(Peoria, IL) Peoria Speedway has proclaimed the month of April as “Parkinson’s Awareness Month” at the track, and has added additional fund-raising efforts for the “Don Bohlander Parkinson’s Research FundRACERS” charity. Promoter Curt Mottaz is proud to announce that all April events will include 50/50 drawings, along with various fund-raising efforts to benefit the Bohlander group. On Saturday, April 30, drivers will “Pass the Helmet for Parkinson’s”, with all proceeds going to Dr. Craig Cady and Bradley University’s neurological research program.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) belongs to a group of conditions called motor system disorders, which are the result of the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. The four primary symptoms of PD are tremor, or trembling in hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face; rigidity, or stiffness of the limbs and trunk; bradykinesia, or slowness of movement; and postural instability, or impaired balance and coordination. Parkinson’s cannot be detected and there is no cure for the disease.

“Don Bohlander and his family are passionate about Parkinson’s Research, and we fully support their efforts“, said Mottaz. “Parkinson’s is a terrible disease and we hope that the racing community in Central Illinois can help find a cure.”

The first race of “Parkinson’s Awareness Month” is this Saturday night, April 9, with UMP Late Models, UMP Modifieds, Limited Late Models, UMP Street Stocks, and UMP Hornets in action. Fans can log onto www.peoriaspeedway.com for more information. The new race-day phone number at Peoria Speedway is 309-357-3339. Gates open at 3:30 PM, with hot laps at 5 and racing at 5:30 Saturday night.