Announcing The Arthritis Foundation Mini Grand Prix®

White Plains, NY: City of White Plains Mayor, Joseph M. Delfino, Arthritis Foundation Hudson Valley Branch Board Chairman, James B. McEvoy, and Fleet Professional Services Group Senior Vice President, Thomas F. Bums, announced that the Arthritis Foundation Mini Grand Prix ® presented by Fleet, is ready to "tear up" the streets of White Plains on September 17th. An expected 50 mini Indy-style racecars will "push pedal to the medal" on a _ mile course designed by the Sports Car Club of America. .An estimated 25,000 spectators will cheer on their favorite team as they race through the bends and hairpin turns that place a premium on maneuverability and acceleration.

Mayor Joseph M. Delfino said, "We are very glad to host this event right in the heat of downtown White Plains. In addition to being a great time for everyone, it gives us the perfect opportunity to help raise awareness of the seriousness of arthritis, and support the Arthritis Foundation's efforts to help the people affected by arthritis in our community and beyond. It's an exciting event for a good cause that no one should miss!"

The term "Grand Prix" refers to a style of automobile racing that is typically held in the streets of major cities throughout the world, the most famous being the Monte Carlo Grand Prix. The Arthritis Foundation event is a "mini" version of this type of racing.

The Kindy Kar Race is an even smaller version of Grand Prix Racing. Children up to 90 pounds "race" at walking speeds as their families cheer them on to the finish line. These individually sponsored cars give the "Kindy 500" the thrill of racing without the fast pace, and allows children an opportunity to help the over 300,000 young people affected by arthritis.

The competing car sponsor teams come from all over the metropolitan area. Corporations, civic groups and local area businesses purchase their car, outfit their 5 member crew, participate in the "official" driving school run by the SCCA, and then take to the streets on race day. They feel good in knowing that while they vie for the checkered flag, they are competing in a much bigger race: the race against arthritis.

Fleet, the Presenting Sponsor of the Mini Grand Prix , will have tyro racing teams and one Kindy Kar in the competition. Fleet believes in being actively involved in the community, and through their involvement with the Arthritis Foundation, strives to improve the quality of life for the 2.5 million children and adults with arthritis in the New York Metropolitan area.

Outback Steakhouse is the Official Food Sponsor for the third year in a row. Co-owners Karen and Rob Parke, generously provide lunch for the press conference and the Pre-Race Party, and donate all proceeds from race day food sales to the -Athritis Foundation.

The Family Fair will provide additional entertainment on race day and will include magicians, dancers, singers, musicians and carnival rides. Booths set up by artisans and local businesses will offer puppet shows, a storybook hour, arts and crafts, and product give-aways.

Sponsorship opportunities are available from Booths ($125 - $500) and Banners ($300 - $800) to Car Sponsors (new entry: $4,500 & re-entry: $3,000 and Kindy Kar $1,000 & re-entry: $500) to Major Sponsorships from $5,000 to $15,000. As Arthritis Foundation Hudson Valley Branch Board Chairman James B. McEvoy stated, "Sponsorships of this event offer companies an excellent opportunity to gain visibility, promote their products or services and support the Arthritis Foundation's fight against the leading cause of workplace absenteeism in America."

The Arthritis Foundation is currently interviewing people who wish to serve as volunteers for the Mini Grand Prix. For further information on how you can become involved with the Committee or on race day, call the Hudson Valley Branch at (914) 683-0842.