this is for On-Going Auctions by foundations, some on eBay or other sites, instead of trying to keep up with them, will post the link to their main site and auctions and folks can go find out more info there....
NOTE: sometimes there will be no items up for bid, check back later
Bobby Labonte Foundation Auctions at eBAY
Dale Jr. Foundation Online Auctions: The Dale Jr. Foundation is a charity dedicated to giving underprivileged individuals with a focus on youth, the resources to improve their confidence and education, and the opportunity to achieve extraordinary goals. For the ongoing auctions, see eBay.com - dalejrfoundation
The Greg Biffle Foundation eBay Auctions: are launching frequent auctions featuring autographed items, at-track experiences, tickets, and much more and all proceeds will go to the Foundation. For more see eBay.com
Jimmie Johnson Foundation - eBay Auction's
Ryan Newman Foundation - eBay Auction's
Tony Stewart Foundation - eBay Auction's
Jeff Gordon Foundation at GoMotorBids.com
Dream Racers - Former Penske builder works to help keep kids calm during treatments: Mark Smith does magic with metal. For years, he has repaired wrecked cars, built cars from scratch and restored relics. But he sold his shop in Mooresville's Lakeside Business Park because he found something he wanted to do more. Now, he's a dreamer. He's making Dream Racers, miniature race car reproductions built from the ground up, the same way Smith helped build race vehicles at Penske Racing. They're 78 inches long, 38 inches tall and 27 inches wide, and weigh less than 100 pounds, and they sit on locking casters so they can be rolled into place. Where Dream Racers are designed to go makes them most special. They're built for children's hospitals or facilities where young patients sometimes have to remain relatively still – for chemotherapy, respiratory treatments or other procedures. A computer monitor is mounted to the hood and connected to a video game and DVD system – a diversion from the treatment a child might endure. There is a spot for an oxygen bottle and a slot on the roll cage for a pole to hold intravenous fluids. David Reutimann, driver of the #00 Toyota for Michael Waltrip Racing, saw a need for the therapeutic cars – and made the first dream come true. “When you see sick kids, it just gnaws on you,” Reutimann said. He hosts a golf tournament each year to benefit charities such as All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg, Fla., near his hometown of Zephyrhills. Kelly Sutton, who knows Smith from having competed in the NASCAR Truck Series, told Reutimann about the Dream Racer. Reutimann dedicated the proceeds from his 2008 golf tournament to pay $9,500 to get the first Dream Racer – with paint and decals like his Sprint Cup car sponsored by Aaron's – in All Children's.
“It is a fabulous device,” said Sara Barnett, a child life specialist at the hospital. “It certainly makes life a lot easier.” Children scheduled for treatments cinch up the safety belts in the Dream Racer, watch a movie or play a video game – and maybe the procedure seems to pass more quickly. The car, Barnett said, also can be used a reward for patients who cooperate through difficult treatments. “It's a little escape from what's going on in their lives,” Reutimann said. “Anything that can be done to take their minds off what's going on or distract them a little bit will help make the time go by quicker.” It takes 80 to 100 hours to build each Dream Racer. Sage Hendricks and Bill Snyder, both recently laid off at Dale Earnhardt Inc., are helping Smith build – and refine – the cars. Much of the work on the Dream Racers is done in the garage of Hendricks' house. The work is meticulous. Each piece of the car is handmade. Each weld is done by hand. The wiring is housed inside conduits, and all electronics are carefully grounded. Engineers at All Children's checked the racer Reutimann donated, and it received more than 50 points above the hospital's passing score. It has been delivered and is going through final safety checks.(Charlotte Observer) more info at childrensdreamracer.com.(2-5-2009)
Ongoing Events or Past News
Denny & Mark's Pro-Am Jam raises $135,000: The inaugural Denny & Mark's Pro-Am Jam hosted by the Student Transportation of America Education Foundation, which was held October 29-30 on Daniel Island in Charleston, SC, was a major success for a first-time event, raising $135,000. The fundraising event was hosted by NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin and Hootie & the Blowfish founding member and lead guitarist Mark Bryan in partnership with Denis Gallagher, CEO of Student Transportation, Inc., and his company's philanthropic arm, the Student Transportation of America Education Foundation (STAEF). Proceeds from the two-day event were recently donated to the charitable organizations represented by hosts Denny Hamlin, Mark Bryan and STAEF, which have a common mission in creating better opportunities for children. $45,000 was donated to STAEF led by Denis Gallagher, $45,000 was also donated to Carolina Studios led by Mark Bryan, $30,000 was donated to MUSC Children's Hospital for Cystic Fibrosis research on behalf of The Denny Hamlin Foundation and another $15,000 was donated to fund other projects and donation requests from The Denny Hamlin Foundation. Dates for the 2nd Annual Denny & Mark's Pro-Am Jam hosted by the Student Transportation of America Education Foundation have not been set yet for 2013.()(1-11-2013)
The Dale Jr. Foundation Continues Fundraising Success in 2012: The Dale Jr. Foundation (TDJF) announced the successful conclusion to its year-long fundraising efforts, which raised more than $280,000 to benefit non-profit organizations and charities on a national scale. TDJF utilized a trio of major initiatives to raise the funds, including the "Driven to Give" event, the "Win Dale Jr.'s Ride" raffle and ride-along experiences with Earnhardt Jr. "It was another great year," said Earnhardt Jr. "The people who work for TDJF are some of the hardest-working people in my entire company, and I want to thank them first and foremost. I also want to thank anyone who contributed to the raising of funds this year, whether it was through in-kind donations, purchasing raffle tickets, or bidding on auction items. All of it contributed to helping us achieve our goals." More info at thedalejrfoundation.org.(Dale Jr. Foundation)(12-25-2012)
Harvick presents car to winner of "Win Happy's Chevy": Christmas came early for one lucky winner when Kevin Harvick handed over the keys to a brand-new 2012 Chevy Camaro 2SS convertible as part of "Win Happy's Chevy," proceeds from which benefit the Kevin Harvick Foundation. Michael Gatz, from Elkhorn, Wis., won the Camaro valued at $48,280, and drove it home from the Kevin Harvick Foundation's North Carolina headquarters. Gatz had purchased the winning ticket in the second-annual raffle for which nearly 2,500 tickets were sold at $29 each. Proceeds from "Win Happy's Chevy" will be used to further the initiatives of the Kevin Harvick Foundation, whose mission is to enrich the lives of children across the country through programs such as Kevin's Krew, Chase Your Dreams Scholarships and the Kevin Harvick Athletic Scholarship Fund, among others.(Kevin Harvick Foundation)(12-24-2012)
Johnson Foundation Announces Nearly $600,000 in Education Grants: More than 6,600 students at 10 schools tuned in this morning to watch a video greeting from five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson. Johnson announced that each school had been selected to receive a 2012 Jimmie Johnson Foundation/Lowe's Toolbox for Education Champions Grant. The grants, which were awarded to schools in Chandra and Jimmie Johnson's respective hometowns of Muskogee, Okla., and El Cajon, Calif., and where they currently reside in Charlotte, N.C., totaled nearly $600,000. This brings the contributions of the Champions Grant program to more than $2.6 million.(more info at JJF)(12-14-2012)
Lorri Shealy Unumb Captures 2nd Annual Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award: During Friday night's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards at the Wynn Las Vegas – the official coronation of 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski – Lesa France Kennedy, daughter of Betty Jane France and vice chair and executive vice president of NASCAR, named Lorri Shealy Unumb, creator of "Ryan's Law", the official winner of the second annual, Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award.
As a mother of three, Unumb was deeply impacted when her oldest son, Ryan, was diagnosed with severe autism at a young age; she then learned that insurance would not cover the cost of treatment for children with autism. As a result, the 44-year-old drafted a bill – now known as "Ryan's Law" that has been enacted in 31 other states – to require insurance companies to cover treatments for autism.Unumb also founded the Autism Academy of South Carolina, a non-profit organization that protects the interests of children with the disability and helps families affected by autism.The NASCAR Foundation's donation of $100,000 will be used to create a scholarship fund to assist children who would otherwise not be able to attend the Autism Academy.
"Lorri Unumb's story is one of devotion to a child and dedication to a cause," France said, "She certainly is a most-deserving winner of our second annual award. Lori absolutely personifies what this award is about – and embodies The NASCAR Foundation mission. We are all so very proud to have her as our second recipient, as we know she will continue to fight for the rights of families living with autism."
Unumb, a 44-year-old Lexington, S.C., native and former Miss Southern 500 Pageant winnerwas chosen from a group of four finalists by a national fan vote on NASCAR.COM. Through this award, The NASCAR Foundation honors passionate NASCAR fans making an impact with children in their local communities and reflecting the commitment Betty Jane France has demonstrated with her charitable works and community efforts.
"It is hard for me to express what this gift from the NASCAR Foundation means for the Autism Academy of South Carolina," Unumb said. "This financial donation will give us the footing to build on our services and reach more children in need. We are so thankful for the awareness and recognition that The NASCAR Foundation has created for us and are grateful to everyone who voted to make this a reality."
The three semifinalists who each received a $25,000 donation to their supporting charities are: Ron Eby, of Windham, Maine, representing Camp Sunshine; Michael Jackson, of Duluth, Minn. supporting Starlight Children's Foundation; and Ali McDonough, of Wilmington, Del. backing The Andrew McDonough B+ (Be Positive) Foundation. The four finalists were selected by The NASCAR Foundation board of directors from hundreds of applicants who made a significant impact on the lives of children through volunteerism or charitable work. The announcement culminated an 8-week period during which the four finalists promoted their causes and asked for fans to vote for them to receive the top award.
The NASCAR Foundation is currently taking nominations for the 2013 Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award. The nomination application can be downloaded at NASCAR.com/foundation. The deadline for nominations is Friday, June 14, 2013.(NASCAR)(12-2-2012)
Truex talks about hurricane Sandy and his foundation: New Jersey native Martin Truex Jr. and his family were lucky. When hurricane Sandy struck the East Coast in late October, the Truex home avoided major damage, but those living close by weren't as fortunate. "My family made out very well for the situation and the area that they are in," Truex said Thursday before leaving for the NASCAR Victory Lap on the Las Vegas Strip. "They're a mile from people that lost their homes and had serious flooding and a really bad time with it. We were very fortunate that all of my close friends and family didn't have any major problems, which is great. But, at the same time a lot of people in the community are struggling. Lost houses and things and places where I grew up going to, like the Jersey shore, right there is just in shambles. We're trying to do all we can to help. My foundation set up a fund, and we've raised I think over $150,000 up to this week, and we're starting to disperse those funds to families and help people that really need it."
Given his non-stop late-season schedule, Truex hasn't had a chance to visit his home state since the hurricane, but his charitable work has arrived ahead of him. "We took a truck load of supplies up there two weeks ago, I think, and we're getting ready to do another one. Just trying to help as much as we can, giving back and trying to get those people on their feet, because it was a tough time for them. No, I haven't been back, and I won't be probably until Christmas. That will be really our first time. We've been so busy it's been hard to get away."(NASCAR Wire Service)(12-2-2012)
Dale Earnhardt Foundation Awards $2 Million Gift: The Dale Earnhardt Foundation has awarded a $2 million gift to the Girl Scouts, Hornets' Nest Council in support of the development of the Council's 700-acre Oak Springs property, which serves as a retreat for Girl Scouts and their leaders from throughout an eight-county Carolinas region. In recognition of the gift, which is the largest ever granted by the foundation and the largest single gift ever received by the Hornets' Nest Council, the campus at Oak Springs will be named the Dale Earnhardt Environmental Leadership Campus in honor of the legendary NASCAR driver. The foundation's grant will be used to help fund the ongoing development of the Oak Springs property, including a 25-acre lake under construction. The Girl Scouts retreat, which is located in Iredell County, features heavy forestation, diverse wildlife, broad open areas, natural water sources and rolling terrain. The property includes the former site of a skeet shooting range that was a long-time favorite of Mr. Earnhardt's.(Dale Earnhardt Foundation)(11-16-2012)
Pennzoil helps Paralyzed Veterans of America: on Sunday at Phoenix International Raceway, Pennzoil announced the donation of three retro-fitted Dodge vehicles to three paralyzed veterans as part of the brand's Long Love Cars campaign, which celebrates the common themes associated with automotive passion, including music and freedom, as well as sharing the joy with others. The vehicles were presented at a ceremony on Veteran's Day prior to the 500-mile race at Phoenix International Raceway. The three veterans were selected from hundreds and received a vehicle of their choosing, retro-fitted to their specific needs.
To help injured veterans regain their driving independence, the makers of Pennzoil donated $100,000 to the Paralyzed Veterans of America to support the organization's Mission:ABLE program to retro-fit vehicles for injured veterans through the Long Love Cars Contest. Alongside the Long Love Cars contest, Pennzoil donated a portion of each qualifying Pennzoil motor oil purchase at Dollar General stores to the Paralyzed Veterans, which generated an additional $50,000 donation. The three recipients were: Jason Morgan, Lonn Cunningham and Ronald Courteau Jr. See images and more info at PVA.org and/or Pennzoil's Facebook page.(Pennzoil PR)(11-12-2012)
Waltrip Brothers' Charity Championship most successful yet: Last week's Third Annual Waltrip Brothers' Charity Championship was the most successful yet, raising more than $350,000 for Motor Racing Outreach (MRO) and Feed The Children. The two-day fundraiser organized by NASCAR brothers Darrell and Michael Waltrip and comprised of the Champion's Dinner presented by Hendrickcars.com and a golf tournament in Franklin, Tenn., far exceeded donations from the previous two years' events. Several top names from the NASCAR, country music, sports and entertainment world were on hand and lent their support not only with their participation but with their donations of autographed items for auction. Country music superstars Brad Paisley and Darius Rucker performed for the crowd at the opening night's Champion's Dinner presented by Hendrickcars.com at The Factory, while sports icons Shaquille O'Neal and Eddie George, four-time IZOD IndyCar Series champion Dario Franchitti and NASCAR driver Mark Martin also were in attendance. NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin played in the next day's golf tournament.
"Michael and I had a vision four years ago to raise money for our favorite charities, so we set out to organize the best golf tournament NASCAR had ever seen," Darrell Waltrip said. "After three years, I think we've reached our goal, and we did so with the help of folks like Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, Shaq, Eddie George, Dario Franchitti and many NASCAR drivers and personalities. With spotlights and cameras flashing and the red carpet rolled out, it was just like Hollywood right here in Franklin, but MRO and Feed The Children were the real stars in the end."
"I literally was blown away by the outpouring of support we received this year," Michael Waltrip added. "We couldn't be prouder of what was accomplished this year, and we extend an enormous 'thanks' to everyone who made our Charity Championship a must-attend event in the coming years. We couldn't have done it without the help of each and every person." The Waltrips already have set next year's Fourth Annual Waltrip Brothers' Charity Championship for Oct. 23-24 in Franklin. For further information or to inquire as to how you may attend or assist, please contact Van Colley at vancolley@waltripbrothers.com.(11-3-2012)
Special scheme for Truex Jr. and relief effort for Hurricane Sandy: #56 NAPA Auto Parts driver Martin Truex Jr. is leading the charge in the cleanup process from Hurricane Sandy. Truex said he's stunned by the damage to his hometown of Mayetta, N.J. and in the surrounding areas wrought by this week's hurricane.
