Commemorative IndyCar being auctioned for charity

NEW YORK (March 23, 2016) — To mark the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 in May, a commemorative IndyCar will be auctioned, with all the proceeds donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

The Stinger is an IndyCar built to look like the 1911 Marmon Wasp, the car that won the first Indy 500. Race driver John Andretti is lapping the country with the Stinger to obtain autographs from every living Indy 500 veteran, according to the effort's promoters. The car — adorned with 249 Indy drivers' autographs — will be auctioned May 25 in Indianapolis, ahead of the 100th running of the race.

“I have raced in the Indy 500 12 times, but I feel the most important work of my life is to get signatures of every Indy 500 veteran to make The Stinger a piece of history that could help so many families,” Mr. Andretti said. “This car is a trophy for the elite group of drivers but it will also be a symbol of hope for children battling for their lives.”

Among the autographs will be those of four-time Indy winners A.J. Foyt, Rick Mears and Al Unser Sr., along with drivers Jackie Stewart, Emerson Fittipaldi, Cale Yarborough, Danica Patrick and Tony Stewart.

Mr. Andretti was determined to make the Stinger the greatest rolling autograph collection in motorsports. However, he said he ran into roadblocks trying to obtain the signatures of all 273 living veterans of the Indianapolis 500 through 2011. Four drivers died before they could sign it. Four more died after they signed it. Twenty-one have yet to be found. Many are overseas, and Mr. Andretti said he wants the car to stay in one piece, so shipping a piece of it to Europe or Australia won't happen.

Window World Inc., a replacement window and exterior remodeling company, paid for the building of the Stinger. Mr. Andretti said he anticipates the car will sell for $1 million or more.