5/27/08 - Sage's Indy 500 Experience

By: Karam Racing

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - (May 27th, 2008) -- As the Stars of Karting National Champion, Sage was awarded an all-expense paid trip to the Indianapolis 500. Sage maximized the opportunities from the award-winning weekend to it’s fullest potential. On Friday, Sage met up with his mentor/sponsor, IRL team owner Michael Andretti. “I spent a lot of time with Michael and his family at the AGR headquarters at the Speedway”.

Sage and his dad arrived at the Speedway early Saturday morning. Saturday was one of the most exciting days for Sage. He started off with a live radio interview on Racefanradio. During the interview, Sage professed his goal of winning the 100th Indy 500 in 8 years. Nobody doubted his chances.

After the interview, Sage attended the Indy 500 driver’s meeting as a special guest. Michael Andretti was awarded a gold and diamond ring for being the winning owner of last year’s car that Dario Franchitti drove. “It was one of the coolest things in my life when Michael walked off the stage and handed me the ring. I will never forget it!” Photos of the ring will soon be located on www.sagekaram.com.

Quickly after the drivers meeting, Sage ran over to the Stars of Karting display booth in the Fan Zone for his autograph signing. “I was a little worried if anybody would show up, I mean, I’m like only a kid”. Sage was surprised to see a line of autograph seekers outside the booth. “It was crazy busy and very cool! I gave out some of my official racing t-shirts and Bell helmets mementos. I actually signed 15 minutes longer to get everybody a hero card of mine”.

Sage and his dad left the speedway and headed over to Carbonix. Carbonix is one of Sage’s latest sponsor’s. Carbonix is located on Gasoline Alley and is the leader in carbon fiber fabrication. Carbonix is the supplier of carbon fiber to several NASCAR and IRL teams and is owned by John Martin. “John made me a special carbon fiber steering wheel last year that I used to win the WKA National title. The steering wheel was valued around $5000 because it was the prototype. John just made me a special set of spindles and we wanted to test them. So, John loaded up the kart and we went to New Castle to test them. The new parts made a big difference. We could only test until 4:30 because we had to get back to Indy for the AGR party”.

In the evening, Sage and his dad attended the AndrettiGreen Racing Indy party at the AGR headquarters. “The party was amazing and I’ve never seen anything like it. Cheap Trick was the band they allowed me to actually strum the guitar during one of the songs. The AGR shop was really cool. I got my photo taken in front of the trophy case and an actual Honda Indy racing engine”, replied Sage. Sage met all of owners and board members of AGR. Many of AGR’s sponsors were on hand to meet Sage as well.

“It was amazing to have met so many influential individuals within the racing world. I am most grateful to have Sage conversing and socializing with such influences, replied Sage’s dad, Jody.

Sunday was race day and there wasn’t any confusing it. Indianapolis on race day is like nothing else you’ve ever experienced. Sage slept the night at the Speedway in AGR facilities. “It was really neat to wakeup at the Speedway on race day. I felt like an IRL driver. All of the drivers sleep at the speedway and I was feeling just like one of them, said Sage. That was the end of my closeness to the drivers though. On race day, minors can’t get near the garages or pits. “

“Michael got me a special ticket to his suite to watch the race. The suite was the best seat in the speedway! I never saw so much food in my life. It was so cool. I didn’t miss a minute of the race other than to get food. I was really hoping Marco would win, but it wasn’t meant to be today. I know he will win next year. Michael and Marco allowed me to listen to their debriefing after the race. I learned a lot and really respect these guys”.

“My dad and I went to dinner with Michael after the race and discussed everything. Michael is one of the coolest people I ever met. I’d like to really thank him and the Stars of Karting organization, especially Mykala and Jeff. I’ve been a member of Stars longer than anybody else, have raced more Stars races than anybody, and have never missed a race. I want to prove that it’s possible to come through the Stars’ program and reach your dreams of becoming a professional driver, even if you’re not rich! Of course, none of this weekend wouldn’t have been possible without Mr. Martinez’ King Taco sponsorship of the cadet class”.

“I am amazed at the situations Sage was allowed to experience and the amount of confidential information he was exposed to. I am sure he’ll never forget the experience”, replied Jody.

Another sponsor/partner that Sage recently acquired was Brown Printing Services. Brown Printing Services is the leader of commercial and industrial/personal printing services in the Northeast. “Walter Brown, of Brown Printing Services, did an amazing job with my hero cards for the Stars of Karting autograph session. I’d like to thank him for his work. It was very cool to have IRL drivers tell me my cards were better than theirs!” added Sage.

Investing in Sage is simple and rewarding. Sage has many different levels of commitment to meet the needs of his partners. “We give our partners much more than they pay for. Some of our partners are fellow karters that just want to meet IRL personnel and team owners. It works out well for everybody”, added Sage.

Sage would like to thank his sponsors and supporters: Michael Andretti, MRP, Gary, Chris and Tim Lobaugh, Brent Ebert, Rick, Doug Fleming, Grand Products, Noonan Pedal Risers, Bell Helmets, Aplinestars, Orwig Management, SmitHahn Co., L & T Clutches, Strober Building Supplies, On Track Promotions, and Walters Web Design.

For more information on Sage Karam please visit www.SageKaram.com.

* Please note that Karam Racing refuses to expose and exploit the names of minors in their press-releases and website content. We would hope that the same discretion is extended to us, by our fellow racers. As a minor, we request that any photos, videos or mention of Sage Karam utilized in website content, receive written permission first.