Team Australia helps children’s charity

(L-R) Youngcare Director Simon Lockyer, vehicle donator and recipient of the Team Australia package Brett Curtis, Team Australia driver Will Power and Pet Rock kids Hannah and Luke Sinclair

Team Australia driver Will Power has helped officially conclude Hannah and Luke Sinclair’s pet rock charity project with a successful ending in Brisbane today.

Team Australia’s offer of the ultimate Lexmark Indy 300 experience has brought Queensland charity Youngcare a brand new transport vehicle.

Brett Curtis was present to officially hand the keys of the new people mover, valued at $41,000, to Youngcare Director Simon Lockyer at the Brisbane charity’s head office in West End.

Power in turn presented Curtis, who hails from South Brisbane, a framed and signed one-off print of his second Champ Car victory in the #5 Aussie Vineyards Team Australia DP01 in Toronto, Canada, as well as two pit passes to this year’s Lexmark Indy 300.

The Australian Champ Car star also showed Curtis the gloves that the Toowoomba-born driver will wear in this year’s race, which will also be given to Curtis post-race as part of the money-can’t-buy experience, that also includes team uniforms, exclusive Team Australia pit tours and the chance to watch the big race from the Team Australia pit area.

Curtis is a long-time Champ Car fan and has frequently attended the former race in Vancouver, Canada and also the Long Beach race in California, but amazingly this will be his first time attending the Australian leg of the Champ Car World Series, considered the marquee event in the championship.

“Hannah and Luke have done a tremendous job with their pet rock project, and I am just glad that Team Australia was able to help them get the car for Youngcare," said Power.

“The Lexmark Indy 300 this year is shaping to be a massive event for Team Australia and I am sure Brett will enjoy being a part of it.

“It is an amazing thing Brett has done to donate this car to Youngcare, and complete the pet rock trade process.

“Team Australia is going to give him a weekend he won’t forget, but he thoroughly deserves it because this car is going to improve the lives of young disabled Queenslanders and their families for many years to come."

Lockyer said that Team Australia’s trade and the subsequent offer from Curtis to get the new car will be an invaluable asset to Youngcare and the first of its Brisbane Care Apartments.

“The past month has been a great one for Youngcare with Team Australia coming on board with its Lexmark Indy 300 experience and now Brett coming to the party to make all of our dreams come true," said Lockyer.

“His generosity is amazing, and I am sure Team Australia is going to really look after him this weekend on the Gold Coast."

Curtis is a passionate motorsport fan, and jumped at the chance to be able to assist the Youngcare charity.

“Youngcare is doing fantastic things for young Queenslanders and their families who need a helping hand, and I am happy to make this contribution," said Curtis.

“I am really excited about experiencing this year’s Lexmark Indy 300 with Team Australia.

“I will be cheering on Will Power and the Green and Gold Aussie Vineyards cars from the very first lap."

Today’s official handover marked the end of the pet rock trading project started by Hannah and Luke.

“We started this process and expected it to be a year long thing, so to have it all finished within a matter of months is just sensational," said Hannah.

“We really have to thank Team Australia, especially Will Power and Team co-owner Craig Gore, and Mr. Curtis for their generosity and support.

“We are really glad that a fantastic charity like Youngcare is going to benefit well into the future from this project." Team Australia PR