Now he's calling on his and all NASCAR fans to join in the relief effort. His Martin Truex Jr. Foundation is collecting monetary donations and donators are asked to visit his website at martintruexjrfoundation.org to help.
"I want the people of Mayetta and everyone back East impacted by Sandy to know that I'm thinking about them and will do whatever possible to provide relief quickly," Truex said. "My family, my friends, and everyone impacted by this disaster are in our thoughts. I'm humbled by the generosity of the NASCAR community and want to thank each of you in advance for contributing to our relief effort." Truex and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway on Sunday in the seventh of the sport's Chase for the Championship. The Michael Waltrip Racing driver is seventh in points — 63 points out of first. His #56 Carlyle Tools by NAPA Toyota will carry a special decal calling attention to the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation's fundraising effort.(MWR), see an image of the Carlyle Tools by NAPA scheme on my #56 Team Schemes page.(10-31-2012)
Jamie McMurray Foundation to Donate Greenery for Joplin MO: The Jamie McMurray Foundation announced that it will provide the greenery for homes in Joplin, MO. The homes are being built as part of the recovery efforts in the wake of the EF5 tornado that ravaged NASCAR driver Jamie McMurray's hometown on May 22, 2011. The donation is to support Missouri Governor Jay Nixon's, Joplin Challenge with Habitat for Humanity. McMurray will donate all of the shrubs and trees that will be planted around the houses in the NASCAR neighborhood in Joplin as part of this initiative. McMurray offered his support to Gov. Nixon's Joplin Challenge when he first learned of the effort to build the 35 new homes in seven neighborhoods. Each neighborhood is assigned a sponsor among the major athletic organizations in Missouri including the following: St. Louis Blues (NHL), St. Louis Cardinals (MLB), St. Louis Rams (NFL), Kansas City Royals (MLB), Kansas City Chiefs (NFL), University of Missouri and a partnership of NASCAR Unites and Kansas Speedway.
Notes of Interest:
" The challenge, in partnership with Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity and Missouri's major athletic organizations, aims to build 35 new homes in the heart of Joplin during 2012 to provide continued aid to the city's recovery.
" Gov. Nixon's administration will provide a $3.6 million Community Development Block Grant to support construction and organizational management, as well as pave the way for future builds.
" Donations to support the Joplin Challenge can still be made by visiting www.joplinchallenge.mo.gov . The Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity is also accepting in-kind donations to help build homes in Joplin during the Governor's Joplin Challenge and beyond.
" In April NASCAR also committed through its participation in the 2012 Governor's Joplin Habitat Challenge, by donating 100 trees to be planted in conjunction with its green initiatives.(EGR)(10-18-2012)
Kevin Harvick Foundation awards full-ride scholarship: Harvick, a wrestling standout in high school, presented the Kevin Harvick Athletic Scholarship to Nick Heilmann, marking the first stage of the Kevin Harvick Foundation's three-year commitment for an annual, full scholarship to UNC for one need-based student athlete.
"Athletics -- wrestling in particular -- were a huge part of my life for so long and helped strengthen me both physically and mentally," Harvick said. "Therefore, it is very important to DeLana (wife) and me to support a student athlete who really could use the financial help and do a little something to possibly change his life for the better. People who helped me along the way, whether in wrestling or racing, played a big role in molding the person I have become. We're hoping Nick benefits in a similar manner." The Kevin Harvick Athletic Scholarship is intended to enable collegiate student athletes to pursue their dreams of obtaining an undergraduate degree while participating in athletics. The University of North Carolina is the second college with whom the Kevin Harvick Foundation has partnered to provide scholarships to student athletes. The first was awarded in 2010 at California State University-Bakersfield, Harvick's hometown. Harvick wrestled at North High in Bakersfield, and donated money and raised funds in 2008 to refurbish the school's wrestling room after its condemnation. Upon his arrival at UNC on Monday, Harvick toured the wrestling team's facility and addressed the athletes. Following the scholarship presentation to Heilmann, Harvick served as an honorary coach for the 20 wrestling team members who battled in the "Rumble in the Pit" for starting positions on this year's squad.(Kevin Harvick Foundation)(10-16-2012)
Martin Truex Jr. Foundation raises over $200k: The Martin Truex Jr. Foundation 3rd Annual Fan Event presented by Sea Watch International and 5th Annual Golf Tournament and Dinner presented by NAPA AUTO PARTS raised more than $200,000 this year, setting a new record for the flagship events. Proceeds from these events will go towards the foundations various community programs and initiatives including the construction of the Martin Truex Jr. Pediatric Care Center at Southern Ocean Medical Center in New Jersey, feeding Iredell County, NC children through the Backpack Program and supporting children and their families through the "Martin Truex Jr. Special Needs Fund" at Levine Children's Hospital in Charlotte, NC. Since its inception in 2007, more than $750,000 has been raised.(Martin Truex Jr. Foundation)(10-14-2012)
Pastrana Wins Better Half Dash: As her beaming husband said as he watched her drive into Victory Lane, Lyn-Z Adams Hawkins Pastrana is "pretty good with the wheeled stuff." An eight-time X Games medalist in skateboarding, Pastrana bested 11 other "better halves" of the NASCAR community in Thursday's 25-lap event benefitting Speedway Children's Charities and Motor Racing Outreach. Pastrana and her husband, motocross ace and NASCAR rookie Travis Pastrana, are both into just about anything with wheels, so perhaps her prowess shouldn't have come so unexpectedly. "We do like to go karting," Lyn-Z said. "If we see a track when we're driving we go there, for sure, and I'm just starting to figure out how to take the corners." Pastrana looked like a seasoned veteran, in the corners and everywhere else. After starting second, she began looking to pass leader and polesitter Wendy Venturini on lap four but couldn't clear her. Pastrana patiently waited several laps before cleanly passing Venturini for the lead. She held on to the lead for the remainder of the race, even as many of the other drivers tangled. Jacquelyn Butler, fiancée of David Ragan finished second.(CMS)(10-12-2012)
Betty Jane France Award finalists revealed: Ron Eby, Michael Jackson, Ali McDonough, and Lorri Shealy Unumb have been selected as the four national finalists for the 2012 Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award . Each of the finalists is guaranteed a $25,000 donation to their cause from The NASCAR Foundation, with the national winner being awarded $100,000. The award honors the unwavering commitment that Betty Jane France has demonstrated with her philanthropic and community efforts. The award is granted annually to one passionate NASCAR fan that has made a profound impact on children in his or her local community. NASCAR fans, friends and families are encouraged to vote for their favorite humanitarian by logging on to NASCAR.com/award between now and midnight ET on November 29, 2012. The finalist who amasses the most votes will be declared the national winner, and will be announced by France live on stage during the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards at Wynn Las Vegas on November 30. The victor will also win a 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid. To learn more about the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award and each of the finalists, visit NASCAR.com/award.(NASCAR Foundation)(9-14-2012)
Lowe's to donate $133,000 to Red Cross: Lowe's announced it will donate $133,966 to support American Red Cross relief efforts in response to Hurricane Isaac. As part of Lowe's Racing for Relief program, Lowe's matched the earnings of five-time Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson from Sunday's NASCAR race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Johnson and Hendrick Motorsports together will donate an additional $48,000 to the Red Cross. The donations will help provide food, shelter, emotional support and other assistance to those affected by Hurricane Isaac. In addition, Lowe's stores throughout the United States are accepting donations to the Red Cross at every register. Since partnering with the Red Cross in 1999, Lowe's and its customers have contributed more than $23 million for disaster relief. To date, Racing for Relief has raised more than $750,000. In addition to Racing for Relief and Lowe's customer donation program, Lowe's Heroes will continue to distribute critically needed relief supplies and work alongside The First Response Team of America as it responds to Hurricane Isaac. In June, Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation awarded a $250,000 grant to the First Response Team, a nonprofit organization dedicated to working with local agencies to help save lives following natural disasters. To join Lowe's in its disaster relief efforts, make a donation to the American Red Cross at your nearest Lowe's store or at Lowe's American Red Cross Online Donation Site. Donors also can text REDCROSS to 90999 or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).(HMS)(9-5-2012)
Chevrolet Donates $6200 to American Cancer Society: Thirty-one caution laps in Sunday night's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Advocare 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway netted a donation of $6,200 to the American Cancer Society on behalf of Chevrolet. Chevy pledged to make a donation to the American Cancer Society in the amount of $200 for every caution lap that the specially themed 'Making Strides Against Breast Cancer' pink Camaro SS paced the field during Sunday night's race at AMS. Six caution flags produced the 31 laps during the 327-lap event on September 2, 2012.(Team Chevy)(9-5-2012)
Gordon and the Aflac Cancer Center Kick-It for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: September is an important month in the childhood cancer community. It recognizes the patients, survivors and fighters who fall victim to pediatric cancer. Jeff Gordon, Jeff Gordon Children's Foundation and Kick-It have honored this special month by hosting a kickball game at Atlanta Motor Speedway. On the front stretch of Turn 4, Gordon alongside team captains Jeff Gluck and Nate Ryan rallied their kickball teams with media personalities and pediatric cancer patients and/or survivors from the Aflac Cancer Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Fans from the grandstands watched as their favorite team launched the kickball into the field and ran the bases for a win. "I feel honored to have survivors and patients from the Aflac Cancer Center here with me today. We are going to have fun, play kickball and most importantly kick kids cancer," said Gordon. This past June, Gordon challenged supporters and fans to hold as many kickball games as possible the month of September with the promise that he would match all funds raised from games played. "This is a devastating disease for not only the children affected but for the families," Gordon said. "We need to further research to ultimately find a cure. We hope through our Kick-It program we can raise enough funds to reach that goal." To learn more about the Childhood Cancer Awareness month and our Kick-It program visit www.jeffgordonchildrensfoundation.org.(JGCF)(9-3-2012)
Code 3 Associates, who will sponsor the #39 at Kansas, helps Hurricane Isaac victims: Code 3 Associates, Inc., a non-profit animal rescue organization based in Longmont, Colorado, has been deployed at the request of, and in cooperation with, the Louisiana State Animal Request Team (LASART). The initial response will be to stage in the Little Rock, Arkansas area. Officials in McComb, Louisiana are warning the 50,000 to 60,000 residents, who could be impacted, of the likelihood of an imminent breech of the Lake Tangipahoa Dam. Initial tasking needs expressed by officials could include both animal and human water rescue operations, which the team is trained in, and certified for. Code 3's full-time four person disaster response team left Longmont at approximately 11:00am this morning with their 83 foot tractor trailer, named BART (Big Animal Rescue Truck). BART carries the rescue team's safety equipment, animal rescue equipment, and both land and water based rescue vehicles. Additionally, BART is designed and equipped to support nine people in a zero resource environment for up to ten days. The Ryan Newman Foundation is working closely with Code 3 as they determine what areas and animal organizations affected by the hurricane need help. Pet food and supplies will be shipped out as early as next week. To make a donation towards supplies visit ryannewmanfoundation.org and click the "donate" tab. For more information on Code 3 visit code3associates.org.(9-1-2012)
NASCAR D-Day 60th Anniversary Show Car Returns to the National D-Day Memorial: The National D-Day Memorial received some very special guests last Friday: three staff members from the Bank of America motorsports team transported the MBNA show car that was created in honor of the 60th Anniversary of D-Day and the MBNA 400 "A SALUTE TO HEROES" race at Dover International Speedway on June 6, 2004. The car came for a visit shortly after that race, but the visit was different … the car will now reside in Bedford, VA. Bank of America has agreed to donate the car to the Foundation so that it can be displayed at special events at the Memorial, in the community and the greater NASCAR audience. Bearing a distinct military and D-Day theme with the words "We will accept nothing less than full victory," the car also sports the Memorial's logo on both rear quarter panels. This is an accurate replica of the #18 car Bobby Labonte drove for Joe Gibbs Racing during the Dover race.
Jeffrey R. Fulgham, the Foundation's Vice-President for Finance and Development said "This is a very exciting day for all of us. The Foundation played a significant role in the 60th anniversary race and was instrumental in helping to develop the paint scheme for this car. There are many opportunities to use the car in promoting the Memorial throughout the region. We extend our sincere gratitude to the great team at Bank of America Motorsports for their support and commitment to the Memorial.
For more information about the National D-Day Memorial, and its mission and programs, please visit www.dday.org.(8-23-2012)
NASCAR Foundation announces new Executive Director: The NASCAR Foundation has announced Lorene King will serve as its new executive director. The announcement was made during the unveiling of the new The NASCAR Foundation emblem at the International Motorsports Center in Daytona Beach, Fla., marking the foundation's official headquarters move to the birthplace of NASCAR. King, who assumes her duties immediately, joins The NASCAR Foundation after having served seven years as senior director of corporate alliances at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., where she developed, coordinated and executed successful fundraising and cause marketing strategies like the annual Thanks and Giving campaign, a leading initiative for the organization. During her tenure at St. Jude, King also helped lead integrated program analysis and strategic planning. The move marks a homecoming for King, who grew up in the Daytona Beach area. As executive director, King will report to the foundation's Board of Directors and will oversee the organization's efforts to increase volunteer opportunities, and steer charitable giving on behalf of The NASCAR Foundation.(NASCAR)(8-21-2012)
Childress to be featured in PSA: The Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma is airing its first public service announcement to raise awareness about the No. 1 killer of children in America - serious injury. The PSA will run on select cable channels in Charter Communications' service areas throughout the U.S. July 23-August 19 and feature RCR team owner Richard Childress. More info at RCRRacing.com.(7-27-2012)
NASCAR Foundation Reaches $1 Million Donated To Speediatrics: The NASCAR Foundation presented its annual $150,000 donation on Wednesday to the NASCAR-themed Speediatrics Unit of the Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach, raising its total contributions to the unit to more than $1 million since the partnership was established in 2006. The mission of The NASCAR Foundation's Speediatrics program is to create a healing environment where children always come first. Through its support of the unit, the foundation continues to help children suffering from illnesses lead healthier and happier lives through state-of-the-art medical care and a strong recovery process, all in an energetic, colorful environment. France led the check presentation during a special ceremony at Halifax Health Medical Center's Speediatrics Unit. Attendees included NASCAR President Mike Helton, NASCAR Vice Chairwoman and Executive Vice President and International Speedway Corporation Chief Executive Officer Lesa France Kennedy, Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood, The NASCAR Foundation Board of Directors, Halifax Health CEO Jeff Feasel and Daytona Beach Mayor Glenn Ritchey. The Speediatrics unit is a NASCAR-themed 32-bed pediatric unit, a pediatric emergency department and a five-bed pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) located in Halifax Health Medical Center.(NASCAR Foundation)(7-27-2012)
NASCAR Foundation Finalizes Single Largest Donation to a Pediatric Oncology Unit: The NASCAR Foundation announced its final installment of $100,000 as part of a record donation to Shands Hospital for Children at the University of Florida in Gainesville. In partnership with the V Foundation for Cancer Research, the commitment totaled $500,000 – the single largest donation that The NASCAR Foundation has been a part of to support a new pediatric oncology unit. Each foundation committed $250,000 toward the 18-bed inpatient unit that serves approximately 14 pediatric patients a day. The unit cares for an estimated 288 patients annually. Among the diseases treated and operations performed in the unit are cancer, bone-marrow transplants, organ transplants, rheumatology/immunology conditions and sickle cell disease. "The V Foundation remains committed to fighting pediatric cancer," said Nick Valvano, CEO of The V Foundation. "We are thrilled to partner with The NASCAR Foundation to beat this disease." The V Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to saving lives by helping to find a cure for cancer, has a well-established record of supporting cancer research.(NASCAR)(7-13-2012)
Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma Featured on Betty Crocker Packaging at all Kroger Stores: The Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma will be featured on six Betty Crocker packages at all Kroger stores around the United States as part of the "Bake for a Better Tomorrow" campaign. Packaging will be in stores beginning June 19. The special-edition packaging features NASCAR owner Richard Childress and his wife Judy Childress, co-founders of the Childress Institute, as well as Jeff Burton, driver of the #31 Wheaties Chevrolet in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. "Betty Crocker is all about family and great recipes and is proud to support the Childress Institute," said Kelly Kaiser with General Mills. "We are donating $15,000 to the Childress Institute to support this cause very near and dear to our friend Richard Childress' heart."
