Pro Racer Cameron Lawrence Will Fuel FAST Awareness at NASCAR

The Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics, known as FAST, will get a high-octane boost when professional racecar driver Cameron Lawrence makes his debut at the upcoming NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

The inaugural event at the Circuit of the Americas will be broadcast live on Saturday, May 22 at 1 p.m. (EDT) on Fox Sports 1 and the Motor Racing Network. In the past, NASCAR’s 10-month season has drawn some 58 million television viewers. Nationwide, there are about 75 million NASCAR fans, according to FAST.

The association between Lawrence and the nonprofit is aimed at raising awareness of FAST, said to be the nation’s largest non-governmental founder of research for Angelman syndrome (AS). The campaign also seeks to call attention to Angelman, a complex neurological disorder that affects about 1 in 15,000 people.

“NASCAR Camping World Truck Series is an incredible platform to raise awareness. We hope to capitalize on that during the upcoming event at Circuit of Americas,” John Schlueter, chair of FAST’s board, said in a press release.

“Our campaign with Cameron Lawrence is a unique opportunity to reach a brand new audience, which we hope will be inspired to join us in our fight to find a cure for Angelman syndrome,” Schlueter said.

For the race, Lawrence will be piloting the No. 33 Chevrolet Silverado for Reaume Brothers Racing. He’s no stranger to track success, having previously won the IMSA Tequila Patron North American Endurance Cup Championship, including what’s now known as the Rolex 24 at Daytona. Lawrence also has won two consecutive Trans Am Championships.

“I’m excited to race on behalf of an extraordinary cause and raise awareness for individuals living with Angelman syndrome,” Lawrence said. “Our mission is to engage others and, hopefully, enable FAST to fund educational research and advancements that bring life-changing treatments to individuals with Angelman syndrome.”

“With the amazing support of Ryan and Annie Jacob, we can showcase the incredible work that FAST is doing to accelerate treatments and a cure for Angelman syndrome,” Lawrence added.

Ryan and Annie Jacob are Austin, Texas-based philanthropists who have a child with Angelman. Ryan Jacob is on the FAST board.

FAST was founded in 2008 with a mission to cure Angelman syndrome. The nonprofit has associated organizations in the United States, Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Columbia, Italy, France, Spain, and the United Kingdom. It also has support programs for families and those who have been recently diagnosed.