Chevy and Stewart, the two dogs of late short-track racing champion Bryan Clauson, will lead a canine contingent in a 2-mile walk Sunday in his hometown of Noblesville, Indiana, to benefit the Indiana Donor Network.
The Third Annual “Strut 2 Save Lives” Dog Trot at Forest Park is in honor of Clauson, who donated organs before dying Aug. 7, 2016, from injuries suffered in a racing accident in Kansas. Clauson, 27 and a three-time Indianapolis 500 starter, saved five lives with his donations and enhanced 75 others with tissue.
Since Bryan’s death, the Clauson family has helped register more than 5,000 people on the national organ donor registry in a commitment to spread donation awareness and the impact it can have, not only for organ recipients but also donor families.
Clauson called Noblesville home and Forest Park is an ideal setting for the walk. A historical marker with the driver’s picture and legacy was unveiled April 8 at Shelter 5 in a joint venture of the Indiana Racing Memorial Association and the City of Noblesville.
Chevy, a 4-year-old Jack Russell Terrier, and Stewart, a 3-year-old Beagle Terrier, will be honorary chair-dogs and available for photos and “PAWtographs.”
Clauson ranked in the top five all time with 112 U.S. Auto Club victories. He won two national midget championships, two sprint car championships and three drivers championships. The short-track legend won such prestigious races as the Chili Bowl, Turkey Night Grand Prix twice and the Belleville Nationals three times. He also started three Indianapolis 500s, including last May’s 100th running presented by PennGrade Motor Oil.
Registration for the walk is at 10 a.m. ET Sunday, with the event beginning at 11 a.m. Participants can register and/or make a tax-deductible donation online at www.IndianaDonorNetwork.org/Events. Various rates apply to the level of participation, ranging from $20 for a “lazy dog” unable to attend or a single walker to $25 for “man’s best friend” (one walker and dog) and $50 for a pack of dogs family registration with multiple walkers and dogs.
Each registration includes a branded bandana for walkers and their dogs. The event will include goodie bags and a raffle with many dog-related prizes, including grooming and/or boarding certificates, dog food, treats and toys.
To read Clauson’s compelling story online, visit www.driven2savelives.org.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway hosting Mutt Strut
Meanwhile, Indianapolis Motor Speedway will go to the dogs as well on Saturday when it hosts the annual Mutt Strut to benefit the Indianapolis Humane Society.
Owners can take their pets on a walk around the 2.5-mile oval and raise funds for the humane society. On-site registration begins at 9:30 a.m. ET Saturday, with opening ceremonies kicking off the walk at 11 a.m. To pre-register online, visit http://indymuttstrut.org/.