IndyCar Driver Ed Carpenter Visits Pediatric Patients

Verizon IndyCar driver Ed Carpenter paid a visit to the LLUCH Hematology/Oncology Outpatient Clinic on Thursday, Aug. 28. The seasoned driver visited with kids signing photos and Racing for Kids hats for them as they received treatment in the infusion center. Carpenter, who has been racing since age 8, is part of Racing For Kids, which sponsored his visit to the hospital. Racing for Kids also brought along the No. 14 ABC Supply Show Car which gave the children an opportunity to see, sit in and have their photos taken with a real Indy car and driver. “We visit thousands of kids at children’s hospitals across the nation,” said Ron Hingst, public relations director for Racing for Kids. “Carpenter is definitely one of our lead guys.” A father himself, Carpenter was compassionate toward each individual patient and their parents as he visited with them, “I have three kids, so I get it,” he said. Every patient was enamored at the presence of a real race car and driver, especially LLUCH patient, Jacob Reyes, 4, of Palm Desert. “He loves race cars,” said his mom, Courtney. “He is even going to be a race car driver for Halloween—he already has his costume.” Carpenter is the team owner and driver for Ed Carpenter Racing, and recently drove the #20 car in the MAVTV 500 at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana.