AUSTIN, Texas — Jacques Villeneuve, 1997 Formula One World Champion, 1995 Indy Car World Series Champion and 1995 Indianapolis 500 Champion, joined Window World, Inc.® to sign The Stinger, a centennial tribute to the first winning Indy 500 car, the 1911 Marmon Wasp, at the opening of the Austin Fan Fest. The four-day event was held in downtown Austin in conjunction with the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, November 15-17, 2013, at the Circuit of the Americas.
Unveiled at the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 in 2011, The Stinger was designed by Window World in collaboration with John Andretti and Andretti Autosport. The car was created to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® and is to be auctioned in 2014, with 100% of the proceeds benefitting St. Jude. With a graphics package that features the 274 names of every living Indy 500 starter as of 2011, The Stinger is currently on a nationwide tour to obtain signatures from each of these racing icons.
Window World was elated to introduce racing star Jacques Villeneuve to The Stinger during the Austin Fan Fest. As an Indy 500 Champion, his signature was added to its engine cover. Jacques said of his participation in the event, “I’m happy to have had the opportunity to sign this iconic piece of racing history benefitting a cause such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. I look forward to hearing of the success of its auction next year.”
In addition to the funds raised in its eventual auction for charity, the car garners monetary support each time a signature is added, as Window World, Inc. makes a donation to its charitable foundation Window World Cares®. Jacques’ signature brings the total count to 237 of the possible 274 featured on the vehicle.