Great new items added to IMS auctions to benefit Haiti relief

All proceeds from the eBay auction of racing memorabilia, which began Jan. 15, are being donated to Red Cross relief efforts. Items are designated as part of the Haiti relief program. The auction site: ebay.com

Memorabilia contributed by race teams and drivers continues to pour in, including these items added to the auctions by Friday afternoon, Jan. 22:
•Team Penske IndyCar nosecone autographed by Ryan Briscoe
•Miller Lite Dodge sheet metal autographed by Kurt Busch
•Cap autographed by 2006 Indianapolis 500 winner Sam Hornish Jr.
•2009 Red Bull Indianapolis GP poster signed by famed motorsports artist Randy Owens
•Piece of asphalt from Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval mounted in acrylic case
•IMS Centennial Era Balloon Festival banner

Many other autographed items remain up for auction, including memorabilia signed by Indianapolis 500 winners Scott Dixon and Buddy Rice, Indianapolis 500 legend Michael Andretti and IZOD IndyCar Series stars Ed Carpenter and Milka Duno.

Another deluxe auction item is a VIP ticket/hotel package for the 2010 Indianapolis 500 race weekend May 28-May 30. Included are four tickets in an IMS luxury suite for Miller Lite Carb Day, Friday, May 28 and Race Day, Sunday, May 30, four pit and garage credentials (if age 18 or over) and a police escort to IMS on Race Day morning. Also included is three nights' accommodation for four persons at the Hilton Indianapolis Hotel and Suites, provided by Hilton.

More items are arriving from race teams and competitors from around the world and being added to the auction regularly. Check the auction site daily for updates.

Fans visiting Brickyard Authentics retail locations at the IMS Hall of Fame Museum and Indianapolis International Airport will receive a 20 percent savings on any purchase with a donation of $5 or more to the American Red Cross canisters located near the register. This program is valid at the retail stores only.

American fans also can contribute directly to American Red Cross International Response Fund at www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS. Donors also can text "Haiti" to 90999 on their cell phone to send a $10 donation to support Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or read the blog at http://blog.redcross.org.