HOT PINK RACERS is a pop punk rock quintet from Columbus, Ohio.
Formed in 2010, the band devotes its music to raising awareness for breast cancer charities. Lead singer and guitarist Joe Cygan started the group after losing his wife, Heather, to breast cancer in 2008.
Influenced by pop punk rock acts like Green Day, Blink-182 and classics ranging from The Beatles to Johnny Cash, Hot Pink Racers played an eclectic mix of cover songs in a high-energy show. Since then, the band has developed its own sound and style and has written and recorded "With Open Eyes," a full-length, all original CD released in April 2012. (Available on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and the band's web site.)
With upbeat songs and a take-no-prisoners attitude, the group brings an element of fun along with a sense of inspiration. Also featuring Matt Stoessner (drums), Vic Erlanger (guitar), Bill Jingo (bass) and John Hetrick (keyboards), HPR played their first show at the 2010 Komen Columbus Race For The Cure. Other shows soon followed, including performances at Zoofari, Woodlands Tavern and COSI. The band has played to a wide variety of audiences and is at home in club settings, fund-raisers and family-friendly events alike.