Dr. Joseph Mattioli, Caterpillar and Ward Burton are hosting 10-year-old Todd Branas this weekend at Pocono International Raceway. Branas is a Make-A-Wish child whose wish was to drive heavy machinery. Caterpillar hosted him at its Peoria, IL, world headquarters a few weeks ago. There, Todd saw a Caterpillar Pontiac show car and recognized Ward Burton’s name when he was told Burton was the driver. Burton called Todd on the telephone a few days later, and the two chatted for 15 minutes. Burton suggested Todd attend a race at some point. Todd contacted Burton and asked about the Pocono event. Caterpillar jumped on board and arranged and paid for motel accommodations in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., for the race, as well as making arrangements with NASCAR for a pit and garage tour. Mattioli has delivered race tickets for use by Todd and his parents, Mike and Renee Branas. Burton will meet the Branas Saturday morning and spend some time with them( Williams Company )