"The Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma is grateful to General Mills and their Betty Crocker brand for helping us raise awareness about the No. 1 killer of children in America," said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing and co-founder of the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma. "More than 12,000 kids die every year from serious injuries, which is more than all other causes combined. No matter the age of the child, or the cause of injury, The Childress Institute wants to help all children have a better tomorrow by promoting a model level of care from the point of injury through treatment and recovery."
The Childress Institute is thanking fans for their support by launching the Race Weekend Sweepstakes. The winner will receive a weekend travel package for two to the Cup race on October 7, 2012, including plane tickets, garage passes, tickets in the stands, and hotel accommodations. The approximate retail value of the Grand Prize is $3,000. To enter, visit the Childress Institute on Twitter @injuredkids, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ChildressPediatricTrauma, or online at www.ChildressPediatricTrauma.org. The sweepstakes will run from June 19 through July 31, 2012, and the winner will be selected and notified by August 7, 2012.
"General Mills is an outstanding partner in racing and they are just as passionate about improving the lives of children," said Burton. "My wife Kim and I are proud to support the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma through the 'Bake for a Better Tomorrow' campaign."
In addition to learning more about the Childress Institute, consumers can enter for a chance to win a $500 Kroger Gift Card and also download recipes at bakeforabettertomorrow.com. Visit www.kroger.com to locate a Kroger store to purchase Betty Crocker products in support of the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma. For more information about Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma, please visit www.ChildressPediatricTrauma.org.(6-22-2012)
Johnson Foundation Golf Tournament Presented by Lowe’s Tops $650,000: The Sixth Annual Jimmie Johnson Foundation Golf Tournament and Dinner Auction presented by Lowe’s raised more than $650,000, setting a new event record. Proceeds from the tournament will be distributed to schools in need through the Jimmie Johnson Foundation/Lowe’s Toolbox for Education Champions Grants program. “This is an incredible event,” said Johnson, who grew up in El Cajon, Calif. “I love coming back to southern California and being able to connect with our sponsors, partners and friends, while raising money to fund incredible school projects.”
Johnson and his wife Chandra hosted 120 golfers at The Grand Del Mar in San Diego for Wednesday’s golf tournament, including NASCAR drivers Brian Vickers and Juan Pablo Montoya, NHRA driver Ron Capps and seven-time Supercross champion Jeremy McGrath. A dinner and live auction were held Tuesday evening featuring students from Mission Bay High School and Marston Middle School. In 2010, Mission Bay High School received a Champions Grant of nearly $40,000 to revamp their outdated computer lab and print shop. The same year, Marston Middle School received a Champions Grant of nearly $50,000 to upgrade their 53-year-old woodshop.
In a fitting tribute to the work of the Jimmie Johnson Foundation, the City of San Diego declared June 19, Jimmie Johnson Foundation Day. The tournament, which in six years has raised more than $3 million, focuses on the Champions Grants program, a partnership between the Jimmie Johnson Foundation and Lowe’s Toolbox for Education. The grants range from $25,000-$100,000 and are distributed to K-12 educational programs in Chandra and Jimmie Johnson’s hometowns in Oklahoma and California, and where they currently reside in North Carolina. For more information, visit www.jimmiejohnsonfoundation.org.(6-20-2012)
Ryan Newman Foundation Helps Reunite Soldier with Dog: The Ryan Newman Foundation is helping fly a dog home to be with his Soldier owner who lives 3,000 miles away. The assistance was prompted by an email regarding a dog saved by US soldiers in Afghanistan and the request for help with his transport home. The Ryan Newman Foundation immediately agreed to assist other animal groups and get the lonely boy from New York to his owner in Washington State. Trigger, a 70 pound stray saved by US soldiers in Afghanistan, began his new life as an all-American dog in February after arriving at JFK Airport. Trigger's new leash on life came courtesy of Guardians of Rescue, the group which provided the funds to bring him from Kabul to their rescue based in Port Jefferson, Long Island in New York. Trigger's final homecoming is scheduled for March 9th. Much more info and video's at ryannewmanfoundation.org.(3-8-2012)
The NASCAR Foundation To Establish Headquarters In Daytona Beach: The NASCAR Foundation, "The Heart of NASCAR," is moving to the birthplace of the stock car sanctioning body. NASCAR President Mike Helton announced that NASCAR's charitable arm will relocate to Daytona Beach, Fla., in the later part of the 2012 race season. The NASCAR Foundation's new location will be the International Motorsports Center, the corporate headquarters for NASCAR, International Speedway Corporation and GRAND-AM Road Racing. The move will include the relocation of some of the foundation's current employees based in Charlotte, N.C., as well as a nationwide search for a new executive director. Sandy Marshall, the foundation's current executive director, will remain with the organization until a new leader is secured. The foundation will continue to maintain a strong presence in Charlotte to serve teams, drivers and industry members in their charitable endeavors. The NASCAR Foundation, organized in 2006, embodies the compassion of the NASCAR Family and its commitment to serving communities. The NASCAR Foundation seeks to raise funds and increase volunteerism to support nonprofit charities and charitable causes throughout the nation with an emphasis placed on initiatives that affect the ability of children to live, learn and play. Since 2006, The NASCAR Foundation has donated more than $13 million to charitable organizations and helped provide medical treatment for more than 24,000 children annually at Speediatrics children's care units at Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach and Homestead (Fla.) Hospital. In addition, the foundation has fulfilled more than 600 "NASCAR Dreams," sent more than 1,100 kids to Victory Junction Gang Camp, recruited 12,000 fans to become part of a Volunteer Network and created educational opportunities for school-aged students that help to engage them in science and engineering programs.(NASCAR)(2-11-2012)
Johnson Teams Up For Technology Grant: Five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson announced that Robert Sanders Elementary School in San Jose, Calif. is the recipient of the inaugural Team Up for Technology grant, a partnership between the Jimmie Johnson Foundation, Lowe’s and Samsung Hope for Children. Johnson announced the awarding of the grant through a video message to students and faculty gathered around a laptop computer provided by the foundation. The $48,000 Team Up For Technology grant will allow the school to purchase the technology it needs to be able to share such videos on a projection screen for the entire student body. The Team Up For Technology program encourages parents, teachers, administrators and children’s advocates nationwide to nominate their school to receive a technology makeover. In its first year, more than 1,500 nominations were received through the foundation’s website (www.jimmiejohnsonfoundation.org) and Twitter account (www.twitter.com/jjfoundation48). Schools selected as Team Up For Technology semi-finalists were given a prize kit that included a Samsung Digital Camcorder and Samsung Laptop to create a two minute video illustrating their school’s technology needs. Robert Sanders Elementary was selected as the winner from a challenging group of finalists, including Brawley Middle School (Mooresville, NC), Breckenridge Elementary School (Breckenridge, MO), Claxton High School (Claxton, GA), Fair Grove Middle School (Fair Grove, MO), North Buncombe High School (Weaverville, NC), and Woodland Heights Elementary School (Mooresville, NC).(JJF)(2-3-2012)
Irwin Jr. Dare to Dream Camp to close: The New Castle, IN-area The Kenny Irwin Jr. Foundation's Dare to Dream Camp for underprivileged, at-risk, neglected and abused children was supposed to carry on for years to come, just like the racing career of its namesake, Kenny Irwin Jr. But the camp is coming to an end 11 years after the passing of the popular Indianapolis driver killed July 7, 2000, in a NASCAR Cup Series crash at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The former U.S. Auto Club midget champion and NASCAR Rookie of the Year was 30 years old. The Kenny Irwin Jr. Foundation's Dare to Dream Camp, which hosts a minimum of 300 children a year and about 4,000 over the past eight years, grew from Irwin's love of children. His parents learned after his fatal crash that he had paid hospital bills of children they didn't even know. The camp gave children a week to forget the challenges in their lives, making them feel special, loved and wanted. They were allowed to eat as much as they wanted, with some having ice cream for the first time. They could play basketball, miniature golf and swim while sharing new adventures. "We could take a tragedy in our life and make something good of it," Irwin's father, Kenny Sr., said of the camp.
But keeping things going became too much of a physical challenge for the Irwins. Kenny's mother, Reva, has endured a series of heart procedures in the past year-plus, leading to the decision to sell the camp. "We're both 65, and it's beyond our ability to take care of the camp like we did," Kenny Sr. said Thursday afternoon. "I normally took care of all the maintenance, and in fact I'm out here right now mowing all the property. Reva took care of all the bookwork, bringing the kids in, taking care of campers, and she just told me she couldn't do it anymore. And I can't do it without her." It is a 45-mile drive from the Irwins' longtime home in Lawrence to the camp, which has five buildings, cabins, a six-acre lake, pool, sports fields and 100 campsites on 27 acres along I-70. The foundation had many financial donors over the years, including Bob Bahre and his family, former owners of the New Hampshire track. Two potential buyers toured the property this week, including a church group. If it's still unsold, an auction is scheduled Sept. 14. The Irwins won't stop helping children, though. The foundation that Reva and their three grown daughters operate plans to pay to send 150 children per year to three one-week camps around the country.(Indianapolis Star)(8-19-2011)
General Sadler to be honored at SCC Gala: On Friday, May 25, retired U.S. Air Force Major General Thomas M. Sadler, executive director of Speedway Children's Charities (SCC), will be honored at the 32nd annual NRA Foundation Speedway Children's Charities Gala. Sadler is being recognized for his dedication to Speedway Children's Charities' mission of helping children in educational, financial, social and medical need. Mike Joy, principal race announcer for NASCAR on FOX, will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the program. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the grant program of the Charlotte Chapter of SCC and will be awarded to local non-profit organizations that help children in need. For more information on the 32nd annual NRA Foundation Speedway Children's Charities Gala see charlotte.speedwaycharities.org.(CMS)(5-25-2012)
Foreigner Benefit Concert Raises $30,000: Foreigner raised nearly $30,000 with four select auction items, including a unique on-stage serenade by lead singer Kelly Hansen, during Monday night's Foreigner Acoustique: Classics Unplugged concert to benefit Speedway Children's Charities-Texas at the Flying Saucer in Fort Worth's Sundance Square. The serenade was the top-selling auction item as it fetched $9,500 for Hansen to serenade the winning bidder on the Flying Saucer's outdoor patio stage with Foreigner's mega-hit, "Waiting For A Girl Like You" as band members Jeff Pilson and Tom Gimbel played acoustic guitars. Foreigner will continue their charitable ways prior to Saturday evening's Samsung Mobile 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway, where they will perform the event's pre-race concert beginning at 4:30 p.m. CT. From 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., Speedway Children's Charities-Texas volunteers, wearing red shirts, will be selling a combination package of the Foreigner Extended Version CD and a Foreigner/SCC t-shirt for just $20 that also will benefit the charity.(TMS)(4-11-2012)
Ryan Newman Foundation Assisting with Relief Efforts for Displaced Animals from Recent Tornadoes: The Ryan Newman Foundation is reaching out to all animal lovers for help in getting much needed supplies to our four-legged friends in need. The devastating tornadoes that ripped through Indiana and Kentucky last week have torn apart communities. They left many animals displaced from their owners and left others in need of supplies and medical attention. As a result, the Ryan Newman Foundation will be taking donations to help those areas hit the hardest. In light of this recent tragedy, the Ryan Newman Foundation is dedicated to working closely with area representatives of the Humane Society of the United States in order to get exactly what is needed to local organizations. "It’s hard to believe that we are back in this situation and reaching out to the public for donations again,” said Ryan Newman Foundation vice president Krissie Newman. "It brings me back to the sadness of last year when tornadoes hit a number of states and left behind so many animals looking for their owners and in great need of help. I can't begin to imagine what the families who lost loved-ones and everything they own are going through. Among the tragedy, many pets have lost their owners or are lost themselves and looking for comfort. We can use all the help we can get from NASCAR fans and pet lovers to raise money and collect donations for our mission." Your support will allow us to transport much needed care to pets affected from by this tragedy:
Items requested are:
Dog Food- small bags, and moist cases needed most
Cat Food- small bags, and moist cases needed most
Crates of all sizes
Water
Dog beds & bowls
Towels
Treats
Cat litter
Bleach, paper towels & other cleaning supplies
Office Supplies- copy paper and sharpie markers
Latex gloves
Gauze
Hand soap & dish soap
Kleenex
Pet Shampoo, regular formula (NOT flea formula)
Yellow professional mop buckets
Three designated drop off locations have been established in North Carolina:
Ryan Newman Motorsports
165 Jennings Road
Statesville, NC 28625
Phone: 704-876-4776
Hours for drop off: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Friday (Someone will be on site to assist with donations)
Donations accepted beginning Wednesday, March 7th
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Humane Society of Iredell County
110 Robinson Road
Mooresville, NC 28115
Phone: 704-663-3330
Hours for drop off: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Monday - Friday (Someone will be on site to assist with donations)
Donations accepted beginning Wednesday, March 7th
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Humane Society of Charlotte
2700 Toomey Avenue
Charlotte, NC 28023
Phone: 704-377-0534
Hours for drop off: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Sunday
Donations accepted beginning Wednesday, March 7th
If you would like to make a monetary donation to the relief efforts, please visit www.ryannewmanfoundation.org.(3-7-2012)
Future Non-Profit Animal Facility in Iredell County Holds First Phase Ground Breaking Ceremony: NASCAR Driver Ryan Newman and wife Krissie began discussing plans for an animal rescue facility in Iredell County a few years ago, and the first step in the process took place a couple of miles from their home in Statesville, NC. The facility is called “Rescue Ranch” and will lay on 87 acres off NC Highway 21 and has been a dream of Krissie’s. The Ranch will have similarities to the Helen Woodward Animal Center in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. where a good friend Mike Arms is the President. The facility will have a number of phases; the first consisting of offices and classrooms. Future phases will consist of a boarding facility, veterinary clinic, horse stalls and pastures, riding trails, educational camps and a small animal and creepy/crawly building.
