From a press release issued by Brainerd International Raceway:

Ride the Track fundraiser to benefit Kinship Partners

Ducati owners to circle BIR racetrack during this weekend’s Superbike race

BRAINERD, Minn. ­ Kinship Partners, a non-profit agency serving children in Crow Wing and southern Cass counties, will benefit from a fundraiser at Brainerd International Raceway this weekend during the Trofeo Ducati U.S. Superbike AMA Championship, sponsored by Ducati North America and presented by Michelin.

BIR and Ducati will raise funds for Kinship Partners during Ride the Track, which is an opportunity for Ducati motorcycle owners to take a lap on BIR’s world-class 3-mile road course. Those who participate are asked to make a donation to Kinship Partners.

Participants will have two opportunities to ride on the track: at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, after the conclusion of racing, and 2 p.m. Sunday, just before the Superbike finals. The group of riders will be led by a pace car.

The first vehicle on the track for this event will be carrying more than 20 kids and adults from the Kinship Partners program, which matches disadvantaged children with adult mentors. Currently, Kinship has 153 partnerships, with an additional 60 kids on a waiting list. Kinship Partners has been in business since 1986 and regularly sees tremendous change in the behavior and self esteem of the kids involved.

“We are just thrilled to have this opportunity for our kids to experience the races and the fun atmosphere at BIR,” said Pat Johnston, executive director of Kinship Partners. “To have a fundraiser attached to the day’s events just adds icing to the cake. We are so grateful to BIR and Ducati for organizing this special event for the Kinship kids.”

“Ducati owners are naturally generous, and many will jump at the chance to both do good and have the experience of a lifetime,” said John Porter, Ducati North America’s director of marketing.

“Rarely do we let anyone on our race track other than racers, so this is a fantastic opportunity for Ducati owners,” BIR General Manager Scott Quick said. “But more importantly, we see it as another chance for BIR to give back to the community by helping kids. Over the years, many kids have discovered their passion here at the track, so we enjoy the opportunity to introduce kids to motorsports.”