INDYCAR driver Charlie Kimball discusses how California wildfires are hitting home for him

He’s set to be a full-time driver in the Verizon IndyCar Series for new INDYCAR team Carlin, but Charlie Kimball is also speaking out about his family, who was greatly affected by the recent Thomas fire in California. Charlie’s family, who still resides in Santa Paula, operates an avocado ranch that sustained a fair amount of damage in the fire.

Charlie tells us:

“My wife Kathleen and I had been monitoring the Thomas Fire from Indianapolis. By mid-week, it became apparent that the fires were getting dangerously close to my family’s home, farming land and ranch in Santa Paula. We made the decision to travel to California and help family and friends. Most importantly, everyone is safe. Unfortunately there was a lot of damage to both structures and orchard trees at Kimball Ranches from Wednesday to Thursday. Despite this week’s challenges, we’re still very lucky, and we will rebuild. But there are a lot of displaced families that need to rebuild their lives as well and need some additional support to do so.”

That’s where the United Way and Red Cross of Ventura County come in. They are here on the ground, providing the resources needed to help families start that process. They can help families cover that gap so they don’t have to worry about the basics we typically take for granted. Please visit vcunitedway.org or text UWVC to 41444 to make a cash donation to the Thomas Fire Fund.

About Charlie:

• 2018 will be Kimball’s eighth season in the Verizon IndyCar Series.
  • Joining him for their 10^th year of partnership, will be longtime partner, global healthcare company, Novo Nordisk.
    • Charlie Kimball has type 1 diabetes and Novo Nordisk provides the insulin Kimball uses to manage his diabetes.
• To learn more, visit:
  • Twitter:
    • @RaceWithInsulin
    • @CarlinRacing
  • Instagram:
    • @CharlieKimball
    • @CarlinRacing
  • Website:
    • http://charliekimball.com/
    • http://www.carlin.co.uk/