“Building a rescue facility has been something I’ve wanted to do for some time,” said Krissie who is the vice president of the Ryan Newman Foundation and sits on the Board of Directors for the Humane Society of Iredell County. “Ryan and I are big animal lovers and want to educate people, mainly children why it’s important to spay and neuter their pets, but also give them the tools on how to care for pets. Giving the opportunity to see different animals and critters allows children to have a better understanding about being a caregiver and also helps with self esteem and the way they might treat people as they get older.”
Leading pet food maker, Iams, is a proud supporter of the Ryan Newman Foundation. Both organizations are dedicated to helping animals.
“The entire team at Iams is thrilled to see the Rescue Ranch become a reality for the Ryan Newman Foundation and for the many animals that will benefit from this amazing facility,” said Jason Taylor, external relations manager for P&G Pet Care. “Like the Newman’s, we share a passion for improving the lives of animals and congratulate them on today’s ground breaking.”
The first phase of the project has been awarded to Mooresville based R.L. Smith, Inc. owned by Ronnie Smith. The projected completion date is early fall 2012. “My wife Lee and I have been supporters of the Ryan Newman Foundation from the beginning,” Smith noted. “We are huge animal lovers and honored to be part of Rescue Ranch and the building of phase one. The facility is something that I believe our county will be proud of and I commend Ryan and Krissie for their efforts.” Non-profit 501c (3) paperwork is being established. Until all paperwork is complete, the facility will be placed as a project of the Ryan Newman Foundation which the Newman’s started in 2005. Grants will be applied for to maintain many of the facilities programs.(Ryan Newman Foundation)(1-31-2012)
Newman Foundation Charity Events Raise $333,000: The 7th Annual Ryan Newman Foundation Charity Dinner and 6th Annual Charity Fishing Tournament raised $333,000 for its animal welfare, education and conservation efforts. The dinner, presented by the Gene Haas Foundation, was held at the Statesville Civic Center in Statesville, NC on Friday, December 9th. Former Miss Sprint Monica Palumbo emceed the evening’s festivities. Country music singer/song writers Kendell Marvel, Billy and Randy Montana and Heidi Newfield took to the stage providing entertainment for the sold out crowd of 500 sponsors, NASCAR drivers, professional anglers, outdoorsmen and fans. Guests had the opportunity to bid on silent auction items and participate in the “Fishing for Fun” Raffle. The big items of the evening were a John Deere Gator, Polaris Sportsman 500 ATV and a Holstein Hyde Lounge. Sprint Cup Champion Tony Stewart walked away with the lounge.
Returning this year were hand-painted dog/cat bowls and treat jars painted by the employees of the Ryan Newman Foundation and Ryan Newman Motorsports. Ryan even joined in and painted a set of bowls. Money raised from the pottery auction will be used to help vaccinate and sterilize dogs and cats in the surrounding area.
JHE Productions managed the event, adding a number of surprises. Upon arrival, guests walked the red carpet, taking photos next to an event-themed show car displaying sponsor logos. Presenting sponsors were treated to a VIP reception hosted by Ryan and Krissie prior to the doors opening. New fun items were an ice sculpture of a dog and a cat fishing and photo booths. The photo booths were stocked with props, which guests used to “style” themselves for the photos. The guests were then able to download their photos. “This year’s event was a huge success,” said Krissie Newman. “We moved the location to the civic center and it didn’t disappoint us. JHE out did themselves and it’s going to be hard to top next year, but I’m looking forward to it. Funds raised from the event will be used for our spay/neuter grants, which will be awarded in the summer. ”
For the second year, Bass Pro Shops and BASS presented the charity fishing tournament. Like the dinner, this year’s tournament was the most successful, featuring 197 boats that took to the water from Blythe Landing on Lake Norman in Huntersville, NC. A record number of professional anglers including Jami Fralick, Britt Myers, Marty Robinson, Todd Auten, Boyd Duckett, Guy Eaker, Davey Hite, David Walker and many more competed for the grand prize; a Nitro Z9 Bass Boat equipped with a motor, trolling motor, electronics and matching trailer. Four-time Bassmaster Champion and seven-time Angler of the year Kevin VanDam and Bassmaster Elite Series emcee and Outdoor Channel host Mark Zona were the tournament emcees and kept the participants and the crowd on their feet while 92 teams weighed-in.
This year’s winners were Ron Wolfarth from Oakboro, NC and Larry Inman from Greensboro, NC. They weighed in five fish for a total weight of 13 pounds and 14 ounces. The duo also won the Senior Citizen trophy.
“Krissie and I appreciate everyone who participates in the fishing tournament,” said Ryan Newman. “The weather isn’t the best and the fishing can be tough in December, so to see a record number of entries was pretty awesome. Bass Pro Shops donated a Nitro Z9 again this year, which helps with getting a mix of amateur and professional anglers. There aren’t a lot of tournaments giving out over $60,000 in prizes- especially charity events, so we’re lucky to have great partners that believe in our mission and support us throughout the year.
“I thought Kevin (VanDam) and Mark (Zona) took the tournament to a new level. Their celebrity status in the fishing world helped draw a record crowd for the weigh-in which was also exciting. We would love to have them back next year. ” Second place trophies were taken home by the husband/wife team of John and Angela Mayo of Maiden, NC, weighing in five fish at 13 pounds, 4 ounces. They also took home the big fish and husband/wife honors. Third place went to Troy LeHew of Charlotte, NC and Adams Waters of Denver, NC. They had four fish weighing in at 12 pounds, 13 ounces. Chad and Austin Schroder’s five fish were good enough to win the adult/child trophies.
A chicken dinner and vendor area were added for our supporters to enjoy before the boats returned. Sponsors of the Foundation were given the opportunity to meet with guests, sample products and give out information and items from their companies. John Deere had their newest products on display, Oral B gave away goodie bags, Tornados offered taste testing throughout the day while Tom Johnson RV and Camping Centers gave people the chance to watch sporting events outside the motor homes on display. Other venders included: Visit Lake Norman, Humane Society of Iredell County, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Wine Shop at Home, Bulova and Reeds Jewelers, Wix, Parks Chevrolet and the Ryan Newman Foundation. Kids had a play area with games and inflatables to enjoy while listening to live music. Over 1000 people visited the boat ramp to show their support of the Annual Ryan Newman Foundation Fishing Tournament.(see more at the Ryan Newman Foundation website)(1-8-2012)
Friends Asking Friends Program - Create Your Fundraiser: The Jeff Gordon Children's Foundation has just launched our Friends Asking Friends Program! The JGCF is excited to launch this new program - (g2) Gather Friends, Giving Hope. g2 is an online tool created to assist individuals who wish to fundraise in support of childhood cancer, it taps your creativity and individualism by allowing you to create your own fundraiser! More info at Jeffgordonchildrensfoundation.org
NASCAR Foundation Contributes $3.3 Million: In 2010, The NASCAR Foundation contributed more than $3.3 million in charitable support to nonprofit organizations nationwide and united more than 250,000 fans in support of children’s charities across the United States. More info at nascar.com/foundation.(1-12-2011)
MIS Cares grants $75,000 to 14 area organizations: Just days after The NASCAR Foundation recognized Michigan International Speedway as Track of the Year for its community and charitable involvement, MIS Cares has awarded some $75,000 for local groups, nearly doubling what it gave last year. MIS Cares, the charitable arm of Michigan International Speedway, handed out awards to 14 area organizations during the track’s annual community luncheon on Wednesday. Organizations that will benefit from MIS Cares include:
• Lenawee Symphony Orchestra ($1,500)
• Raisin Valley Land Trust ($3,000)
• Sand Lake Volunteers Fire Department ($5,000)
• City of Jackson Human Relations Commission Middle School Challenge ($2,500)
• Special Olympics Area 19 ($2,850)
• Associated Charities of Lenawee Back to School Program ($2,375)
• The Daily Bread of Lenawee No Child Goes Hungry ($3,000)
• Family Services and Children’s Aid Breakout Drug Education Program ($9,600)
• Columbia Elementary School’s Reading and Learning Garden ($8,925)
• Boys and Girls Club of Lenawee ($5,000)
• Therapeutic Riding’s Adopt-A-Horse Program ($5,000)
• The Dahlem Conservancy ($7,750)
• Allegiance Health’s Healthy Start in Life ($10,000)
• St. Mary of Good Council’s food pantry ($2,500)
The speedway also announced it will award a $5,000 scholarship to a local student in 2012. Details and qualifications for applying will be released in January. MIS was recognized by The NASCAR Foundation on Nov. 30 as Track of the Year for its community involvement and fund-raising. The racetrack annually hosts the annual Spirit of America, the nation’s largest 9-11 blood drive, and, among other things, has partnered with NASCAR drivers Ryan Newman and Brad Keselowski on charitable events. The $75,000 donated this year nearly doubles the $48,000 given last year. Even so, the MIS Cares Board has vowed to continue to grow fund-raising efforts year over year and give even more back to more groups in the future. But that’s not all. Throughout the year, MIS Cares and Michigan International Speedway donate money, tickets and the use of the facility and equipment to area organizations, charities and service groups free of charge. In 2011, the amount donated to these charities totaled more than $200,000.(MIS)(12-9-2011)
Robert Weaver Wins Inaugural Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award: The NASCAR Foundation announced today that Robert Weaver, an 83-year old Talladega, Ala.-native, has won the inaugural Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award. The announcement was made by The NASCAR Foundation Founder and Chairwoman, Betty Jane France, during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony at Wynn Las Vegas on Friday, Dec. 2, culminating the Champion's Week celebration in Las Vegas. “There was a clear common thread with not only our finalists but every single one of our nominees,” said Betty Jane France. “All of them had made a significant impact on the lives of children through volunteerism or charitable work during the last five years. There also was another important thread: All of our nominees love NASCAR.
“The fans have chosen Robert Weaver, a man who really personifies what this award is all about. It is a true honor to announce Robert as our inaugural Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award winner.” Weaver, who is known across the Talladega region as the "Ice Cream Man" because of the many treats he delivers to deaf, blind and multi-disabled students, received the most votes among four finalists during a NASCAR nationwide fan vote on NASCAR.com and the mobile voting site developed by Sprint.
“I am extremely honored and humbled to have been selected the inaugural recipient of the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award and thank NASCAR, The NASCAR Foundation and the France family for making this possible,” said Weaver. “I have often said that I don’t hit home runs; I just do little things. It is the little things that matter so much in people’s lives. As I look back over my own life, working with the children of Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind has been part of my calling – it is why I was put on this earth. I encourage everyone to find something they are passionate about and commit to making a difference – you’re never too young or old to start.”
As the winner of the inaugural Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award, Weaver received an expense-paid trip to the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion's Week in Las Vegas, a 2012 Ford Explorer from Ford and $100,000 from The NASCAR Foundation for the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind Foundation – his children’s charity of choice.
During his time in Vegas, Weaver joined the other Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award finalists for the “red carpet treatment” leading up to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony. Some of the events they took part in included riding in a Ford Explorer driven by NASCAR President Mike Helton in the NASCAR Victory Lap event, where the top 12 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers parade down the Las Vegas strip in their race cars; and taking pictures with NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart at Wynn Las Vegas before the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony on Friday.
The award recognizes outstanding charitable and volunteer efforts of selfless NASCAR fans, which is exemplified by Weaver’s work. He has been volunteering with the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind Foundation (AIDB) for more than 50 years. In addition to his monthly charitable endeavors, he dedicates 30 hours a week to helping children in the organization. His many contributions range from creating intramural basketball teams and bowling programs to teaching students how to ride tricycles. Also a passionate NASCAR fan, Weaver once was able to pair his hobby and his volunteer work when his favorite driver, Darrell Waltrip, hosted the AIDB's annual fundraiser in 1986 – thanks to a request from Weaver himself.
The Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award honors the passionate commitment The NASCAR Foundation Chairwoman Betty Jane France has demonstrated on behalf of charities and community works throughout her life. France, the mother of NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France, is credited with creating the "Speediatrics" concept, a pediatric unit with a racing-themed décor at both the Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach, Fla., and the Homestead Hospital in Homestead, Fla.
The other three finalists for the award included 17-year-old St. Louis, Mo. resident Jake Bernstein; Patty Aber from Middletown, N.J.; and Columbus, Ohio native Brenda Doner. All three received $25,000 donations from The NASCAR Foundation to apply to a children's charity of their choice, as well as expense-paid trips to Las Vegas for Champion's Week.
For complete profiles on these outstanding individuals, please visit NASCAR.com/Unites.
All four finalists were selected by The NASCAR Foundation board of directors, from hundreds of applicants whom all made a significant impact on the lives of children through volunteerism or charitable work during the past five years. The NASCAR Foundation is currently taking nominations for the 2012 Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award. The nomination application can be found at NASCAR.com/Foundation. The deadline for nominations is Thursday, May 31, 2012.
About The NASCAR Foundation The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing Inc., (NASCAR) launched The NASCAR Foundation in January 2006. The Foundation is a 501(c) (3) non-profit entity that embodies the compassion of the NASCAR family and its commitment to serving communities. The NASCAR Foundation seeks to raise funds and increase volunteerism to support nonprofit charities and charitable causes throughout the nation with an emphasis placed on initiatives that affect the ability of children to live, learn and play. For more information on The NASCAR Foundation, visit the website: www.nascar.com/foundation.(NASCAR)(12-3-2011)
NASCAR Foundation Presents $250,000 To Homestead Hospital’s Speediatrics Unit: The NASCAR Foundation today helped kick off Homestead Hospital’s capital campaign to build and equip a Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with a check presentation for $250,000. The presentation was officially made by The NASCAR Foundation Founder and Chairwoman, Betty Jane France, during a special ceremony hosted by NASCAR President Mike Helton at Homestead Hospital’s Speediatrics Unit.
Creating a Level II NICU is a top priority, as more than 150 babies born each year at Homestead Hospital need intensive care that currently is provided only at hospitals located more than 20 miles away. This distance between hospital and home creates hardships for families and interferes with the parental bonding that is so vital to a newborn’s health during the first weeks of life. A Level II NICU at Homestead Hospital will allow these babies and their families to stay close to home while receiving the care they need.
