Hoosier Park Racing and Casino’s “Fab Five” celebrity harness drivers made their first public appearance Saturday, April 18 prior to each of the 38 Special concerts
. Joe Putnam, Jason Dillander, Trace Tetrick, Mike Peterson, and Ricky Macomber Jr. make up the “Fab Five” and will represent the track in numerous promotions and events.
Each driver was introduced on stage by Laura Steele, radio personality from WFBQ Q-95. The drivers distributed items into the crowd and also demonstrated their signature moves as their theme songs played before both sold-out crowds for the concerts.
“True Blue” Joe Putnam led the group off with his signature salute. Putnam, a winner of more than 2,700 career races, is among the top five drivers all-time at Hoosier Park. He is also the trainer of ABC Mercedes, 2008 Indiana Trotter of the Year. Putnam has chosen Outfitters, Inc. of Pendleton as his charity. All proceeds from select events will go to the organization, which provides clothing and supplies to children in need from Madison County. Putnam will also be brought into the winner’s circle with the theme song “You’ve Got To Stand for Something,” by Aaron Tippin.
The green and gold colours of Trace of Luck Tetrick will be associated with the theme song “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC. Tetrick, Hoosier Park’s 2008 leading driver, is nearing the 1,000 career wins mark after only eight seasons of competition. The 22-year-old driver became the youngest driver or jockey to ever win a title in Indiana last season with 95 wins. Tetrick will support Future Farmers of America, an organization he was involved with and served as president during his final year of high school at Fairfield, Illinois. Tetrick’s signature move will be a green bead toss to fans following his victories.
Mike “Mo Pete” Peterson will demonstrate a bow following his victories. Peterson, a Kyle Busch NASCAR fan, will enter the winner’s circle to the Kenny Chesney tune “Back Where I Come From.” A native of northern Indiana, Peterson is a graduate of Ball State University. He also trains a stable of 12 horses. Proceeds from his charity work will go to the Shriners.
Slick Rick Macomber will blow a signature kiss to the crowd following his victories. The 2007 leading driver at Hoosier Park has more than 1,500 career wins. Macomber will support the Indiana School for the Deaf, and fans will enjoy the song “It Takes Two” sung by Rob Base.
Jason “Bad Boy” Dillander will show a bicep curl following his wins at Hoosier Park. The current top five driver and fourth place finisher from 2008 has more than 1,200 career wins. Dillander will enter the winner’s circle with Eminem’s song “Mosh” playing in the background. Charitable contributions will be donated to the American Cancer Society in honour of his father, Charlie, who has battled the disease in the past.
The Fab Five participated in the meet and greet session with the band members of 38 Special, which was conducted between shows. The group also had photos taken with fans and signed autographs.
(Hoosier Park)