Mario Andretti revs up charity fashion event

Mario Andretti (Center) has always been one of racing's best dressed representatives

One of motorsports' most dapper dressers has signed on this year as an honorary chair for Championship Auto Racing Auxiliary's charity fashion show.

Indianapolis 500, Daytona 500 and Formula One World Championship winner Mario Andretti — known for his stylish dress and perfectly coiffed hair — will be the annual event's honorary driver chairman this year.

The fashion show, which will take place May 26 at the Westin Indianapolis, is a yearly tradition that draws about 700. It also brings in about $50,000 annually for CARA Charities, which promotes motorsports by donating funds to benefit children.

Max Mosley and Mario Andretti

"I know that they are doing such great work," said Andretti, who added that many of the people involved in the organization are his friends. "The fashion show has become the focal point for fundraising, so when they asked me, I was more than happy to oblige."

Money from the event will support CARA's Buckle Up Baby program, which began in 1994 and donates money for child car seats in the cities on the Izod IndyCar Series schedule, among other programs.

This year, the Indianapolis-based organization celebrates its 30th year, and its fashion show will be aptly called "Legends and Legacies."

The theme piggybacks on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's ongoing Centennial Era, and is also aimed at attracting racing's iconic families to the show, said organizers.

Getting the stylish patriarch of the Andretti racing family is a good start, even if he won't model in the show.

"He won't model. He said so," said Cathie Lyon, executive director of CARA Charities. "We still want him to. But even if he won't, we are just thrilled."

If you want to attend the show, call CARA Charities at (317) 299-2277.