The NASCAR Foundation, through Betty Jane France and her Speediatrics unit, has played a crucial role in the success of Homestead Hospital’s pediatric programs. The unique unit is one of only two in the country founded by France and is the only Emergency Center in south Miami-Dade County dedicated to children. Brought to Homestead Hospital in 2002, more than 23,000 patient visits a year are handled in the Speediatrics Children’s Emergency Center.
Part of the donation made by The NASCAR Foundation will be used to purchase Giraffe OmniBed Isolete Incubators, which are the most advanced and developmentally supportive microenvironments available today. The beds combine state of the art technology and thermal performance to create a healing environment for intensively ill newborns. In addition, the ceremony honored Betty Jane France for her vision, work and dedication to Speediatrics at Homestead Hospital and Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach, Fla., the first hospital to receive the racing-themed pediatric center. A portrait of Mrs. France was unveiled during the ceremony, which will be permanently on display in the Speediatrics unit.(NASCAR)(11-20-2011)
Jacquelyn Butler Wins Inaugural Better Half Dash: Jacquelyn Butler has spent five years watching her boyfriend NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver David Ragan race, so it should come as no surprise that she was the class of the field Saturday afternoon at Charlotte Motor Speedway, claiming the historic title of inaugural Better Half Dash Champion. Trisha Mears finished second, Ashley Allgaier third, Patricia Driscoll fourth and SPEED TV personality Wendy Venturini fifth. Allgaier, wife of NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Justin Allgaier, started inside row two, took the lead at the start of the race and led 17 laps, more than any other driver. As the laps ticked off, she slipped back in the field. Butler saw Allgaier start to slip and took advantage. With eight laps to go, Butler inched closer and closer until she slipped underneath Allgaier at the exit of Turn 2.
Better Half Dash Finishing Order
1. Jacquelyn Butler (David Ragan)
2. Trisha Mears (Casey Mears)
3. Ashley Allgaier (Justin Allgaier)
4. Patricia Driscoll (Kurt Busch)
5. Wendy Venturini (Speed Network)
6. Beth Baldwin (Tommy Baldwin)
7. Sabrina Simpson (Joey Logano)
8. Jami McDowell (Michael McDowell)
9. Michelle Gilliland (David Gilliland)
10. Kristen Yeley (J.J. Yeley)
11. Nan Zipadelli (Greg Zipadelli)
12. Angie Skinner (Mike Skinner)
13. Shannon Koch (Blake Koch)
14. Melanie Self (Motor Racing Outreach)
(Charlotte Motor Speedway)(10-15-2011)
Dale Jr. Foundation Ends 2011 Fundraising Efforts with a Bang: The Dale Jr. Foundation announced today that its premier fundraising initiative – Dale Jr.’s “Driven To Give” event hosted by Jeff Foxworthy – earned a net total of over $140,000 in a single day of ride-alongs, dinner, and entertainment. It capped a yearlong effort to provide resources to underprivileged youth to improve their confidence and education. In 2011, The Dale Jr. Foundation will have raised more than $260,000 to distribute to charities and non-profit organizations nationwide.
“Through the Foundation, we’ve had several fund-raising initiatives this year, but none as big as this,” said Dale Earnhardt Jr. “Although we’ve done charity auctions in the past, Driven To Give was sort of new for us, and we weren’t sure what to expect. We brought in top-level entertainment, and we added other new elements to enhance the overall experience of the donors. I have to say we were pleasantly surprised with the outcome, and excited already for next year.”
Comedian Jeff Foxworthy hosted Dale Jr.’s “Driven To Give” and provided his usual hysterics to the private party, which roared when he capped his trademark “You might be a redneck” bit with, “If your son’s name is Dale Jr. and your name isn’t Dale… you might be a redneck.” Country Music Hall of Fame member Randy Owen ended the evening with a concert, singing many of the songs made famous by his multi-platinum country and southern rock band Alabama.
The event took place at Hendrick Motorsports and included dinner, meet-n-greets, and a silent auction. Earlier in the day at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Earnhardt Jr. gave rides in a two-seat version of the No. 88 National Guard / AMP Energy Chevrolet, made possible by the NASCAR Racing Experience.
“This was a tremendous team effort,” said Kelley Earnhardt, general manager of JR Motorsports and board member for The Dale Jr. Foundation. “We had a great turnout and a ton of participation from so many people. I can’t thank those people enough. We are extremely grateful to everyone who participated in making this event a success, from sponsors to individual donors to people who simply donated their services. Many kids and underprivileged youth will have something to smile about because of the generosity shown to during Driven To Give.”
The funds accumulated by The Dale Jr. Foundation will benefit Levine Children’s Hospital, Make A Wish Foundation, the VH1 Save the Music Foundation and other regional charities that encompass the Foundation’s mission. Earlier this month, The Dale Jr. Foundation held a three-month raffle that awarded Dale Jr.’s personal 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible to a lucky ticket-holder. Gail Fontaine of Roanoke, Va. took ownership of the grand prize when Dale Jr. personally handed over the keys on Sept. 27 at JR Motorsports.
In August, The Dale Jr. Foundation teamed up with Blessings In A Backpack to donate $28,000 to Jackson Elementary School in Kannapolis, N.C. The Blessings In A Backpack program sends backpack meals home with kids to low-income households for the weekend. The Foundation also donated a $30,000 grant to Neal Middle School in Durham, N.C. through The VH1 Save The Music Foundation. That money helped restart the school’s band program that was cut last year and supported a school-wide music education initiative.
The Dale Jr. Foundation is a charity dedicated to giving underprivileged individuals with a focus on youth, the resources to improve their confidence and education, and the opportunity to achieve extraordinary goals. For more information, visit www.thedalejrfoundation.org.(11-3-2011)
The Martin Truex Jr. Foundation 2nd Annual Fan Event and 4th Annual Golf Tournament and Dinner raised more than $150,000 this year. Since the events’ inception in 2007, more than $600,000 has been raised. Truex hosted 200 guests at the 2nd Annual Fan Event on Sept. 28 in Manahawkin, NJ for an evening of fun and entertainment with fans. Guests had the opportunity to get autographs from Truex and were entertained with food, live music, silent auction items and raffle prizes. Much of the Truex family came out to support the cause, including Martin’s younger brother, NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Ryan Truex.
The next day 33 golf foursomes took to the greens at Sea Oaks Country Club for the 4th Annual Golf Tournament presented by NAPA AUTO PARTS. The evening culminated with the 19th Hole Dinner Celebration presented by Sea Watch International. The dinner hosted more than 250 guests who were treated to gourmet dining, a live comedian and live and silent auction items. The auction items included an autographed Lady Antebellum guitar, exclusive vacation packages, jewelry and sports memorabilia.
The evening also included the presentation of the 2nd Annual MTJF Humanitarian of the Year Award. This year’s recipient was Christopher Fritz of Manahawkin, NJ. Each year this award recognizes an outstanding citizen or organization who, through their time and talent, has exemplified the values of volunteerism and philanthropy to children.
Proceeds from these events will go towards the foundation’s various community programs and initiatives such as feeding Iredell County, NC children through the Backpack Program, a special needs fund for children and their families at Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, NC and building the Martin Truex Jr. Pediatric Care Center at Southern Ocean Medical Center in New Jersey. The Martin Truex Jr. Foundation was created by NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Martin Truex Jr. in 2007. The MTJF is “hooked on helping” and dedicated to impacting the lives of children in need. The foundation partners with organizations that are limited in funding and visibility that touch the lives of children stricken by illness, poverty and neglect. More info at martintruexjrfoundation.org.(11-3-2011)
Evernham to Contribute $1 Million to Ronald McDonald House: Ray Evernham has a long history with Ronald McDonald House, from the early days when he stayed there while his young son Ray J received treatment for leukemia. Now, he has come full circle – with plans to present a $1 million check for the new Ronald McDonald House in Charlotte on Tuesday, October 25th. As part of the check presentation, Evernham and wife, Erin Crocker Evernham, will host a trick-or-treat party for the families and patients staying at the house, providing costumes for everyone and lots of candy for the children. Halloween trick-or-treat party for patients and their families staying at the Ronald McDonald House will receive donated costumes and trick-or-treat room to room at the house. Evernham will also present a $1 million check to the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte.(10-22-2011)
NASCAR Foundation raised $4.19 million in 2010: NASCAR's charitable arm, The NASCAR Foundation, filed its 2010 tax return in recent weeks. According to a copy of the tax return, the NASCAR Foundation gave money to 51 groups and charities in 2010. The Foundation took in $4.19 million in donations and grants and paid out $2.53 million in grants, while spending $605,818 in salaries and employment benefits for 11 employees, $693,197 in expenses (with $338,927 for fund-raising events and the rest on such things as legal fees, advertising, etc). It had a surplus of $525,731 for the year, making up some for the $175,503 in deficit it had the year before.(Scene Daily)(10-17-2011)
Private Event for NASCAR Community: The last reunion of The Original Moon Shiners and Revenuers of Wilkes County will be held Tuesday Oct 11 at a secret location with a secret pass word for current and past NASCAR race car drivers, car owners, crew members, media, sponsors and special guests. NOTE: THIS EVENT IS NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Come hear the wild tales of the early beginnings of stock car racing from both sides of the fence. This event is the only event of its kind. NO AUTOGRAPHS. You are the audience as Allen Bestwick,Tom Higgins and Humpy Wheeler emcee the event. Autographed Rocking chairs will be auctioned off at the end of the evening. A parade of antique cars is being organized by Don Miller to leave Mooresville, NC coming to the event as a Moon Shine Run.
Jack Roush has chosen Speedway Childrens Charities and Motor Racing Outreach as the recipients of this years's event. Those of you in racing that qualify call MRO offices or Speedway Children's Charity for screening, time, directions and the secret pass word to get by the moon shiners in the road or just ask one of the 350 people on pit road that attended last years event. The event is about how an illegal occupation turned into a number one sport.(10-11-2011)
Fish Your Bass Off raises over $40k: Professional bass angler Kevin VanDam and #39-Ryan Newman hit the water Thursday for Fish Your Bass Off, a fundraiser for MIS Cares, Michigan International Speedway’s charitable arm. The second-annual event at Jerry’s Pub on Wampler’s Lake raised more than $40,000 for MIS Cares. The event included a bass fishing competition, followed by a fish weigh-in, live and silent auctions and fish dinner. VanDam, from Kalamazoo, Mich., and Newman, in town for this weekend’s Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway, won Fish Your Bass Off, with a total of five fish weighing 14 pounds, 8 ounces.(MIS)(8-21-2011)
Stewart's Smoke Show raises $131k: The Tony Stewart "Smoke Show" fantasy camp, the highest-grossing, single-day event for Speedway Children's Charities-Texas, produced $131,000 for the Texas Motor Speedway charity earlier this week to bring the event's four-year total to $810,000. Hosted by two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart on Tuesday, the "Smoke Show" gave race fans a chance to walk in a NASCAR driver's shoes for a day. Guests participated in pre- and post-race celebrations, received two 10-lap driving sessions in a stock car, and experienced Stewart's own driving style in a three-lap two-seater ride. The fantasy camp was followed by the annual dinner and auction, where campers were presented with a framed certificate highlighting their fastest lap of the day and had the opportunity to bid on unique racing memorabilia and experience packages. The item that drew the highest bid of the evening was a pair of tickets to Stewart's suite at the 2012 Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which sold for $8,000.(TMS)(8-21-2011)
Jeff Byrd Grant established: The Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities Board of Trustees announced the establishment of the Jeff Byrd Grant, in honor of the long-time Bristol Motor Speedway president and general manager who passed away Oct. 17, 2010. The $50,000 grant, which will be awarded each year, is one of the single largest grants presented to a non-profit organization in the region. Claudia Byrd, Executive Director of the Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities and Jeff Byrd’s wife of 36 years, feels this grant embodies her husband’s ceaseless devotion to helping those less fortunate, particularly children. “Jeff was a very special man who loved children and who was dedicated to improving the lives of those who needed it most,” said Claudia Byrd. “And he lived by a very simple, yet world-changing mantra ‘To whom much is given, much is required.’ I couldn’t be more pleased or proud that our trustees wanted to honor Jeff by acting on those words and giving a substantial gift to an agency which will pay it forward to the children they serve.”
The Jeff Byrd Grant will be given to one organization each year with the first one slated to be announced Nov. 17, 2011 at the annual Night of Smiles, during which the Bristol Chapter of SCC awards grants to agencies serving children in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. To date, the Bristol Chapter of SCC has raised in excess of $6.5 million for agencies in this area. The Jeff Byrd Grant will be awarded to a non-profit children’s organization in the 16-county area surrounding Bristol Motor Speedway. Those counties are Carter, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi and Washington in Tennessee and Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington and Wise in Virginia.(8-9-2011)
Fans Can Get a NASCAR Unites Wristband at Office Depot: The NASCAR Foundation announced that Office Depot, the Official Office Products Partner of NASCAR and co-primary sponsor of Tony Stewart and the #14 Office Depot/Mobil 1 team in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, will offer new NASCAR Unites wristbands at more than 1,100 Office Depot stores nationwide. Starting June 10, fans can get their own NASCAR Unites wristband by making a $5 donation at any participating Office Depot store location. The wristband showcases a supporter’s passion for children’s causes and encourages acts of service. Funds raised will benefit the charitable work being done by The NASCAR Foundation and The Office Depot Foundation. NASCAR Unites is a new industry initiative led by The NASCAR Foundation that offers fans and the NASCAR community “Two Million Ways to Unite for Kids” through volunteerism and fundraising. In 2011, The NASCAR Foundation will grant $1 million to children’s charities and generate one million volunteer hours in local communities.
NASCAR Unites launched: Through the newly launched NASCAR Unites charitable platform, this weekend the NASCAR community will support disaster relief efforts taking place as a result of this week’s tornado outbreak in the Southeastern part of the United States. By logging on to nascar.com/Unites fans can support these efforts by volunteering or making a donation. NASCAR also filmed a call to action television spot earlier Friday featuring Dale Earnhardt Jr., Darrell Waltrip and Mike Helton that aired during the Bubba Burger 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race on SPEED and will air during tonights Crown Royal Presents The Matthew & Daniel Hansen 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on FOX. Both events will be run at Richmond International Raceway.(4-30-2011)
DIRECTV Head2Head Knockout Results Week 2: Week two of the DIRECTV Head2Head Knockout competition narrowed the field to eight NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers. Each proceeding driver earned an additional $11,250 for charity totaling $14,375 for each of the eight proceeding driver’s charity of choice. Drivers will accrue a total of $400,000 for charity in the DIRECTV Head2Head Knockout while one fan will win a new truck from the manufacturer of the winning driver. Two races remain in the battle for the DIRECTV Head2Head Knockout title.
Week 2 Fast Facts:
A rain-delayed race eliminated several drivers from contention. Drivers who lost their position due to accidents include Kurt Busch who was collected at lap 50, an accident in turn one that eliminated Denny Hamlin, a single-car crash at lap 87 which ended the day for Paul Menard, as well as Tony Stewart who collided with the wall on the final lap.
