The month of October is known for its beautiful fall scenery in most places around the globe.  Leaves changing colors and the crisp cool air giving people a different feeling inside.  For Mike Janis Racing and his Mike Janis Racing Team (MJR), they have found an even more exciting reason the month of October is so beautiful.  The month of October is also known as “Breast Cancer Awareness Month.” 

As most know, Breast Cancer is a very serious topic, and MJR has put together a very unique and exciting opportunity with the help of Lucas Oil for the 2015 NHRA Toyota Nationals in Las Vegas, Nevada  October 30th  – November 1st.  Mike Janis Racing will be going pink for the NHRA Vegas and could not be more honored to represent Lucas Oil in such an exciting and meaningful way while supporting such an incredible cause.

“Where do I start” said Mike Janis, Owner/Driver at MJR?  “We are headed out to the final event in Las Vegas leading the NHRA Pro Mod world championship points in hopes of bringing home a title to all of the companies and great people who support our organization.  It is been an incredible year and we plan to give it 150% out there.  As if heading out west racing for a championship wasn't exciting enough, we are going out there with a fresh new look to support such an incredible cause: Breast Cancer Awareness.  This whole deal wouldn't have been possible without the help of Lucas Oil.  The MJR Camaro is going to be a Lucas Oil-themed car showing the support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  How much more exciting could it get?  I am just completely honored that Lucas Oil has given us the tools to create such an incredible opportunity for an amazing cause.  Winning the championship at this point would just be a bonus,” said Janis.

“Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women with statistics showing it will take over 40,000 lives this year alone,” said Mike Janis Jr., GM/Crew Chief at MJR.  “To be able to raise extra awareness through Motorsports with the help of Lucas Oil is something I am still pinching myself about.  As I have said time and time again, our MJR organization is very unique, very different, and not your slap a sticker on a car and go racing group.  We use motorsports as a way to leverage new and exciting business opportunities for ourselves and partners who support us.  There will be over 100,000 people walking around throughout the course of the weekend, not to mention the millions of people who are able to watch on the TV at home.  If we can raise awareness and save the life of just one woman through this deal, we have done our job.  You do not have to be 50 or 60 years old to be diagnosed and affected by breast cancer.  Annie Manko, a childhood friend of mine, was only 31 years old when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer.  A beautiful and healthy wife, mother of two young children was in for the battle of her life in early 2014 when she was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer, an aggressive for of breast cancer, with a high recurrence rate and high mortality rate.  Annie is just one person of many who has battle this disease, but she beat it....kicked the ever living crap out of it, and it is people like her who we are fighting for,” said Janis Jr.

“I have no family history. I do not carry the breast cancer gene,” said Manko. "Now I am a statistic. I am the "1 in 8." After six grueling months of chemotherapy, followed by a double mastectomy, I am blessed to say I am cancer free. I am a survivor.  My goal through this entire experience is to spread awareness and educate women, especially young women, about early detection and prevention. Perform a monthly self-exam, schedule a yearly mammogram, be proactive about your health and be an advocate for your own body. It can save your life.  Thank you to Tom Bogner at Lucas Oil and Mike Janis Jr. /Mike Janis Racing, Inc. at Jan-Cen Racing Engines for supporting such a great cause and allowing women like myself to spread awareness. Together, we're that much closer to finding a cure,” said a very happy and healthy Manko.

“I am really proud to be part of the Program with the Janis family, they are exactly what I look for in partnership,” said Tom Bogner, Motorsports Manager at Lucas Oil.  “They win races, test and prove our Lucas Oil products and are such a pleasure to be with at the track. I am looking forward to seeing them all in Las Vegas and go after the 2015 NHRA Pro Mod Championship.”