For the Young Family of Elmhurst, Kart Racing is More Than Just a Hobby [VIDEO]

DuPage PADS has hit upon an effective, fun way to raise money, and an Elmhurst family has the mad skills to help the organization do just that.

The PADS' Drive for 55 fund-raiser is an indoor, 6-hour "enduro" kart race, and its success is demonstrated by the fact that the Sunday event had met 121 percent of its fund-raising goal as of noon Friday. That's right, the Drive set out to raise $55,000 for DuPage PADS, and pledges are at $66,000 and climbing.

Elmhurst resident Shawn Young and his family are part of that success. Shawn, his wife, Kristy, and their daughter, Isabella, are on the kart team Laps Incorporated, which won the race last year. Shawn, who is also the event organizer, said his team is hoping to reach $6,500 in donations this year, but they need the help of Elmhurst and neighboring communities to make that happen.

There is little doubt they will have another fine race finish this year, considering the professional karting background and pure athleticism of the team members. Isabella goes to Visitation School in Elmhurst, where she plays on the school basketball and volleyball teams. She's also a Team Elmhurst traveling soccer player. But her real strength? Karting. She started at age 6, and at age 11 is proud of her champion status.

Shawn has been racing karts since 1997—that's 15 years!—and Kristy has owned her own race car and raced in the Autobahn Country Club Members racing series.

Need we say more?

Eighteen race teems will compete in the event, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, at Chicago Indoor Racing 2381 W. Army Trail Road, Addison. To donate to Laps Incorporated, click here.

DuPage PADS has been helping to fight homelessness for 25 years.