Second-place finisher Brad Keselowski eliminated Kyle Busch who led the race for 49 laps and finished just behind Keselowski in third.
A.J. Allmendinger finished eighth and defeated 10th-place finisher Jimmie Johnson in race two of the DIRECTV Head2Head Knockout.
The Watkins Glen road course created an unforeseeable finish. No perfect brackets remain in the bracket-format competition.
Results following Watkins Glen:
TURN 1 Winners
A.J. Allmendinger – #43 Ford / Paralyzed Veterans of America
(defeated Jimmie Johnson – #48 Chevrolet / Lowe’s Toolbox for Education Champions Grants)
Matt Kenseth – #17 Ford / Motor Racing Outreach
(defeated Tony Stewart – #14 Chevrolet / Victory Junction Camp)
TURN 2 Winners
Carl Edwards – #99 Ford / Speedway Children’s Charity
(defeated Mark Martin – #5 Chevrolet / Motor Racing Outreach)
Jeff Gordon – #24 Chevrolet /
(defeated Denny Hamlin – #11 Toyota / Cystic Fibrosis Foundation)
TURN 3 Winners
Kevin Harvick – #29 Chevrolet / California State University Bakersfield
(defeated Paul Menard – #27 Chevrolet / Habitat for Humanity for Wisconsin)
Brad Keselowski – #2 Dodge / Paralyzed Veterans of America
(defeated Kyle Busch – #18 Toyota / The Church of God Children’s Home of N.C.)
TURN 4 Winners
Dale Earnhardt Jr. – #88 Chevrolet / Make-a-Wish Foundation
(defeated Greg Biffle – #16 Ford / Friends of Animals)
Clint Bowyer – #33 Chevrolet / Emporia Kansas Community Foundation
(defeated Kurt Busch – #22 Dodge / Victory Junction Camp)
More info at directv.com and see the game at ESPN. Feel free to join the group Jayski "Fan"atics run by Mark Garrow.(8-18-2011)
DIRECTV Head2Head Knockout Results Week 1: After week one, the DIRECTV Head2Head Knockout bracket competition showcased existing and new rivalries for 32 NASCAR Sprint Cup SeriesTM drivers narrowing the competitive field to 16. Drivers will accrue a total of $400,000 for charity while one fan will win a new truck from the manufacturer of the winning driver. The fan to complete a perfect bracket will win $1 million.
Week 1 Fast Facts:
Each driver progressing into Round 2 has earned $3,125 for his charity of choice.
Following Pocono, 90 fans have a perfect bracket and a chance to win $1 million.
Joey Logano, race leader going into a one hour and 40 minute rain delay, lost his position in the DIRECTV Head2Head Knockout to 11th-place finisher Tony Stewart.
An early wreck at lap 20 sent David Ragan and the #6 Ford to the garage. Ragan lost his seat in the DIRECTV Head2Head Knockout to Mark Martin.
Clint Bowyer and Marcos Ambrose battled for Round 2 in the DIRECTV Head2Head Knockout until the checkered flag. Bowyer finished 18th just fractions ahead of Ambrose in 20th position.
Results following Pocono:
TURN 1 Winners
Jimmie Johnson – #48 Chevrolet / Lowe’s Toolbox for Education Champions Grants
(Defeated Regan Smith – #78 Chevrolet / Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation)
A.J. Allmendinger – #43 Ford / Paralyzed Veterans of America
(Defeated Kasey Kahne – #4 Toyota / Ronald McDonald House)
Tony Stewart – #14 Chevrolet / Victory Junction Camp
(Defeated Joey Logano – #20 Toyota / USA Hockey Foundation)
Matt Kenseth – #17 Ford / Motor Racing Outreach
(Defeated Jamie McMurray – #1 Chevrolet / Heart of Missouri United Way)
TURN 2 Winners
Carl Edwards – #99 Ford / Speedway Children’s Charity
(Defeated Casey Mears – #13 Toyota / Alzheimer’s Association)
Mark Martin – #5 Chevrolet / Motor Racing Outreach
(Defeated David Ragan – No 6 Ford / Shriners Hospital for Children)
Denny Hamlin – #11 Toyota / Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
(Defeated Brian Vickers – #83 Toyota / Medical Foundation of N.C.)
Jeff Gordon – #24 Chevrolet /
(Defeated Jeff Burton – #31 Chevrolet / Duke Children’s Hospital)
TURN 3 Winners
Kevin Harvick – No 29 Chevrolet / California State University Bakersfield
(Defeated Dave Blaney – #36 Chevrolet / Victory Junction Camp)
Paul Menard – #27 Chevrolet / Habitat for Humanity for Wisconsin
(Defeated Juan Pablo Montoya – #42 Chevrolet / Formula Smiles Inc.)
Brad Keselowski – #2 Dodge / Paralyzed Veterans of America
(Defeated Ryan Newman – #39 Chevrolet / Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation)
Kyle Busch – #18 Toyota / The Church of God Children’s Home of N.C.
(Defeated David Reutimann – #00 Toyota / Camp Boggy Creek)
TURN 4 Winners
Dale Earnhardt Jr. – #88 Chevrolet / Make-a-Wish Foundation
(Defeated David Gilliland – #34 Ford / Habitat for Humanity Mooresville)
Greg Biffle – #16 Ford / Friends of Animals
(Defeated Martin Truex Jr. – #56 Toyota / Southern Ocean Medical Center Foundation)
Clint Bowyer – #33 Chevrolet / Emporia Kansas Community Foundation
(Defeated Marcos Ambrose – #9 Ford / Children’s Hospital and Research Center Oakland)
Kurt Busch – #22 Dodge / Victory Junction Camp
(Defeated Bobby Labonte – #47 Toyota / Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation)
More info at directv.com and see the game at ESPN. Feel free to join the group Jayski "Fan"atics run by Mark Garrow.(8-9-2011)
DIRECTV Head2Head Knockout Competition: DIRECTV will team up with ESPN and NASCAR to open the throttle for a second consecutive year of DIRECTV's Head2Head Knockout competition – an innovative, bracket-format contest that will showcase existing and new rivalries among 32 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers. The high-stakes competition will take place over the course of four races during the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series beginning Aug. 7, 2011 finishing with DIRECTV's NASCAR Head2Head Knockout Championship in Bristol, Tenn. on Aug. 27. DIRECTV, the exclusive provider of the NASCAR HotPass broadcast, will donate a total of $400,000 to driver charities during the four-round event as drivers compete head-to-head each week with the winner moving on to the next bracket. And drivers won't be the only ones competing. A participating fan, who fills out a perfect bracket, can win a $1 million. More info at directv.com.(7-28-2011)
NASCAR Foundation Launches Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award: The NASCAR Foundation will recognize the outstanding charitable and volunteer efforts of NASCAR fans by awarding the first annual Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award, which includes a $100,000 donation from The NASCAR Foundation to the children's charity of the recipient's choice. The award will honor the passionate commitment Betty Jane France has demonstrated with her charitable works and community efforts. The four finalists chosen will receive a $25,000 donation to a children's charity of their choice, a trip to a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race in 2011 and be part of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion's Week in Las Vegas, where the winner will be announced and presented the award from Betty Jane France. The winner receives the $100,000 donation from The NASCAR Foundation to their children's charity and a 2012 Ford Explorer. The award winner will be based on nominations where individuals submit a short story about the community work and focus on supporting children's charities done by the nominee. For more information about the process visit NASCAR.COM/Unites.(NASCAR)(6-3-2011)
Due to the overwhelming response and compassion from the community, the Ryan Newman Foundation has decided to continue its efforts to get animals across the South much needed food and supplies.
Since collections began on May 4th, over 10,000 pounds of pet supplies, such as food, collars, water, bedding, crates, medicine, flea/tick preventatives, cleaning supplies and paper products, have been donated. On Sunday, a tractor trailer made the trip from Ryan Newman Motorsports in Statesville, NC with 8,000 pounds of supplies. The Greater Birmingham Humane Society (GBHS) received the majority of the freight. GBHS will send supplies to surrounding Alabama shelters in Tuscaloosa, Pleasant Grove, Concord and Cordova.
The truck then headed to Tunica, MS where the Tunica Humane Society had volunteers unload the remaining much needed dog and cat food.
“The donations we received have been overwhelming,” said Krissie Newman. “There are so many people to thank. The NASCAR community has never failed when people and pets are in need. The Humane Society’s of Iredell and Charlotte and JTG Daugherty Racing and Michael Waltrip Racing were kind enough to accept donations and I appreciate that very much.
“We loaded the truck last Thursday for the trip and the next morning we had five more pallets full of supplies for a second load. That’s why we made the decision to continue with collecting donations. Families are going to need things a month, even two months from now. So, if we have the inventory, we’ll send it out.”
Many partners of the Ryan Newman Foundation contributed to the relief efforts with open hearts. Iams donated a truck of dog and cat food. Office Depot Foundation made a generous donation, which we were able to purchase Heartworm Preventatives, Flea/Tick Preventatives and other medical supplies, Second Harvest Food Bank – Metrolina contributed 10 pallets of paper products and Lupine sent collars and leashes for the volunteers who are out getting animals to a shelter for care and hopefully back to their owners.
The Ryan Newman Foundation hopes to send supplies to areas hit in Georgia and Tennessee in the coming weeks.
Items still needed are:
Water
Dog food, beds & bowls
Crates of all sizes & Towels
Flea/tick preventative and shampoos
Cat litter, cat food, beds & bowls
Bleach, paper towels & other cleaning supplies
Office Supplies- copy paper and sharpie markers
Latex gloves, gauze
Heartworm preventative
Hand soap & dish soap
Kleenex
Pet Shampoo, regular formula (NOT flea formula)
Yellow professional mop buckets
Three designated drop off locations have been established in North Carolina.
Ryan Newman Motorsports
165 Jennings Road
Statesville, NC 28625
Phone: 704-876-4777
Hours for drop off: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm Monday – Friday (Someone will be on site to assist with donations)
Humane Society of Iredell County
110 Robinson Road
Mooresville, NC 28115
Phone: 704-663-3330
Hours for drop off: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Monday – Friday (Someone will be on site to assist with donations)
Humane Society of Charlotte
2700 Toomey Avenue
Charlotte, NC 28023
Phone: 704-377-0534
Hours for drop off: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday - Sunday
If you would like to make a monetary donation towards the relief efforts click here.
More info or to make a monetary donation, go to ryannewmanfoundation.org
UPDATE - Newman Foundation Continues Assisting Animals in Need across the US: The Ryan Newman Foundation appreciates the generous donations that continue to pour in for areas across the United States in constant need of pet-related supplies. State Representatives from the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) have been in contact with them providing updates on the areas and organizations that need immediate help. Since the first truck made its way to the Greater Birmingham Humane Society (Birmingham, AL) and the Humane Society of Tunica (Tunica, MS) in May, additional donations on behalf of the Ryan Newman Foundation have been made.
Dog and cat food was delivered to the Catoosa Citizens for Animal Care, Inc. in Ringgold, GA, where many animals were found roaming around or living in tents with their owners. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and the American Kennel Club (AKC) assisted with donating crates and dog houses to sleep in.
A truck loaded with 8,000 pounds of supplies included; crates, beds, food, toys, cleaning supplies and water and was sent to the Humane Society of Joplin (Joplin, MO) last week. The shipment will be divided up and delivered to families and shelters in the area needing assistance.
Although the mission is primarily spay/neuter based, the Ryan Newman Foundation does all it can to help animals during disasters. We recently received word that Blazes Tribute Equine Rescue located in Jones, OK had received an overwhelming number of horses at their facility. Blazes housed 44 horses prior to the tornado but currently has 104 displaced or severely wounded souls in their care and in need of feed, medical supplies and bedding. To take of over 100 horses, it takes one ton of food and seven large bales of hay each week. The Ryan Newman Foundation quickly took action and contacted a local Feed and Seed and ordered a week’s worth of food and other necessities on the wish list. In addition to the food, three loads of hay were purchased and delivered – enough for a month. A separate delivery of hay came from Ryan and Krissie Newman’s own farm in Statesville, NC. More info at the Ryan Newman Foundation Site.(6-21-2011)
Greg Biffle Foundation Donates Nearly $10,000: The Greg Biffle Foundation recently donated nearly $10,000 to two animal shelters assisting with the animal rescue efforts caused by the devastation from recent tornados. Recipients of the disaster relief grants were the Animal Advocates of Moore County and the Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter. The financial contributions to these groups will afford them aid for the animals in need. Both organizations are rescuing pets that have become homeless or displaced, providing emergency vet care, offering pet food and supplies and providing foster homes until families are able to collect their pets. Animal Advocates of Moore County, located in Pinehurst, NC, is assisting with the animals in Lee and Sanford counties. They are in need of monetary donations and supplies such as 10x10 chain link kennels, dog houses, collars, leashes and much more. If you can assist with any donation, please contact Maureen Hornasky at 910-295-7587.
The Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter, located in Tuscaloosa, AL, is assisting with the intake of animals found homeless or injured from the tornado. They are providing vet care, orthopedic surgeries, basic medial needs and much more for the animals brought into their care. If you are interested in helping them, please contact Judy Hill at 205-349-9438.
Financial support for the foundation comes from a variety of sources including individual contributions, NASCAR Pets Calendars, and the sale of various racing and other sports memorabilia. For more information on the Greg Biffle Foundation go to www.gregbifflefoundation.com.(GBF)(6-10-2011)
Jeff Gordon Children's Foundation Announces First Global Initiative: Jeff Gordon, alongside Partners In Health representatives, Dr. Larry Shulman and Dr. Sara Stulac, gathered friends and supporters on Wednesday evening to announce their new partnership to bring accessible cancer treatment to children of Rwanda. The Jeff Gordon Children's Foundation has committed to raise $1.5 million over the course of three years to participate in the development and implementation of proper protocols for pediatric cancer patients in that region. Rwanda remains Africa's most densely populated country, and its estimated population of 10 million is expected to double within the next 10 years. Through the funding of the Jeff Gordon Children's Foundation, Partners In Health and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute will develop a comprehensive program to address all components of cancer: prevention, diagnosis, chemo and radiation therapies, surgery and survivor follow-up care for children faced with cancer.(Jeff Gordon Children's Foundation)(5-28-2011)
NASCAR community helps victims for tornados: a few examples of what NASCAR the community has done to help folks with relief efforts from the storms that hit Alabama and the South last week.
Between the Red Bull Racing and Hendrick Motorsports transporters approx 65-70,000 lbs of relief items/donations were delivered to Pell City, Ala. to help St. Clair County residents (where 14 people were killed and small communities destroyed) on Weds., May 4; more than 230 people lost their lives on April 27, 2011 due to the outbreak of tornadoes in the state of Alabama.
