Target drivers change colour for Indy.

All three Target Chip Ganassi Racing drivers will wear new helmet colours in Sunday's Indianapolis 500 using designs drawn by children at the Target House in Memphis for children receiving treatment for life-threatening illnesses.

Former IRL Champion Scott Dixon, Englishman Darren Manning and IRL rookie Ryan Briscoe travelled to Memphis straight from the Indy 500 driver photo shoot in Times Square on Monday to unveil the winning helmet designs, which the drivers chose themselves.

The Target House serves as a home away from home for families with children receiving life-saving treatment at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

In the weeks leading up to the Target House visit, children participated in a helmet-designing contest that resulted in 12 final paint schemes for the drivers to choose from.

Designs were rushed to helmet painters Troy Lee Designs, Corby Concepts and Bell Helmets at the beginning of May, and finished products were delivered to the drivers last week. The drivers and team were excited about how wonderful they turned out and couldn't wait for the children's reaction.

The winning designs were unveiled by each driver at Target House before an emotionally charged and excited group of children, along with their families and members of the media.

In racing, helmet design is a very personal and sometimes superstitious thing. This weekend the Target drivers will have an added incentive knowing they will be representing not only the team, but also a charitable organisation that provided them a helmet that serves as a reflection of their personalities.

Manning, who chose a very colourful design by 10-year-old Luseane Pese (Lucy), can attest to that.

"The helmet that I chose is a beautiful design by Lucy that has a wonderful layout of rainbows and sunshine," said the pilot of the #10 Target Toyota. "The reason I chose this particular helmet design is because what I felt the design stood for. Anyone that knows me would understand that these things all fit my personality. The fact that it represents new beginnings is also why I'm looking forward to running it in the Indianapolis 500."

The brother and sister team of Maria and Fernando Hernandez combined their talents to design 2003 IndyCar Champion Dixon's helmet, Shell Vest was pleasantly surprised to have his chequered flag design chosen by IndyCar rookie Briscoe.

In honour of the helmet competition, the Target Chip Ganassi team will also donate $2,100 to Target House. Since 1997, Target Chip Ganassi Racing has raised more than $375,000 for St. Jude Children's Hospital and Target House and continues their efforts by donating $5,000 per victory; $1,000 for pole position; and $25 for each lap lead.

Ganassi's Target sponsored NASCAR driver Casey Mears is also taking part and will wear his specially designed helmet in the Coca Cola 600.