later this fall a similar children's hospital visit is planned for Las Vegas.

Signing autographs, and visiting with the kids and their families on Thursday were Kurt Johnson, Melanie Troxel, Marty Ladwig, Greg Anderson, Jason Line, Cory McClenathan and Hillary Will.

The children who participated in the visit received a goody bag from GM Racing that contained hats, stuffed animals, NHRA and NASCAR posters supplied by Goodyear, coloring books and stickers from Summit Racing, boxes of crayons, and motorsports stickers provided by Lucas Oil, and each child received signed Polaroid photos taken with the drivers. Kurt Johnson's ACDelco Chevy Cobalt was on display in front of the hospital's outpatient entrance giving visitors an opportunity to get up close to an NHRA Pro Stock Car.

"The drivers did a great job just like they do every year," said Fred Simmonds, GM drag racing marketing manager. "We saw a lot of kids, passed out a lot of goody bags and everyone had a great time. Over the years we've made some good friends at Riley, and this visit has become a special part of our U.S. Nationals race weekend."

Riley Hospital for Children is Indiana's only comprehensive children's hospital, with pediatric specialists in every field of medicine and surgery. Riley is committed to providing the highest quality care to children in a compassionate, family-centered environment. Riley is a national leader in cutting edge research and medical education, ensuring health care excellence for children for generations to come. Riley provides medical care to all Indiana children, regardless of their family's ability to pay.

WATCH VIDEO - Drivers from the NHRA and GM Racing Visit Riley Hospital in Indianapolis; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-9QBqE2DTQ