These Merry Men don’t wear green tights and swing from tree to tree in Sherwood Forest. These Merry Men drive lemons and, April 16 and 17, at Gingerman Raceway near South Haven, MI, they’ll drive lemons for a good cause – to raise funds for the Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Fund.

March 11, the northeast coast of Japan was pounded by a massive Tsunami after a 9.0 submerged earthquake occurred offshore. The latest figures estimate that 18,000 have died as a result of the natural disaster and the Japanese are still struggling to contain a crippled nuclear plant with the potential for broader damage and injury. Clearly, the Japanese can use some assistance at this time.

“This is a great cause,” said Denny Norton, one of the Merry Men and owner of Performance Unlimited auto repair service, 5415 Austin Court, Ringwood. “Of course, any excuse to race is a good excuse,” he added with a smile.

The Merry Men Team, comprised of Norton, Wayne Seely, Mike Recine, Ken Girard and Dave Johnson, is part of the Campaign to Prevent Gingevitis’ 24 Hours of Lemons.

“24 Hours of Lemons is a nationwide series of endurance races,” said Seely, a sales representative with People Helping People, a company that provides wireless and voice over telephone service, as well as health products and energy saving equipment. “All the cars in the race have to cost $500 or less. Winning the race is only half the battle. The real trick is to finish the race.”

Seely said there are two methods of contributing: signing a pledge sheet to give a certain amount per lap, or a flat amount for the Merry Men’s car. He added that 100 percent of the proceeds will go the Red Cross to help out in Japan.

To contribute to the Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Fund, visit the Merry Men at: http://www.visualhorizonsinc.com/lemons/.

For more information about Performance Unlimited, visit: www.4performanceunlimited.com.

To learn more about People Helping People, contact Wayne Seely at: www.phpico.com/powertosave.