30th October, 2010
“Wings for Life” Charity Race - DTM donates 200,000 Euros
DTM
Adria. In a charity race in favour of the “Wings for Life” foundation during the DTM event at the Adria International Raceway, the winners were already known before the race got underway. DTM rights holder and promoter ITR e.V. made a donation of 200,000 Euros. “For us, supporting this charity and increasing awareness for the efforts of this foundation, together with Volkswagen, was a heartfelt intention” said ITR chairman Hans Werner Aufrecht. Together with Volkswagen Motorsport director Kris Nissen, Aufrecht presented a cheque to “Wings for Life” co-founder Heinz Kinigadner, whose son had become a paraplegic in a sporting accident. The goal of the “Wings for Life” foundation is to support and promote scientific research for curing paraplegia as a result of spinal cord injuries. Among other athletes and celebrities, DTM drivers Martin Tomczyk (Audi) and David Coulthard (Mercedes-Benz) are ambassadors of “Wings for Life”.
Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg (Volkswagen board member) won the very entertaining charity race from Philip Neufer and Walter Mertes (ITR board member). “In fact, I was a spectator, too, because two drivers were involved in a fierce battle in front of me. Then they made a mistake and I could move up into first place”, the winner said. Many celebrities also climbed into the 225 hp strong Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup cars and raced for the good cause. The best among them was former professional football player Karl-Heinz Riedle, who emerged as the winner of the VIP ranking after 19 laps. “There were great fights and I had a lot of fun”, Riedle said about his position in front of German ARD TV presenter Gerhard Delling and singer Nino de Angelo. Especially Max Mutzke surprised the spectators. Until he retired, the singer drove a great race in second place. “I just was too eager”, was Mutzke’s brief verdict after the race. Actress Yvonne de Bark was the only lady in the field. She, too, retired early, but was still happy: “Doesn’t matter, the race was for a good cause and I actually managed to overtake somebody once. Now, we are celebrating the 200,000 Euros that were raised for ’Wings for Life’.”
