New Zealand’s IndyCar ace Scott Dixon heads a line-up of professional drivers who have committed to the third Dan Wheldon Memorial Pro-Am Karting Challenge at New Castle Motorsports Park in Indiana.

The September 19 event will also see Sebastian Saavedra, driver/owner Ed Carpenter and co-team owner Sarah Fisher line-up for the event in honour of Wheldon who perished in a Las Vegas crash in 2011.

As well as featuring Mazda Road to Indy drivers, the event raises funds for The Dan Wheldon Foundation and the Alzheimer’s Association.

Double Indy 500 champion Wheldon’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2008 before succumbing to the illness last year.

The event has raised over $165,000 to establish The Sue Wheldon Fund, which has supported a New Investigator Research Grant and early-stage programs of the Greater Indiana Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association as well as the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter’s care and support programs.

Up to 20 corporate-sponsored teams consisting of one professional driver and three amateur drivers are expected to take part in the karting challenge.

Professional drivers will take to the track for the final stint of the two-hour timed race.

“When we started this event in 2013, we did it to honour Dan’s legacy with support for charities that were near to his heart,” widow, Susie Wheldon said.

“I’m amazed and humbled at what we’ve accomplished in just two short years and it is exciting to see the event grow and for everyone to have such a good time raising money for the foundation and the Alzheimer’s Association.

“I really hope we can fill all 20 (sponsorship) spots this year in order to raise the bar for 2016 and continue to touch lives through Dan’s legacy.”