RLR Andersen's J R Hildebrand Wins Smiles at Kids' Mini 500

Hildebrand Offers Support to Special Pre-School Racers

Linda K Mansfield
lindakmansfield@cs.com

RLR Andersen’s J R Hildebrand. Photo: LindaKMansfield

A few hours before he was the star of Thursday (May 1st) afternoon's ESPN 2 delayed coverage of Sunday's Firestone Indy Lights race at Kansas Speedway, J.R. Hildebrand was applauding special students at Pleasant Grove Elementary School's second annual Developmental Preschool Mini 500, billed as "the greatest spectacle in preschool racing."

Thursday's event provided a day of fun and sensory therapy for the developmental preschool children who attend the Greenwood, Ind. school. Using an oval course laid out with chalk and bright orange pylons in the school's parking lot, the children raced cars they had made out of cardboard boxes. Many carried "I Am Indy" decals supplied by the IndyCar and Firestone Indy Lights Series, which arranged for Hildebrand's appearance.

The 20-year-old driver of the Allied Building Products No. 25 for RLR/Andersen Racing of Palmetto, Fla., handed out medals to each of the young racers after their five heats. The Chick-fil-A cow assisted in the awards ceremony.

Special Events for Special People

The event got off to a rousing start with the "Star-Spangled Banner" and "Back Home Again in Indiana" sung by fourth-grade students. Fifth-graders assisted the tiny racers. A parade of all the entries preceded the races.

"We wanted to increase the exposure for the exceptional programs that schools like our own school corporation, in partnership with Special Services of Johnson County, can provide families with special-needs children and their typically developing peers," said Cindy Price, who invited Hildebrand to participate.

The event also served as the kick-off to a special fundraiser for the special-needs students in the area. Organized in conjunction with the Center Grove Education Foundation, it is called "A Little Wiggle Room."

Since all the children who participated in the event are winners, they got milk after the race just like the Indy 500 winner does. Cookies accompanied their milk, however.

Hildebrand, who made a lot of new fans at the event, said it was a nice way to give something back to the community. He took everything in stride, but was taken aback at first when one preschooler asked him what his favorite letter was.

"I guess it's 'J,'" he said.

Apparently that same child often asks people what their favorite shape is.

In Hildebrand's case, that would have been easy: an oval like the one he'll race on Friday, May 23rd when he competes in the Freedom 100 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Comments

[Cindy Price]

The fact that J.R. Hildebrand took the time to help a community when he is still developing his own career shows professionalism and integrity. He is getting to live his dream and at the same time he is helping others with their dreams though his community service. That trait will endear him to fans throughout his racing career. Driving ability helps too. At this rate, it looks like J.R. is off to an impressive start. He certainly has made new hoosier fans including me and everyone I get the chance to enlist. Good Luck J.R.! We're cheering for YOU.

[Renee Castle]

I would just like to thank you so much for coming to this event. I think that you are an upstanding young man with a bright future. The smiles that you put on these childrens face will last forever. They work so hard to get ready for this day and you placing the medal around their neck makes it that much better. I am sure that you are working hard and prepairing for the next race so thank you sooo much. Congrats on last weekends win and best of luck to you in the future. We will be watching and cheering YOU on!

[Marty Guildner]

My thanks too for taking the time to be with these special children. They look forward to this event each year and it was made more special by your presents. Good luck with your career and my family will be cheering for your future victories. There is a special blessing that goes with being around these children and I feel you experienced this. Many thanks again.

[Mary Lou Howell]

Thank you for your interest in our special needs children. Hope to see you again as these children and others will continue to have special needs.