INDIANAPOLIS, IN [May 20,2002] -- When Mooreland, Ind. resident Dan Lambert embarked on a journey across the United States on his bicycle, he knew he would raise money for the American Cancer Society but never dreamed it would lead him to an honorary Chevrolet Pit Crew member spot at the Indianapolis 500.

Throughout April, Chevrolet, a General Motors Division, hosted a “Salute Your Hero” essay contest asking middle school students to nominate their personal hero.  When Brownsburg resident Sarah Lambert saw the contest at Bill Estes Chevrolet one afternoon she embarked on the challenge and wrote an essay nominating her hero she calls “Papaw.”

For her winning essay, Chevrolet will award Sarah with a $2,500 U.S. Savings Bond and a matching donation to her school, Brownsburg Junior High.  Chevrolet will also give Sarah and her family tickets to this year’s race, but while Sarah watches from the stands, her Grandpa will be seen down in the pit working with the Hemmelgarn racing team and its driver, 1996 Indy 500 winner Buddy Lazier.  Working in the pit will come naturally for Lambert.  He is a retired schoolteacher from Wapahani High School of Liberty Perry School Corp. where he taught automotive and electronic classes for 32 years.

“When I was teaching, General Motors consistently supported our school with donations so I’m excited to be involved with them once again,” said Dan Lambert.  “I had no idea that Sarah nominated me as her hero until we found out she won.  She’s one talented girl.”

Sarah nominated her “Papaw” because of the determination he showed last year when he embarked on a cross-country bicycle trip to raise money for the American Cancer Society.  In 2000, Lambert’s sister passed away from cancer and he wanted to do something in her honor.  In 39 days he trekked from San Diego, Calif. to St. Augustine, Fla. and raised $10,000 for the American Cancer Society.

“Chevrolet has re-joined the Indy Racing League after an eight-year hiatus from open-wheel racing, and to celebrate we wanted to make a large impact on the community and help drive excitement around one of the biggest events in Indianapolis,” said Brian Sweeney, Chevrolet’s Regional Divisional Marketing Manager.  “We knew that by hosting this essay contest through our dealerships, we would find a hero like Dan Lambert and are proud to include him in this exciting day.”