CHRISTIAN WEIR AND DUPAGE PADS CELEBRATE RECORD-BREAKING SUCCESS AT 15TH ANNUAL “DRIVE FOR 155”
JOLIET, IL — JUNE 16, 2025 — Professional sports car driver Christian Weir and regional non-profit DuPage Pads today announced the official results of their partnership hosting the 15th Annual “Drive for 155” charity endurance race. Held this past weekend at Kart Circuit Autobahn, the event successfully brought together individual drivers, families, and grassroots donors to eclipse its ambitious fundraising milestone, raising over $155,000 to combat homelessness in DuPage County [dupagepads.org].
The grueling 3-hour karting enduro featured 15 competitive teams fighting for every second on the track under the lights. Off the track, the collective efforts of peer-to-peer driver fundraising campaigns and community supporters delivered a major victory for local philanthropy. Every dollar raised goes directly toward funding emergency interim housing, permanent housing solutions, and support services for local individuals and families [dupagepads.org].
“Hosting this race with DuPage Pads and seeing individual racing enthusiasts rally together has been an incredible experience,” said Weir, a Naperville native balancing his sports car season in the Toyota GR Cup North America [christianweirracing.com, autobahnmembers.com]. “Hitting our $155,000 goal through grassroots community support means that local families in crisis will get immediate shelter, case management, and a real path forward. I am deeply grateful to every single driver, donor, and friend who helped us cross this finish line together.”
Weir, who spearheaded the event’s organization alongside his karting team, Dark Mode Racing, has been an active partner and volunteer with the organization since 2019 [christianweirracing.com].
“We are overwhelmed by the success of this year’s Drive for 155 and Christian’s incredible leadership as our host,” said April Redzic, President & CEO of DuPage Pads. “The money raised by these passionate individuals provides thousands of nights of safe lodging and critical resources that genuinely transform lives. Christian is a powerful example of how young athletes can mobilize a community to make a lasting impact.”
Donations from the event are already being deployed into DuPage Pads’ comprehensive support pipeline, including their 24/7 Interim Housing Center and specialized regional employment assistance programs.
About Christian Weir
Christian Weir is a professional racing driver from Naperville, Illinois, competing in the Toyota GR Cup North America with TechSport Racing [christianweirracing.com, autobahnmembers.com]. Follow his racing season and community advocacy initiatives at christianweirracing.com.
About DuPage Pads
Founded in 1985, DuPage Pads is the largest provider of interim and permanent housing in DuPage County. The non-profit organization is dedicated to ending homelessness by offering sustainable housing solutions, support, and employment services 365 days a year [dupagepads.org].
