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Josef Newgarden wants fans to be sun safe

May is National Skin Cancer and Melanoma Awareness month. IndyCar Series driver and Outrun the Sun spokesperson, Josef Newgarden, who recently won the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama, discusses his role as a spokesperson for Outrun the Sun (OTS) and a sun safety initiative intended to keep race fans sun safe. The program is supported through a partnership between OTS and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS).

Josef is the spokesperson for a sun safety initiative supported by a partnership between Outrun the Sun and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This program, launched in 2014, was the largest one-day sun safety initiative ever established in the United States, reaching approximately 300,000 race fans on site at the Indianapolis 500 and thousands more during practices, qualifications and through the IMS Radio Network..

During the Indy 500, everyone is out in the sun…the tough thing about it is no one thinks about it…and then when you are sunburned and if you do happen to get something that develops into skin cancer then you learn about it. But no one learns about it before hand…it is the most common cancer in North America.” Josef Newgarden

Outrun the Sun Race Against Melanoma will take place Saturday evening, June 13 at 7pm near Fort Harrison State Park. Information and registration at www.outrunthesun.org.  This is an evening event that includes a 5-mile timed run, 5K run/walk and 1-mile fun walk complete with a Kids’ Zone, Live Music and Refreshments. Proceeds benefit skin cancer education and melanoma research.

Skin Cancer/Melanoma Facts:

o May is National Skin Cancer and Melanoma Awareness month.

o Skin cancer is the most prevalent cancer in America.

o One American dies of melanoma every hour.

o Melanoma affects people of all ages and is the most common cancer in people ages 25 to 29.

o Over exposure to UV light is the main cause of skin cancer.

Sun Safety Tips:

o Wear sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

o Wear a hat to protect your scalp (UV rays penetrate through your hair.)

o Wear sunglasses to protect against melanoma of the eye.

o Wear clothing with an SPF factor built in to the fabric.

About Josef Newgarden: An American race car driver, Newgarden is from Hendersonville, TN. He began his Verizon IndyCar Series career with Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing. Now in his fourth full IndyCar Series season, he drives for Carpenter Fisher Hartman Racing. His first Series win was in the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama on April 26, 2015. He currently ranks fourth in Series point standings. josefnewgarden.com

About Outrun the Sun, Inc.: Founded in Indianapolis, IN, Outrun the Sun, Inc. (OTS) is a nonprofit organization supporting skin cancer education and melanoma research. OTS has funded 16 melanoma research scholars nationwide. OTS has partnered with the Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and more to establish sun safety and skin cancer prevention programs.

For more information visit their website at www.OutRunTheSun.org and follow them on Twitter: @outrunsun, Instagram: @outrunthesuninc and like them on Facebook