NORTH WILKESBORO, N.C., Feb. 6, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Window World®, America's largest window replacement and home remodeling company, continues its national tour of The Stinger, a centennial tribute to the first winning Indianapolis 500 car, the 1911 Marmon Wasp, to complete the car's Indy 500 starter signature collection. Five racing pros recently autographed the vehicle, including A.J. Foyt, Nigel Mansell, Stan Wattles, Enrique Bernoldi and Roger Rager, making their mark on the Stinger project benefitting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital®.
In late 2013, A.J. Foyt, one of the most recognizable names in racing, became the final Indianapolis 500 Champion to sign the vehicle. He added his autograph to The Stinger's engine cover, now emblazoned with the signature of every living Indy 500 winner. Foyt's illustrious racing career leaves him the only driver ever to start in 35 consecutive Indianapolis 500 races ('58-'92), the first four-time Indy 500 winner ('61, '64, '67 and '77), and 1975 Driver of the Year. He says of The Stinger signing, "I am honored to add my signature to the car and excited to be the final winning driver to complete the collection on the engine cover. I can only hope the car's auction brings much needed funds to St. Jude so it can continue its daily fight against childhood cancer and other deadly diseases."
In early 2014, four additional racing stars signed The Stinger, bringing the total count to 243 of a possible 274. Nigel Mansell, '92 F1 World Champion and '93 IndyCar World Series Champion, Stan Wattles, 19 race starter including three Indianapolis 500s, Enrique Bernoldi, a 2008 Indy 500 participant, and Roger Rager, a four-decade racing icon and 2009 National Sprint Car Hall of Fame inductee, each generously added his autograph to the car.
The collection of signatures amounts to much more than racing memorabilia. Unveiled at the 100th anniversary of the Indy 500, The Stinger was designed by Window World in collaboration with John Andretti and Andretti Autosport to fundraise for St. Jude, the world's leading treatment center of pediatric cancer and other catastrophic illnesses. The car is to be auctioned in 2014, with 100% of the proceeds going to the hospital. In addition to the funds to be raised in its eventual sale, The Stinger garners monetary support each time a signature is added, as Window World, Inc. makes a $189 donation to its charitable foundation, Window World Cares®. These additional five signatures bring the fundraising total to $45,927. Watch for additional details on The Stinger's auction later this year.
About Window World®
Window World®, headquartered in North Wilkesboro, N.C., is America's largest replacement window and home remodeling company with more than 200 locally owned and operated offices nationwide. Founded in 1995, the company sells and installs windows, siding, doors and other exterior products. Window World is an ENERGY STAR® partner and its window products have earned the Good Housekeeping Seal for six consecutive years. In 2013 it ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Windows and Doors in a Tie" by J.D. Power. For more information about Window World, visit www.WindowWorld.com or call 1-800 NEXT WINDOW.
About Window World Cares®
Window World Cares® was founded in 2008 by Tammy Whitworth and her late husband, Todd. Since its inception, the foundation has raised more than $4 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital®. Additionally, Window World was named New Corporate Partner of the Year in 2010. To learn more about Window World Cares or to donate, visit www.WindowWorldCares.com.