MotoGP News
Riders for Health supporters in the USA had the chance for an exclusive MotoGP experience on Thursday, July 22, before the Red Bull MotoGP at Laguna Seca, as they raised money for our work in Africa.
Fifty-three participants took part in the exclusive event as they had an inside look at the world’s premier motorcycle racing championship with a pit lane tour hosted by American grand prix legend, and Riders for Health co-founder, Randy Mamola.
As well as this behind-the-scenes look into MotoGP, the participants took part in a 100 mile motorcycle ride through the spectacular ‘Steinbeck’ country around the Laguna Seca circuit. On their return, they completed three laps of the famous track, including the legendry Corkscrew turn.
The day ended with an amazing MotoGP auction, which raised a fantastic $30,590. Bidders were able to bid on a Tissot watch signed by Nicky Hayden, which raised $4,000. Casey Stoner, Ben Spies and Randy de Puniet each donated a pair of boots which raised a further $1,700.
The Suzuki MotoGP team raised an incredible sum of $16,500 when they auctioned a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend the US MotoGP weekend as a team member.
The package included paddock passes for the whole weekend, plus the chance to watch some of Saturday’s sessions from pit-wall and the team’s pit-box. And what’s more, the winning bidder is set to join the team on the grid for the start of the race on Sunday.
Andrea Coleman (Riders for Health CEO and co-founder) says: “The money we have raised at Day of Stars will have a huge impact on Riders for Health’s work in Africa. It will allow us to mobilize more health workers and reach even more men, women and children with lifesaving health care.”
“We would like to thank all the teams and riders who took part, as well as everyone at MotoGP and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca for making this event possible. But most of all we would like to thank everyone who came along and helped us to raise so much money.”