Items were collected from the following in the NASCAR community: Red Bull, Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, Stewart-Haas Motorsports, Michael Waltrip Racing, RCR, JRMotorsports, MRN and Victory Junction Gang Camp;
Jeff Gordon Children's Foundation raised more than $5,000 last weekend, with the monies going towards purchases for baby/children's needs (food, diapers, bottles, socks, underwear, etc..)
More than 16 pallets of water, soda and Red Bull were delivered along with a generator, dozens of coolers, cleaning supplies, canned goods, clothing and items for children (food, formula, sunscreen, clothing, shoes and even brand-new toys)
Plus this today thru Sunday, Talladega Superspeedway will aid the American Red Cross in relief efforts from the storms that tore through Alabama with a $100,000 commitment. And race fans can do their part as well and get a chance at tackling the high-banks of Talladega in turn. For a $50 donation to the American Red Cross race fans will be able to drive their personal vehicle around the track and participate in a blood drive there on Saturday. More info at talladegasuperspeedway.com.(5-6-2011)
Richard and Judy Childress Receive Awards for Charity Work: Richard Childress received two awards for his charitable work in early April - one for his support of our troops from the Armed Forces Foundation and one for his family's work with the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma. While in Washington, D.C. for the seventh annual Armed Forces Foundation Congressional Gala, Mr. Childress took the opportunity to visit several injured soldiers at the National Naval Medical Center at Bethesda, Md. Most of the soldiers suffered from traumatic blast injuries and recently received the Purple Heart. At the gala later that evening, Mr. Childress received the Bill and Beverly Young Humanitarian of the Year Award. He has visited U.S. military troops across the nation, as well as in other countries, including Iraq, Bosnia, and Spain.
A few days later, the Winston-Salem branch of the Exchange/SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now) organization awarded Richard and his wife, Judy Childress, with the 2011 Founders Award for their exceptional commitment to the health and well being of children. Forsyth County District Attorney Jim O'Neill presented the award to Mrs. Childress and cited the Childresses' work helping children since launching the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in July 2008. The Institute is working to save the lives of children who experience serious injuries and help them recover quickly through research, education and prevention. April is Child Abuse Prevention month.(RCR)(4-28-2011)
Denny Hamlin wins his own charity late model race: After a thunderstorm kept the crowd down for Denny Hamlin's charity race, the host put a move on Kyle Busch on the final lap and finally won his own event. Busch had dominated all night, but when the race went back to green after a caution with three laps to go, Hamlin surged from fourth to second right away, stalked his teammate with Joe Gibbs Racing and passed him on the backstretch when Busch ran out of fuel. "I'm glad he ran out of fuel because it might have got ugly," Hamlin said. "Trust me, if Kyle wouldn't have run out of gas, I would have done everything possible to get around him." Michael Waltrip finished second, followed by Chase Elliott, Joey Logano and Frank Deiny Jr. Hamlin, who said last week that the race raised over $100,000 last year, said he will wait to see how much money was raised this year, then give 10% to help tornado victims. Where that money will go specifically will be determined by where there is the most need, he said. His usual charities -- the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, St. Jude Children's Hospital and Children's Hospital in Richmond -- will receive the other 90% of money raised. The victory was the first for Hamlin in his fourth Short Track Showdown, and came after he qualified on the pole, then opted to start at the back of the 36-car field. When it was over, he gave his racing helmet to a fan.(Associated Press)(4-29-2011)
Donate and Drive ‘DEGA, to Aid in Alabama Disaster Relief: Talladega Superspeedway announced plans to aid the American Red Cross in relief efforts from the devastation of yesterday’s storms that tore through Alabama with a $100,000 commitment. Race fans can do their part as well and get a chance at tackling the high-banks of Talladega in turn. For a $50 donation to the American Red Cross race fans will be able to drive their personal vehicle around the high-banks of Talladega Superspeedway, May 6 -8. Cash and check donations will be accepted at the gate of Talladega Superspeedway with all proceeds going to the Alabama chapter of the American Red Cross. More info at talladegasuperspeedway.com.(TSS) and to donate to the Red Cross to help anyone involved in the storms, go to redcross.org.(4-28-2011)
Blood Drive Added to Saturday’s Relief Efforts at Talladega Superspeedway: Talladega Superspeedway announced that the American Red Cross will host a blood drive on Saturday, May 7 at the track. Additionally, track sponsors Aaron’s and America’s First Federal Credit Union are accepting donations to aid in the relief efforts at store and branch locations throughout the state. The blood drive will correspond with the track drives on Saturday, opening at 9 am and closing at approximately 2 pm. For a $50 cash or check donation to the American Red Cross race fans will be able to drive their personal vehicle around the high-banks of Talladega Superspeedway, May 6 -8. Gates open each day at 9 a.m. and close at 2 p.m. All vehicles must be street legal and equipped with enough seatbelts for all passengers. RV’s, tractor trailers and motorcycles will not be permitted. For more information on Talladega Superspeedway, call the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office at 1-877-Go2-DEGA or visit them online at www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.(Talladega Superspeedway)(5-4-2011)
Toyota Skinner Round-Up Raises $125,000: Last month’s Toyota Skinner Round-Up presented by Rue & Ziffra Personal Injury Attorneys raised $125,000 for five Volusia County, Fla., charities. The two-day event, organized by NASCAR driver Mike Skinner and his wife Angie, included a Hoe Down Bash at Daytona International Speedway followed by golf and poker tournaments the next day at Spruce Creek Country Club in Port Orange, FL. Volusia County charities benefitting from the event include the Council on Aging, Concerned Citizens for Animal Welfare, Greyhound Pets of America, Halifax Foundation and Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Since the Toyota Skinner Round-Up began in 2005, the event has now raised more than $625,000 toward these charities.
The Hoe Down Bash included a live concert by Nashville recording artist Stacy Mitchhart along with a musical set performed by Edwin McCain, sponsored by Brighthouse Networks. Fans were able to sample food from more than 10 Volusia County restaurants that participated in the popular ‘Taste of Daytona,’ which was free of charge with the purchase of an event ticket. Fifteen items were auctioned off live to the crowd, including a six-seat EZGO golf cart, a Charlie Daniels autographed fiddle, a vacation package to the American Idol finale in Los Angeles, a trip to the 5F Ranch in Texas and much more. Over 100 silent auction items were also available for fans to bid on during the event.
Celebrity guests who came out for the event included, Mitchhart, McCain, three-time NHRA Top Fuel champion Larry Dixon, as well as fellow NASCAR drivers Ron Hornaday Jr. and Steve Park. Daredevil Robbie Knievel, country music comedian Cledus T Judd and NASCAR Sirius Speedway host Dave Moody also attended the event which honored former NASCAR executive Jim Hunter, who was a close friend of the Skinners and passed away last Oct.
“We would like to thank everyone for supporting the Toyota Skinner Round-Up again this year,” added Skinner. “Angie and I could not do this without the help of the sponsors, volunteers and celebrity guests who make this such a successful event. Also, a big thank you to all of the supporters who came out to the Hoe Down Bash at Daytona International Speedway and to the golf and poker tournaments at Spruce Creek Country Club.” For more information on the Toyota Skinner Round-Up presented by Rue & Ziffra Personal Injury Attorneys, including how to donate additional funds, visit www.MikeSkinner.com.(4-21-2011)
Kentucky Teenager to Meet Jeff Gordon via Make-A-Wish Foundation: Ask 14-year-old Johnathon Ousley about what his biggest wish would be, and he'd want to find a way to combine camping, fishing and meeting his favorite NASCAR driver, Jeff Gordon. The Prestonsburg, Ky., teenager's wish will actually come true this weekend through the teamwork of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Jeff Gordon Children's Foundation, Bristol Motor Speedway and Pepsi MAX Maximum Moments. Ousley and his family will travel to Bristol, Tenn., for an unforgettable weekend of activity in association with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Jeff Byrd 500 race. His wish begins Friday with a private meet-and-greet with Gordon at Bristol Motor Speedway. They will also participate in media activities and a Q-&-A session with fans that night. On Sunday, Ousley will rejoin Gordon at the track for the pre-race driver introductions and ceremonial lap around the track. The family will then watch Gordon race for the checkered flag in the #24 Pepsi MAX car from a private suite. Gordon granted his first wish with the Make-A-Wish Foundation in 1995. Since then, the four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion has granted more than 230 wishes, making him among the most-requested celebrity wish granters in the Foundation's 30-year history. and discover how you can share the power of a wish.(Make-a-wish PR)(3-18-2011)
Kasey Kahne Foundation funds new grant: The Kasey Kahne Foundation announced a donation to the NC STEM Community Collaborative that establishes a grant program to fund educational field trips to the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, N.C. The donation is a result of proceeds from the inaugural Kasey Kahne Foundation “Five Kahne Presented by Bank of America,” a 5K charity run held on Oct. 17 in Uptown Charlotte. “STEM is an important part of the education system,” said Kasey Kahne, driver of Red Bull Racing’s #4 car for the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. "This program will teach young students how important engineering and technology are to the racing industry.” The program’s goal is to provide middle school students an opportunity to augment the existing course of study in sciences and to foster interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) through experiential learning field trips. The NC STEM initiative will fund field trips to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, including transportation, personnel, admission, lunch and material costs associated with each participating student.(KKF)(1-14-2011)
After a Highly Successful Five-Year Run, Curtain Falls on Sound & Speed: Each January for the past five years, fans of NASCAR racing and country music descended upon downtown Nashville for a unique and increasingly popular event known as Sound & Speed, which featured performances, autograph and storytelling sessions, displays and other opportunities to get up-close-and-personal with their favorite racecar drivers and country music artists. But the event’s board of directors and its charitable beneficiaries have announced that there will not be a sixth Sound & Speed in 2011 due to current economic conditions, as well as the lingering effects of last spring’s floods that devastated many residential neighborhoods in Nashville and the surrounding area. Sound & Speed, which began in 2006 as the brainchild of the late Brian Williams, former Senior Vice President of SunTrust Bank, Inc., and popular Nashville artist manager Don Light, has raised more than $1 million to benefit both Victory Junction and the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum during the past five years. Since its inception, the event grew to become a ceremonial and highly anticipated kickoff to the upcoming NASCAR season each January for drivers and fans alike, as well as for the artists and fans of the country music industry who joined them for a unique celebration of motorsports and music. Heading the list of notable celebrities who have participated in Sound & Speed over the years are Taylor Swift, Alan Jackson, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kyle Busch and Tony Stewart.
Sound & Speed organizers encourage fans of NASCAR racing and country music to continue supporting Victory Junction and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. More information about the two charitable organizations can be found at their respective Web sites, www.VictoryJunction.org and www.CountryMusicHallofFame.org.(10-28-2010)
Winner of Custom Cobra Replica announced: Kenny Crites, of Charleston, S.C., is the lucky new owner of Tommy Pike's powerful custom Cobra replica after winning Speedway Children's Charities custom car raffle. The raffle began nearly four months ago during the August Food Lion AutoFair at Charlotte Motor Speedway and more than 1,000 tickets were sold, raising nearly $24,000 for children in need. The custom Cobra replica was built in just five days during the August Food Lion AutoFair at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The team from Tommy Pike Customs, from Greenville, S.C., turned a pile of parts into a high-performance roadster while AutoFair spectators watched. The crew worked 14 hours a day and put more than 500 total man hours into the car to build the custom Cobra replica from scratch. All proceeds from the raffle benefitted Speedway Children's Charities Charlotte Chapter and will help local children in need.(CMS)(12-18-2010)
Speedway Children's Charities Distributed More Than $725,000: Speedway Children's Charities donated in excess of $725,000 to organizations in the Charlotte, N.C., region benefiting area children during the grand opening of Carolina Christmas, Nov. 22 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. In a special presentation Monday, November 22nd, the dollar amount donated was unveiled in a LED, or light emitting diode, display as more than 75 children from area charities were on hand for the program. Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway and president of Speedway Children's Charities Charlotte Chapter, joined Santa Claus in awarding grants to 75 local organizations Monday evening. Throughout the course of the year Speedway Children's Charities has donated to 92 organizations, directly impacting more than 45,000 children. Speedway Children's Charities raised the money through various fundraising activities along with individual and corporate donations throughout the year.
A number of area agencies will directly benefit from the funds, including A Better World (helps provide finances to operate after-school programs), Birthday Blessings (Shelter Party Program hosts birthday parties for homeless children and their families), Northeast Foundation, Inc. (helps fund Camp Open Airways and Camp Sweet Freedom for asthmatic and diabetic children to attend a summer day camp under medical supervision to control their asthma and diabetes while participating in typical camp activities) and Thompson Child & Family Focus (provides comprehensive early childhood education where typically developing and special needs children learn together).
In addition to the grant distribution, Charlotte Motor Speedway celebrated the opening night of Carolina Christmas, a spectacular new
2.5-mile drive-through Christmas light park and village located on the track and infield of the legendary superspeedway. The celebration included fireworks and the simultaneous lighting of the entire Carolina Christmas display, which features more than a million lights and 500 different light displays.
For more information visit www.charlotte.speedwaycharities.org for a list of 2010 Charlotte Chapter Grant Recipients, see the press release at charlottemotorspeedway.com.(CMS)(11-24-2010)
Ryan Newman Foundation and Iams Announce Partnership: NASCAR driver Ryan Newman and his wife Krissie flew to Proctor & Gamble’s Pet Care facility in Mason, OH last week where they announced a partnership with the Iams brand. "It was nice to meet the Pet Care employees and get to see the place," said Newman. Michel Brousset of Iams presented a contribution of $50,000 to the Ryan Newman Foundation to help continue its efforts in animal welfare on and off the race track. Iams also presented a special "Lifetime Achievement Award" to Helen Woodward Animal Center President and Iams Home 4 the Holidays founder Mike Arms. Mike Arms has played an instrumental role in Krissie Newman’s life and how she handles the day to day operations of the Foundation. Her plans to create an animal center in North Carolina that will resemble the Helen Woodward Animal Center will serve as a model for the animal welfare and education throughout the United States.
Earlier this year, Iams donated dog and cat food to the Ryan Newman Foundation to help support the AniMeals program. The program was founded by the Helen Woodward Center with the help of Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County in North Carolina to provide free pet food deliveries to patient’s home. It was the hope of the Foundation that by assisting Hospice families with AniMeals, they will not only help feed the pets of the families in need, but also, as a part of the Foundation mission, keep pets in their homes and out of shelters. More info at ryannewmanfoundation.org.(11-4-2010)
Dog Living Magazine Develops Program to Benefit Ryan Newman Foundation: Dog Living Magazine, a Wilmington, NC based publication has developed a subscription donation program to benefit the Ryan Newman Foundation. For each paid subscription to the bi-monthly magazine, the foundation will receive $10.00 to help enrich the lives of animals across the country. Subscriptions can be ordered online at doglivingmagazine.com using the promo code listed below. There is a space just above the "Buy Now" button indicating where subscribers should enter the promo code.
