3Balls Racing Hosts Open Track Weekend To Benefit Karmanos

BELDING (WWJ) - The racing aficionados of 3Balls Racing are hosting an open track weekend July 28-29 at Grattan Raceway for anyone who'd like to try their hand at racing – all to benefit the Barbara Ann Karmanos Institute for Melanoma Research.

Whether participants have ever raced before or not, they are welcome to give it a go during this fundraiser. The cause itself is close to the heart of this group, whose leader, Ken Grulich, is a melanoma survivor.

3Balls Racing was founded in 2005 by three automotive engineers looking for a safe and legal way to push the limits of their driving skills and respective vehicles. Of the three, only Grulich retains an official title, Head Ball.

Since the group's first event, 3Balls Racing has grown to more than 1,200 members from across the United States and Canada. Events take place in the Great Lakes area, including Michigan, Ohio and Ottawa.

3Balls Racing has been searching for a charitable cause to partner with when Grulich was diagnosed with melanoma in 2011. He underwent treatment at Karmanos and after beating the disease, dedicated his group to finding a cure.

This year, the guys would like to raise $5,000 for melanoma research. All proceeds from event entry fees will be donated; a silent auction at the track will raise additional funds. Attendees will be able to go for a ride on the track with a 3Balls Racing member for an additional $10 donation.

"We are all middle-aged family guys who love to push the limits of a car on the weekends," Kenny the Car Guy, a.k.a. Kenny Walters, owner of Mufflers and More auto shop in Pontiac, said in a release.

"With this event, we want to share with others our passion for speed while helping eradicate a dreadful disease that has touched someone in every one of our lives. I hope we'll get a great turnout so we can raise a lot of money for Karmanos," he said.

 Event Details

3Balls Racing Karmanos Fundraiser Race takes place on Saturday and Sunday, July 28-29, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Grattan Raceway -- located at 7201 Lessiter Rd. in Belding.

For more information, visit www.3ballsracing.com.