Milwaukee IndyFest winner Ryan Hunter-Reay "Racing For Cancer"

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee IndyFest is back -- set to invade State Fair Park on Father's Day weekend. Once again, it has the backing of Michael Andretti and last year's winner hopes to repeat in victory lane. However, racing isn't the only cause that revs Ryan Hunter-Reay's engine!

Hunter-Reay's victory at the 2012 Milwaukee IndyFest was a highlight of the young racer's career, but it was not the highlight of the Father's Day weekend.

"That was the first weekend I found out my wife was pregnant as well. Everything was kind of coming together. It was a very special weekend," Hunter-Reay said.

It was fitting that the 32-year-old should learn his family was growing at an event that prides itself on being family focused. Ryden Hunter-Reay was born on December 28th.

"I can't wait to show my son what racing is all about, and hopefully he'll be proud of me one day," Hunter-Reay said.

When Hunter-Reay thinks about the new addition to his clan, he says he can't help but think about the person who is not there. Hunter-Reay's mother was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer in 2008.

"The first thing I did was run out and get these bracelets and give them to everybody in the family and we all looked down and we all kinda had something in common," Hunter-Reay said.

Hunter-Reay's mother passed away in 2009. Since then, Hunter-Reay has become a Livestrong ambassador. 

"They helped us navigate the entire situation and doctor options and they were so helpful. That's when I really got charged up," Hunter-Reay said.

Hunter-Reay was also encouraged to come up with a way to raise awareness for the prevention of cancer and early detection.

"We run the 28 on this car for the 28 million people living with cancer. 28 million is a big number. I have my own charity as well -- racing for cancer and its a platform for raising funds at race weekend at IndyCar races," Hunter-Reay said.

Hunter-Reay said he knows the more success he has the bigger his platform and the more people will know about his charity "Racing For Cancer." He says he also knows they'll see his Livestrong bracelet and he hopes they'll be able to separate Lance Armstrong from the charity.

"Things happened in the cycling world. I'm not involved in that sport. I'm involved in the process of raising funds to help those fighting cancer and those dealing with cancer hopefully we can separate the two in that Livestrong is its own charity and stands on its own feet," Hunter-Reay said.

Hunter-Reay said he finds his personal experience with cancer and his message gives him a deeper connection to racing fans who have been in his position.

"It's like every other person. If you don't know someone that's had cancer, ask the person next to you. They'll know somebody," Hunter-Reay said.

This year, Hunter-Reay has changed his number from 28 to 1, but his motto remains the same: "One goal: beat cancer." 

IndyFest is set for June 14-15.