AFT and 'Rookies of '79' Extend Relationship
AFT has confirmed 'Rookies of '79 and Friends' as the series' Official Charity Partner for a fourth straight year in 2021.
Now in its 12th year of operation as a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity, Rookies of '79 "stands as a constant, reassuring presence that allows racers to perform at their maximum with the assurance that someone will have their back even when circumstances are the direst.
"Support from Rookies of '79 is made available to any licensed Progressive AFT competitor injured at a series event. Since its inception, it has never turned away a rider seeking aid, providing the help necessary to allow many of them to return to the track, rather than end their careers prematurely due to injury."
The Rookies of '79 name points to its founding members, "an astonishing collection of talent who graduated to the sport's global pinnacle together in 1979. That group includes some of the greatest racers to ever grace a two-wheeled machine, boasting such legends as Scott Parker, Wayne Rainey, Ronnie Jones, Charlie Roberts, Tommy Duma, Jackie Mitchell, Lance Jones and Johnny Wincewicz. Reunited three decades later, the Rookies of '79 decided to give back to the sport in a way that would help those who needed it the most."
When Rookies of '79 first became Progressive AFT's Official Charity in 2018, it had already raised nearly a million dollars to those ends. In the three years since, it has more than doubled that number, boasting more than two million dollars raised since 2009 to help injured riders and their families.
Parts and accessory vendors of note who have supported Rookies of '79 include Motion Pro and Memphis Shades.
This season will see 'Rookies' raffling off an all-new Indian FTR 1200 Rally donated by Indian Motorcycle. Two previous motorcycles provided by Indian Motorcycle raised a total of over $65,000.
"We are honored to be the Official Charity of Progressive American Flat Track," said Charlie Roberts, CEO of Rookies of '79 and Friends. "We would not be able to provide the assistance to the riders that we do without this relationship."
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