Auction to help Vincent Haskovec

This is a worthy cause:

Riders Back Auction Scheduled To Benefit Vincent Haskovec
Jun 10, 2005

From a Press Release

RIDERS BAND TOGETHER FOR A SPECIAL CAUSE

Team M4 EMGO Suzuki’s Formula Xtreme rider Vincent Haskovec, currently recovering from the severe injuries he suffered in his devastating crash at Infineon Raceway, is the focus of AMA road racing’s largest charity online auction. Top riders in the AMA, MotoGP, and World Superbike paddock are donating their leathers and helmets - to be auctioned through Race Promotion Management (RPM) and The Wegman Benefit Fund - to help offset the huge medical costs already besetting this beloved rider.

The Vincent Haskovec Benefit Auction will begin at midnight June 13 and run through midnight August 28. You can view pictures of all items to be auctioned and make your bids at www.rpmcolorado.com. At the auction’s conclusion (and after proceeds are collected), there will be a check presentation in the winners’ circle at Road Atlanta. This will occur on September 4 – immediately following the final Superbike race during Road Atlanta’s AMA season finale.

With many fantastic items up for bid, there is sure to be a substantial amount of money raised for Vincent and his long-term medical care. Donations have already been received from Eric Bostrom, who was the first to offer his racing leathers. Eric also donated his $8000 purse from Pikes Peak, and went out of his way to encourage others to follow suit. Items up for bid have been received from Ben Attard, Ben Bostrom, Damon Buckmaster, Chris Carr, Mike Ciccotto, Troy Corser, Jason DiSalvo, Miguel Duhamel, Colin Edwards, Aaron Gobert, Jamie Hacking, John Haner, Tommy, Nicky and Roger Lee Hayden, Josh Hayes, Neil Hodgson, John Hopkins, Mat Mladin, Johnny Murphree, Jason Pridmore, Steve Rapp, Chad Reed, Kurtis Roberts, Scott Russell, Kevin Schwantz, Ben Spies, Sebastian Tortelli, Aaron Yates and Jake Zemke. These items include helmets, leathers, boots, gloves, autographed prints and photos, gear bags, team shirts, etc. There will also be two 2006 Kevin Schwantz Suzuki Schools and a Danny Walker Super Camp up for auction.

The Wegman Benefit Fund will collect, manage and distribute these funds to allow Vincent time to concentrate on getting well without worrying about the financial consequences of his accident. The non-profit, 501(c)(3), tax-deductible organization was established in 1987 for the purpose of assisting motorcycle road racers seriously injured in racing accidents. To date, The Wegman Fund has paid out over $170,000 for racers of all levels of competition and racing organizations across the country.

It has taken a tremendous amount of effort to put this together. Many thanks goes to all of those who worked so hard to organize the auction and collect gear, namely Morgan Broadhead – American Suzuki, Leah Sherritt - AMA, Cameron Gray - RPM, Sheri Russell – Cycle News, Jodi May, Marnie Lincoln – Road Atlanta, Bart Moore, and Gordon & Laura Lunde – The Wegman Benefit Fund. Also, we’d like to thank all the riders for their incredible generosity. Their heartfelt gifts are most appreciated.

Please direct all questions regarding the auction, or items you would like to donate, please contact Leah Sherritt at [email protected], or Cameron Gray at [email protected] – RPM, 7951 East Mapelwood Avenue, Suite 328, Englewood, CO 80111. (303) 377-3226.

 

Once again the AMA, despite knowledge of the dangerous conditions at Sears Point, failed to put up the air fence. Vincent hit a wall protected by hardened, old tires, when they had air fence sitting there unused.

An awful shame. I rode an endurance race with him about 4 years ago, and was instrumental in getting John to hire him. A great guy, and he needs all the help he can get.

Art