"Hospice 24" adds fireworks, 'Families' to lineup of events JACKSON, MI - Live bands, music, fireworks, kids' rides and family entertainment will be part of the inaugural HOSPICE 24 go-kart race at Jackson Speedway on July 19-20, according to race officials. "The HOSPICE 24 is more than a unique 24-hour go-kart race," said Tommy Cameron, executive director of the HOSPICE 24. "As a weekend event that is part of the RaceWeek Festival of Events, we saw a need to include families and the community to make this event more than just a race." Sponsors and other supporters responded with donations to help the event include 24-hours of music, a "Mini-24" for kids, a Saturday night fireworks displays, children's rides and games, a Sunday morning chapel service, as well as food and concessions. The HOSPICE 24 is a unique, 24-hour go-kart race to benefit the Great Lakes Hospice Foundation. Teams of up to 10 drivers will compete in identically-prepared, high-performance go-karts around the combined oval/road course at Jackson Speedway, one of the newest and best go-kart facilities in the nation. The HOSPICE 24 shares the same weekend as the Jackson Hot Air Jubilee and is in the middle of the three-week long Jackson RaceWeek Festival of Events. "We continuing to look for ways to grow the Hospice 24 and to make it bigger and better for everybody - drivers and spectators!" Cameron said. Proceeds from the race will go towards helping the Great Lakes Hospice Foundation build a Hospice House in Mid-Michigan. "There is a level of care for some Hospice patients that does not require an extended hospital stay, but the patient would be better served in a facility outside the patient's home," said William Deary, CEO of Great Lakes Home Health & Hospice. "This event would help establish such a facility that is dedicated to our community." To enter the race or for more information, call 517-788-6541 or go to www.hospice24race.com. 2003 HOSPICE 24 - SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Saturday, July 19, 2003 9:00 a..m. - Jackson Speedway Opens for RV Parking & Team Set Up 1:00 p.m. - Open to the General Public Mandatory Team Managers' Meeting (Hospitality Tent) 1:30 p.m. - Opening Ceremonies Hospitality Area Opens through end of the event 2:00 p.m. - Start of the Inaugural HOSPICE 24 2:30 p.m. - Kids' Rides Open 8:00 p.m. - Live Entertainment begins (ends at 11 pm) 10:00 p.m. - Fireworks Display 11:00 p.m. - Paddock Campfire Sunday, July 20, 2003 9:00 a.m. - Worship Service 10:00 p.m. - Kids' Rides Open 2:00 p.m. - InauguralHOSPICE 24 Ends Awards Ceremony in Winner's Circle 2:15 p.m. - Mini-24 hour Kids Race (Frontstretch) 2:30 p.m. - Post-Race Party and Awards Presentation (Hospitality Tent) 6:00 p.m. - Jackson Speedway Closes