Racing for a Cure: JDC-Miller MotorSports Goes from 0 to 206 MPH for St. Jude

In 2024, JDC-Miller MotorSports formed a powerful partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The team’s yellow Porsche 963, featuring a prominent St. Jude logo on its sidepod, has become an icon in the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Series as it competes at some of the world’s most famous racetracks, including Daytona, Sebring, Road America and Indianapolis.

Beginning in 2022, JDC-Miller MotorSports Porsche 963 GTP program in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship series has maintained a close relationship with its local Porsche dealers. Porsche Minneapolis and Porsche St. Paul have also been major supporters of St. Jude. This mutually beneficial relationship developed when the dealership introduced the team to one of their customers, who wanted to support the team but chose not to promote his business on the car to the millions of fans worldwide following the series. “He was also a St. Jude supporter, so his two passions were married together, and the St. Jude logo prominently went on the Porsche’s flanks,” explained Katie Church, JDC-Miller MotorSports Operations Manager. By aligning with St. Jude, the sponsor not only supported the team but also contributed to a cause close to his heart. That was the green flag for the JDC-Miller MotorSports team to go from 0 to 206 mph with their commitment to St. Jude and its lifesaving mission: Finding cures. Saving children.®

"St. Jude is a powerful brand with a mission that resonates deeply with us," Roger Johnson, Partner Relationships Manager at JDC-Miller MotorSports explained. "Everyone we talk to knows St. Jude and appreciates the incredible work they do. A day doesn’t go by when someone in the paddock doesn’t comment ‘that’s cool’ when they see St. Jude on the side of the car.”

The Nord Stern Region of the Porsche Club of America quickly seized the opportunity to get involved. The 1,200-strong group of Porsche enthusiasts has a 25-year history of philanthropy. Jeff Eckroth, a Nord Stern Board member, said, “Aligning with St. Jude and JDC-Miller MotorSports was an easy decision. It has been something our members have gotten very excited about.”

When an opportunity arose to host a patient family at the Road America race, the JDC-Miller MotorSports team welcomed St. Jude patient Colton, his mom and his sister. The entire IMSA community, along with Porsche, supported this effort, from Colton being greeted by IMSA President John Doonan to his mom, Colleen, taking a ride around the track in a Porsche. “The photos from that day have gone viral, which is really fun to see,” Roger said.

Now a healthy 11-year-old, St. Jude paitent Colton, became a part of the racing team. He stood with the crew for the national anthem and flyover, handed out St. Jude autograph cards and joined the team behind the scenes.

The team’s commitment extends beyond the track. A remarkable fundraising effort at the shop included a silent auction, a pit stop demonstration and technical presentations of the unique hybrid-powered Porsche 963. The initiative has evolved rapidly, gaining significant traction and showcasing how passion for racing can drive substantial support for St. Jude. The other sponsors joined in to support and expand the effort. Wiha Tools, for example, not only financially supported the effort but also provided marketing support and expertise.

“For the Indianapolis race, we invited others to showcase their support for St. Jude on our car through sticker donations,” said Katie.

With donations to St. Jude, donors receive a customized LOVE RACING. STOP CANCER. sticker with an opportunity to add their message and be showcased at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway race on Sept. 22, 2024. "We were excited to bring St. Jude donors to Indy and take their message for a ride. A fun way for everyone to contribute and raise awareness for the St. Jude mission.” The effort was rewarded with a podium finish.

As JDC-Miller MotorSports races toward a future where childhood cancer is cured, the effort has significantly expanded for 2025. The sponsor who put St. Jude on the car is back on board. Porsche Minneapolis and Porsche St. Paul, Nord Stern and several JDC-Miller sponsors are hosting a large open house at the JDC-Miller MotorSports shop. The sticker program for the Indianapolis race is back in a bigger and better way.

Join the JDC-Miller MotorSports team in supporting the kids and St. Jude, as they aim to raise $85,000 in honor of their car number 85, by donating at stjude.org/jdc.