Riley patient A.J. Stinger serves as Honorary Crew Chief for Don Schumacher Racing

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Don Schumacher Racing enjoys a winning tradition on the race track and in support of Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health. This week as the Brownsburg-based race team prepares and competes in the U.S. Nationals, they will be inspired by first-ever Honorary Crew Chief A.J. Stinger, a huge race fan and cancer survivor.

During a Riley Children’s Foundation news conference on June 25, A.J., 14, publicly shared his cancer battle and helped Don Schumacher Racing unveil the Riley Dream Racer Dodge Charger R/T Funny Car to be driven by Tommy Johnson, Jr. (T.J.), during the U.S. Nationals on Labor Day weekend. Afterwards, Don Schumacher Racing surprised the Marion, Ind., teenager with the title of Honorary Crew Chief. This week, A.J.’s role includes:

* Receive custom fit Riley Dream Racer firesuit to match the one worn by T.J. during the U.S. Nationals;
* Participate in meet-and-greet with T.J. and the Riley Red Wagon Funny Car during the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals Fan Fest at Monument Circle;
* Serve as honorary recipient of Riley Dream Racer Car (Don Schumacher Racing and Riley Red Wagon Funny Car sponsor Terry Chandler is making the donation to Riley Hospital patients);
* Greet Don Schumacher Racing drivers as they arrive to visit patients at Riley Hospital;
* Introduce drivers at annual Don Schumacher Racing Open House;
* Receive Don Schumacher Racing VIP treatment at U.S. Nationals;
* Receive honors during driver introductions at U.S. Nationals.

Since 2006, Don Schumacher Racing has donated over $240,000 for Riley Hospital through their annual open house and bowling event. This year, Don Schumacher Racing hopes to raise an additional $30,000.

T.J., who resides in Avon, Ind., was victorious in the Funny Car race at Bristol, Tenn., on Father’s Day. During the U.S. Nationals, Don Schumacher Racing hopes for addition success with A.J. as their Honorary Crew Chief as the Riley Dream Racer Dodge Funny Car aims for glory on Aug. 31 during the $100,000 Traxxas Funny Car Shootout and then on Labor Day during final eliminations for NHRA’s most prestigious Wally trophy of the season.