Monrovia, California (Wednesday, August 05, 2026) – As the Official Charity of Forte Racing, the Relapsing Polychondritis Foundation continues to play an important role in the team’s commitment to using motorsports as a platform for meaningful impact beyond the racetrack. Today, Forte Racing is encouraging fans, partners, and supporters to help advance that mission by participating in an exclusive online auction benefiting the Relapsing Polychondritis Foundation.
The featured auction offers an unforgettable VIP experience at the 2026 Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. The winning bidder will receive a premium Wynn Grid Club package valued at approximately $60,000, including two three-day race tickets, luxury accommodations at Wynn Las Vegas, premium hospitality, exclusive Formula 1 experiences, and VIP access throughout race weekend. All proceeds from the auction will support the Relapsing Polychondritis Foundation’s mission to accelerate research, improve early detection, and provide critical resources for patients and families living with the rare autoimmune disease.
Since naming the Relapsing Polychondritis Foundation as its Official Charity in 2025, Forte Racing has worked alongside Race for RP to raise awareness and generate funding through motorsports, connecting racing fans with opportunities to support groundbreaking research and patient advocacy. The Las Vegas Grand Prix auction represents the latest initiative in that ongoing partnership.
Forte Racing Team Owner Shane Seneviratne believes motorsports can provide a powerful platform for making a difference beyond race results.
“One of the things I’m most proud of at Forte Racing is that we’ve been able to use our platform to support causes that truly matter. Our partnership with the Relapsing Polychondritis Foundation goes far beyond putting a logo on a race car. It’s about creating opportunities to raise awareness, fund research, and give hope to patients and families facing an extraordinarily challenging disease. We’re excited to help promote this incredible Las Vegas Grand Prix auction and encourage our racing community to get involved.”
The Wynn Grid Club package places the winning bidder at the center of one of Formula 1’s most exciting race weekends. The experience includes access to the exclusive Paddock Club™ hospitality overlooking Turns 1 and 2 of the Las Vegas Strip Circuit®, premium food and beverage, Pit Lane Walks, guided paddock tours, meet-and-greets with Formula 1 legends, luxury accommodations at Wynn Las Vegas, and additional VIP experiences throughout the November 19-21 event.
“This auction is a perfect example of what can happen when passionate people come together around a common purpose,” Seneviratne continued. “Someone is going to experience one of the most exclusive weekends in Formula 1, while helping fund research that has the potential to change lives. That’s a win for everyone involved.”
Fans and supporters can learn more about the auction and place their bids by visiting the Pole Position for Progress: F1 Vegas Experience online auction page. Bidding is now open, with all proceeds benefiting the Relapsing Polychondritis Foundation and its mission to improve the lives of those affected by RP.
ABOUT FORTE RACING
Founded in 2023, Forte Racing is a motorsports team based in Los Angeles and Charlotte. Under the watchful eye of Shane Seneviratne, the team competed in various racing series, including the IMSA WeatherTech GTD Championship, the IMSA VP Racing Sportscar Challenge, and Lamborghini Super Trofeo and, in 2025, expanded by adding a single-car entry in the inaugural McLaren Trophy America Championship.
Building on the foundation of US RaceTronics, the team has quickly built a strong reputation with multiple podium finishes, race wins, and several North American and World Championships. The team expanded to a four-car McLaren Trophy America program for 2026 in addition to continuing their presence in the IMSA VP Racing Sportscar Challenge. For more information about the team, its drivers, and race operations, visit www.forteracing.com.
ABOUT RACE FOR RP
Race for RP is a motorsports initiative aimed at driving awareness and accelerating research for RP and other autoimmune diseases. Through collaboration with drivers, teams, and sponsors, Race for RP fuels education, accelerates research, and raises awareness of Relapsing Polychondritis and other related autoimmune diseases. For more information, visit raceforrp.org or follow @raceforrp on social media.
ABOUT RELAPSING POLYCHONDRITIS
RP is a rare and degenerative autoimmune disease that primarily affects cartilage in the body, causing inflammation that can lead to severe complications. RP affects multiple organs, including the ears, nose, airways, joints, and even the heart and brain. Research is essential to improve care and treatment options for those living with RP.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Race for RP/Relapsing Polychondritis Foundation
David Bammert | dbammert@polychondritis.org | (906) 869-3962
polychondritis.org | raceforrp.org