Team Exceeds Goal in Two-Month Weight-Loss Challenge
Indianapolis, Ind. (May 22, 2009) – HVM Racing is officially fit to be in the pit. The pit-crew members successfully dropped 107 pounds in a two-month weight-loss challenge – seven pounds beyond their goal of 100.
The HVM team kicked off the “Gotta Be Fit to Be in the Pit” challenge at the IndyCar Series season opener in St. Petersburg on April 5. HVM driver E.J. Viso and Luigi Gratton, M.D., of Herbalife, a sponsor of HVM and Viso, encouraged the crew members to lose weight for their own well-being and to ensure strong performance in the pit.
Dr. Gratton offered medical guidance and Herbalife nutritional products throughout the challenge to help the team meet its goal. Herbalife is rewarding the trimmed-down crew members this week with new race uniforms.
“Herbalife has been a great partner to work with and this weight-loss challenge has been a good thing for everyone involved,” said Keith Wiggins, HVM Racing Team Principal and Owner. “How many team sponsors do you know that actually help improve the fitness of the team members?”
“We’re proud of the team for meeting their goal and look forward to seeing them in their new uniforms," said Herbalife Chairman and CEO Michael O. Johnson. “We'll continue to support the team to live a healthy, active lifestyle.”
Watch the HVM team in action at the Indy 500 this Sunday at 1 p.m. on ABC.
HVM is based in Indianapolis, Indiana. In its eight years of competition, the team has earned six wins, two pole positions, and an additional 16 podiums since 2001. The team finished fourth and third, respectively, in the Champ Car championship standings in 2006 and 2007, and earned its drivers Mario Dominguez and Robert Doornbos Rookie of the Year honors in 2002 and 2007, respectively. In 2008 with driver E.J. Viso, the team earned seven top-10 finishes, including a fourth at St. Petersburgin its inaugural year in the IRL Championship.
