RAISING FUNDS FOR AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY THROUGH RACING

Source: Ania Smith
Date: 05/19/2000

NORTHERN CA DRIVER

Arnold, California - Dennis Hannel, a resident of Arnold, California, is using his stock car racing team to raise money for the American Cancer Society for the 2000 racing season. A regular in the GT American Stock Car Racing Series, Dennis has dedicated his racing to raising awareness to health issues while accepting donations for the Racing Against Cancer program.

Dennis has been racing for most of his life. He began competing professionally on dirt bikes for Team Honda. He changed to stock cars after a serious accident. Since then he has enjoyed much success while driving his Oldsmobile stock car in SCCA sanctioned races.

One year ago, his racing career almost came to a screeching halt when thieves broke into the shop where he kept his race car. They did quite a bit of damage to the engine, while stealing other vital parts. Calavaras County Sheriffs Steve and Bonnie Matthews took great interest in helping Dennis recover what he could, volunteering even personal time to help capture the criminals and, to this day, still keep an eye out for the elusive thieves. Steve is also now a part of the pit crew, traveling with Dennis to races in California and Arizona.

As a part of the Racing Against Cancer family, which includes teams all over the United States, Dennis promotes the need to raise funds for cancer research. Dennis and his wife, Certified Massage Therapist Lori Hannel, lost their fathers to cancer and are very dedicated to the cause.

Now race fans can become a part of the program, while remembering or honoring someone they know who has battled or continues to battle cancer. For a fee of $50.00, a decal with the name of their choice will be put on the car, a donation will be made to Racing Against Cancer, and the donator will receive a raffle ticket to win a fully prepared race truck, which will be given away in November. Raffle tickets can also be purchased separately for $10 through Hannel Racing.

People interested in participating should contact A.J. Smith, Marketing Director for Hannel Racing, at 209) 522-8775.

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