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David Hobbs Celebrity Roast Gaining Momentum

Charity Fundraiser Set For Friday, October 12

Milwaukee, Wis. ? Throughout the years, motorsports personality David Hobbs has raced with many different teams on many different circuits at the highest levels of auto racing ? driving Indy cars owned by Roger Penske and formula cars for four decades throughout the globe. To a man he competed against, Hobbs remains one of the funniest story tellers you?d find at the race track. His insights and observations have kept him in demand as a public speaker and commentating on television for over thirty years.

The 1983 SCCA TransAm driving champion began his television commentating career while still behind the wheel, including booth commentary for the 1979 Daytona 500, the first live NASCAR event on CBS, which featured the memorable fist fight between Cale Yarborough and the Allison brothers.

Hobbs has graciously agreed to be roasted by some notable personalities and close friends and family on Friday night, October 12th at the Country Springs Hotel & Conference Center in Waukesha, Wis., with the evening?s proceeds benefiting the Curative Ranch Community Services Campus in Menomonee Falls, Wis. and their efforts to empower people with disabilities.

Already confirmed to participate are Hobbs? fellow SPEED TV Formula One commentators Bob Varsha and Steve Matchett, who jumped at the chance to rib their friend in the name of a great charitable cause.

Hobbs owns a Honda dealership in Glendale, Wis., at which his son Greg is General Manager. Greg has agreed to share some life experiences growing up in a racing family and running the family business.

Other confirmed roasters are Tom Anderson, who was Hobbs? wrench when they won the 1971 U.S. Formula 5000 championship before a career in the IndyCar Series and Champ Car World Series as a team manager with Ganassi Racing and team principal with Adrian Fernandez Racing.

Derek Bell, an internationally-known road racer and Hobbs contemporary, having grown up in England and sharing similar successes, has agreed to take jabs at his racing rival and close friend. Bell has multiple victories in the world?s major endurance events and made his Formula 1 debut at Monza with Ferrari in 1969. Bell most notably won the 24 Hours of LeMans five times and the Daytona 24 Hour on three occasions. He also has become an insightful broadcast commentator. Pairing Hobbs and Bell at the dias will be a can?t miss opportunity to witness in person.

As a team public relations representative for Porsche and Team Penske, Judy Stropus has been around the paddock for many years, and will relate some classic first-hand accounts of Hobbs in action.

An autograph session, raffle and prime rib dinner lead into the on-stage basting of Hobbs. Varsha will serve as the evening emcee, and is recruiting more racing personalities to join in the fun.

From 1992 through 2006, Hobbs was the popular co-emcee of a motorsports banquet that cumulatively raised $425,000 for Ranch Community Services. The annual event drew an average of 450 people and honored champions on all levels, and was organized by longtime motorsports photographer Russ Lake of North Prarie, Wis. Lake is spearheading the efforts of the David Hobbs Celebrity Roast, which is planned to be a one-time event.

?No question David?s delivery and humor was the main reason our banquet was so successful,? Lake said. ?He?ll be the star attraction one more time, and it?s going to be a really great night.?

Lake can honestly say tickets are going fast, as there are just a limited number of celebrity tables remaining, with corporate tables and $75 individual tickets available. For information on the October 12th David Hobbs Celebrity Roast, contact Russ Lake by calling (262) 392-2386 or (414) 881-1874, or via e-mail to russlake@wi.rr.com.

Curative Ranch Community Services Campus in Menomonee Falls, Wis. is part of Curative Rehabilitation Services, and proudly celebrates over 40 years of empowering people with disabilities at home, at work and in the community on 100 acres of farmland an nature trails. The staff and facility provide innovative day services and recreational offerings for children and adults. Visit www.ranchwi.org for more information.

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