J.D. Byrider

Two-time NASCAR champion Tony Stewart launched the “Start! Your Engines…It’s All About Heart” program on Thursday, July 23rd at O’Reilly Raceway Park prior to the J.D. Byrider 100. Tony Stewart Foundation Executive Director, Joni Thompson, and Tony Stewart himself announced the new program that joins the American Heart Association, Tony Stewart Foundation and J.D. Byrider in an effort to encourage participation in the Start! Heart Walk. The Start! Heart Walk is the signature fundraising event for the American Heart Association, promoting physical activity and heart-healthy living in a fun, family environment. The event is scheduled to take place on Sept. 18 at White River State Park and is expected to attract 8,000 participants and raise $900,000 for the American Heart Association.

Josiah Scheller, 9, (pictured above) is a third grader from Evansville, Indiana, who has a rare congenital heart defect and is under evaluation for a tricuspid valve replacement. Scheller is currently waiting for a service dog from Indiana Canine Assistant Network (ICAN). Bailey Hunsberger, 18, (also pictured above) is a recent high school graduate, who has had five open-heart surgeries. Both Scheller and Hunsberger are scheduled to captain walking teams for the Heart Walk.

Race fans can support Hunsberger and Scheller by walking or by making donations. Information is available at www.indyheartwalk.org or www.tonystewartfoundation.org.