IndyCar hopeful Martin Plowman has succeeded in his mission to raise money for armed forces charities Wounded Warriors and Help for Heroes, exceeding his fundraising target with a current total of $11,190.27.
We reported last month how Plowman, a racewinner last year in Indy Lights for AFS/Andretti, took part in a morale-boosting tour of US bases in Europe, the Middle East and Iraq alongside IndyCar famous faces such as Mario Andretti and Sarah Fisher.
[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6DBVtE0Dko]
While on board the USS Abraham Lincoln he had his head shaved by a military barber (and lurking journalist Jake Arute) as part of his bid to raise at least $10,000 for his two chosen charities.
He said: “A huge thank you goes out to each of you who helped raise the money, and to those who couldn’t assist financially but gave your love, support, and prayers as the Indy 500 Centennial Tour embarked for Europe and the Middle East last month.
“A blog will follow with my thoughts about the trip. For now, know that you have made a difference in the lives of injured troops. Thank you.”
There was futher good news for Plowman as he tested an IndyCar for the first time, lining up with multiple Champ Car title-holder and ex-F1 driver Sebastien Bourdais at Sebring International Raceway for Dale Coyne Racing.
Veteran team owner Coyne said: “We have tested a lot of new drivers over the years, and you generally know what you have on the first day. Martin is one of the best that we have seen and we look forward to a positive growth curve with this aspiring young talent.”
Plowman said: “I was very happy with how my test went today. For me this day was 15 years in the making so it was exciting to finally get out there and drive an Indycar. I felt right at home with the team and my engineers. The car was very quick straight out of the box and we were right on pace after our first session. I’m really excited about the challenge ahead of me.”