Organization: Ryan Newman Foundation
Promo Code: RNF100
This program is good for both new Dog Living Magazine subscriptions and renewals, but may not be used for previously purchased subscriptions (9-8-2010)
Speediatrics Unit Celebrates 10th Anniversary: The Halifax Health - Betty Jane France Center for Pediatrics, otherwise known as Speediatrics, celebrated the beginning of a new decade of caring by unveiling a complete renovation of the children’s unit during a ceremony held this afternoon in Daytona Beach, FL. This year, The NASCAR Foundation and Halifax Health will celebrate the 10th anniversary of Speediatrics. In recognition of this celebration, The NASCAR Foundation presented Speediatrics with a $150,000 donation to the unit. During the event, NASCAR Foundation Chairperson Betty Jane France was joined by NASCAR President and NASCAR Foundation Board Member Mike Helton, NASCAR Foundation Board Member Rusty Wallace, Daytona Beach Mayor Glenn Ritchey and Halifax Health President and CEO Jeff Feasel. The renovation of the NASCAR-themed unit was accomplished with the help of NASCAR sponsors 3M and Best Buy as well as Vomela Motorsports, Akzo Nobel Paints LLC and K’NEX. The Jimmie Johnson Foundation and Juan and Connie Montoya’s Formula Smiles Foundation have also supported this very important cause.
The renovation includes a new nurse’s station, as well as new flooring, lighting and furniture for the kids and teen rooms. The Speediatrics décor has been updated with child-friendly decorations on the walls and ceiling featuring custom Speediatrics cartoon characters. Also included is a new donor wall complete with a new video display and the restoration of the iconic signature wall that includes autographs from drivers who have visited the unit over the years.
“So many people have stepped forward to help this important project,” France said. “Speediatrics has done some remarkable things in its first 10 years. Now, with this renovation, the unit is set to continue its work in coming years. We are all very grateful for the assistance.”
Speediatrics is a 36-bed unit that cares for more than 2,000 children annually, with another 400 more receiving critical care in the area’s only Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. The environment created by the Speediatrics unit provides a much-needed diversion to young patients undergoing intensive treatments, lessening the intimidation factor that often comes with hospital visits. Each waiting room, hallway, nurse station and patient room has a motorsports theme, including race cars, checkered flags and colorful cartoon characters.
Additionally, each young patient admitted to the unit receives a Speediatrics-themed teddy bear specially designed by Betty Jane France and donated by The NASCAR Foundation, to provide a little extra comfort throughout their intensive treatments and recovery.(NASCAR)(11-12-2010)
Newman Gives Winners a Memorable Weekend At Talladega: Roger and Mary Bierden of Coushatta, LA were the big winners in the "Fish with Ryan Newman" raffle. The Bierden’s, who are regulars at Talladega Superspeedway, were given all-access passes to the garage and pit road area where they were introduced to Newman, the #39 crew and were able to witness the inner workings of NASCAR and the teams that compete week to week. Once qualifying was over on Saturday, the Bierden’s were taken to a spot that’s been a favorite to Newman and other celebrities over the year. The three loaded up their rods and tackle and fished the remainder of the afternoon.
"I had fun with Roger and Mary (Bierden)," said Newman who spent the day prior fishing and learning what the bass were biting. "They’re both down to earth and genuinely good people. I don’t think they do a lot of fishing, but Mary didn’t do too badly. Roger said the trip was for her, so he kicked back in the boat and let me and her fish."
Once the sun went down, everyone gathered at the camp for a cookout and share their tales about the big one that got away. Crew Chief Tony Gibson, crew members and even sponsor representatives were present and all had their "big fish" stories. "The lake we fish at is pretty well known in the garage area and the bass are a good size," said Newman who caught his on spinner bait and worms. "I know Dale Earnhardt, Buddy Baker and even Bill Jordon have all fished there over the years. It’s just a great, secluded place to get away from the race track and relax for a while.
I hope Roger and Mary had a good experience. The raffle was something new, and I feel like it was a success and look forward to doing other events like this to help raise funds and awareness to the Foundation." On raceday, the Bierden’s had the opportunity to walk to driver introductions and watch the drivers walk out on stage, take photos with Ryan at the car and watch the race from the pits.
"We would like to thank Ryan for a fun race and fishing weekend at Talladega," said Mary Bierden. "We had a great time. Getting to visit with Ryan was a pleasure for us and fishing was a blast. We caught some nice bass and got to cook out with Ryan and his team. Ryan cooks the best cheeseburgers. Going in the pits and getting our picture made with Ryan at the car and meeting Krissie was an experience we will never forget. It was a fantastic weekend. Thank you Ryan, Shelly, and Mary for making this a weekend we will never forget."(Ryan Newman Foundation)(11-4-2010)
Jail & Bail Event Produces $150,000 For Brienne Davis Scholarship Fund: Twenty NASCAR drivers and celebrities joined more than a thousand fans to help collect $150,000 in donations and pledges at the Third Official Jail and Bail charity event benefitting the Brienne Davis Scholarship Fund Oct. 12 at Brickhouse Tavern in Davidson, N.C.
Over the three years of the event, more than $300,000 has been raised to provide 30 scholarships for qualified female students.
The Brienne Davis Scholarship Fund is intended to provide an opportunity for qualified female students who wish to attend any one of Universal Technical Institute’s eleven campuses across the U.S., including the NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville, N.C.
The evening included NASCAR drivers and other celebrities being “sentenced” and put behind bars with all of the “bail money” going to support the scholarship fund. Inmates included NASCAR drivers Landon Cassill; Kevin Conway; Denny Hamlin; Brad Keselowski; Travis Kvapil; Joey Logano; Casey Mears; Michael McDowell; Joe Nemechek; Max Papis; Tony Raines; Brian Scott; Reed Sorenson; Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Tony Stewart. Others locked up were the No. 11 FedEx Pit Crew, NASCAR Hall of Fame nominee Jerry Cook and NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Bobby Allison, Donnie Allison and Red Farmer of “The Alabama Gang.”
Joining “Judge John Darby” were “prosecutors” Jimmy Spencer of SPEED, NASCAR’s Mike Phillips and ESPN’s Marty Smith as NASCAR crew chiefs Kevin “Bono” Manion, Slugger Labbe and Tommy Baldwin Jr. served as the “dream team” defense attorneys. The event was hosted by NASCAR media personalities Matt Yocum and Ray Dunlap. Legendary country music artists The Charlie Daniels Band was joined by recording artist and hit songwriter Bridgette Tatum to provide memorable entertainment for the event. Davis, a Universal Technical Institute (UTI) graduate and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series official, died in 2008 at age 28, and is honored by this scholarship created to encourage women to seek careers in the automotive industry.(NASCAR)(10-26-2010)
Hendrick Motorsports to Sponsor Building of Playroom at Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte: The Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte is pleased to announce that three of NASCAR’s biggest stars have joined together to sponsor the building and outfitting of the toddler playroom at the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte. The charitable foundations of drivers Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. joined their team, Hendrick Motorsports, in making a $75,000 combined donation toward a racing-themed room that will provide the house’s youngest guests with a fun and age-appropriate place to play and interact with other children.
This marks the first time that these drivers and their respective foundations have pledged their support to a single project in Charlotte as part of a united effort. They join fellow NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne and ESPN NASCAR analyst Ray Evernham as contributors to the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte.
This contribution helps bring the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte one step closer to their goal of completing their capital campaign. For additional information on various sponsorship opportunities, please contact Emily DiNunzio at (704) 335-1191. The RMH of Charlotte is currently under construction on East Morehead Street and is slated to open in early 2011.
For more information on Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte, please visit www.rmhofcharlotte.org.(8-25-2010)
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet “Battle at the Grove” charity race raises over $50k: An entertained crowd of sprint car and stock car racing fans at Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg, Pa. raised over $50,000 in net proceeds at last Thursday’s Ollie’s Bargain Outlet “Battle at the Grove” charity race to benefit the Kasey Kahne Foundation and local charities designated by Ollie’s. Eighteen-year-old Aaron Ott of East Berlin, Pa. stole the show by easily winning the URC-sanctioned 360/358 Sprints feature that included event host Kasey Kahne and fellow NASCAR star Tony Stewart. This year’s event is the fourth year that Ollie’s Bargain Outlet and the Kasey Kahne Foundation have partnered together on a charity race at Williams Grove Speedway, a half-mile clay oval that is regarded as one of the most historic dirt track venues in the country and has hosted legendary racers such as A.J. Foyt and Mario Andretti. Ott, a recent high school graduate who races for his father at Don Ott Motorsports, took the lead soon after the half-way point in the 25-lap main 360/358 Sprints feature and held off Pat Cannon in the green-white-checker finish to claim the $3,000 first place prize. Kahne started 20th and passed ten cars, including Stewart near the end, to finish tenth. Gary Stuhler won the hotly contested 20-lap Super Late Model feature that included NASCAR’s Kyle Busch. The Kasey Kahne Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c)3, was created by NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne to raise and donate funds to charitable organizations that care for chronically ill children and their families. The foundation is dedicated to positive cultural changes by giving underprivileged boys and girls ample opportunities for success. Community involvement projects and volunteerism are valued as they have the chance to make a positive impact on a life. For more information, visit kaseykahnefoundation.org.(8-10-2010)
Gibbs and family selected as 2nd quarter Spirit Award Winner: Members of the National Motorsports Press Association selected J.D. Gibbs and his family as the second quarter winner of the NMPA Speedway Motorsports Spirit Award. The award is designed to recognize character and achievement in the face of adversity, sportsmanship and contributions to motorsports. Each year, quarterly winners are selected, and an overall winner is determined by a vote of the National Motorsports Press Association membership.
Gibbs and his family were selected for hosting Taylor's Finish Line Festival in May. The festival was held to celebrate the end cancer treatments for Gibbs' 5-year-old son, Taylor. Proceeds benefited the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and Western, N.C., and the Levine Children's Hospital of Charlotte. More than $600,000 was raised at the event, attended by more than 5,000 people.
Also receiving votes were: Drs. Joseph and Rose Mattioli for contributions to support trauma care at Lehigh Valley Health Network; employees of Richard Childress Racing and Earnhardt-Childress Racing Engines for delivering and distributing cleaning supplies to Nashville, Tenn., residents affected by the flooding there; Tony Stewart for his annual Prelude to the Dream charity dirt late model race; and Kyle Petty for his annual charity motorcycle ride across the country. Bobby Hutchens, competition director at Stewart-Haas Racing, won the award in the first quarter.(JGR)(7-8-2010)
For those of you new to Ricky Byers Racing, please meet one of those more extraordinary individuals in auto racing. Ricky Byers has been racing for more than twenty years, and has won his share of races and championships. He has lived on the edge, tempted fate, come back to tell the stories – but none of that mattered anymore when he was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma (throat cancer.) He knew he was in for the fight of his life… Which, thank God, he won. Then it happened again.
Yes, Ricky Byers was struck down with squamous cell carcinoma a second time. A second time he found himself fighting for his life. But Ricky Byers is a fighter, he does not give up. Ricky investigated, he studied, he looked into his options; the doctors; the hospitals; the organizations… then, surrounded by the right team, Ricky won the fight again. But at a cost this time. Ricky Byers lost a vocal cord to cancer.
Has that stopped him? Of course not. Ricky took what he learned during his fight and used it to help others ~ patients with cancer and their families. He helps them find the medical treatment and financial aid they need to get through this struggle. As word about Ricky’s help got around and more people started coming to him, Ricky decided to form Racing For A Cure to fund his dream of furthering the efforts of total eradication of the disease of cancer.
Now Ricky races because it’s what he loves to do, he is a racer at heart. But he has dedicated all his earnings from racing; winnings, merchandise, promotions, to fighting cancer. More at rickybyersracing.com(6-22-2010)
Lenox to make $10,000 donation to Children's Tumor Foundation: Lenox, a leading manufacturer of premium power tool accessories, hand tools, torches, solder and band saw blades announced, in partnership with Richard Childress Racing driver Jeff Burton and the New Hampshire Motor Speedway, will dedicate this weekend's Lenox Industrial Tools 301 to Pete Dingeman, the winner of the Lenox Extra-Mile Hero Contest. The June 27, 2010 NASCAR race will honor Dingeman, who passed away last December after a life-long battle with neurofibromatosis (NF). In recognition of his heroic efforts, a decal honoring Dingeman will be placed on Burton's #31 Lenox Industrial Tools Chevy paint scheme and Dingeman's family will serve as Grand Marshals for the race.
Last year at the Lenox Industrial Tools 301, Dingeman was announced as the winner of the Lenox Extra-Mile Hero Contest. Dingeman was presented with a check for $31,000 for his charity, The Children's Tumor Foundation, with an additional $31,000 going to Dingeman for being the Lenox Extra-Mile Hero - a portion of which he donated back to The Foundation. To further acknowledge the work and life of Dingeman, Lenox will collect fan signatures in his honor throughout the race weekend and make $1 donation to the Children's Tumor Foundation for each signature - for up to $10,000.(Pro Sports PR)(6-22-2010)
Hershey's donates $19,800 to Autism Speaks: Hershey's Milk & Milkshakes, the “Official Flavored Milk and Milkshakes of Dover International Speedway®,” presented Autism Speaks, the nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organization, with a donation of $19,800 during a press event held today before the start of the “Autism Speaks 400 presented by Hershey's Milk & Milkshakes.” Hershey's Milk & Milkshakes are a new line of single-serve milk and milkshakes that are produced by HP Hood LLC under license from The Hershey Company. The $19,800 donation to Autism Speaks is the result of a challenge that Hershey's Milk & Milkshakes delivered to Trevor Bayne, #99 NASCAR Nationwide Series driver for Michael Waltrip Racing. Hershey's Milk and Milkshakes offered to donate $99 to Autism Speaks for every lap completed by the #99 car during the “Heluva Good! 200” on Saturday, May 15, at Dover International Speedway. Hershey's Milk & Milkshakes is one of the sponsors of Bayne’s car at Dover.(Dover International Speedway)(5-16-2010)
Carl Edwards to Donate All-Star Winnings to Speedway Children's Charities: 2010 Speedway Children's Charities Spokesman Carl Edwards has announced that if he is victorious in the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 22 at Charlotte Motor Speedway he will donate his portion of the $1 million prize earned by the race winner to the non-profit organization that cares for children in educational, financial, social and medical need. "If we win the All-Star race it's a million bucks! Whatever my portion of the winnings is I will donate it to Speedway Children's Charities in the name of General Sadler," said Edwards. Retired Air Force General Tom Sadler is the executive director of Speedway Children's Charities. "I've seen how the Speedway Children's Charities works," Edwards continued, "and it's an efficient way to help kids all around the world with the things they need, basic things like health care and education."
Edwards however is not currently eligible to participate in the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. To get in the race, a driver or his car owner must have won a points-paying Cup race in 2009 or 2010, have won a championship in the past 10 years, or have won a NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race in the past 10 years.
"We deeply appreciate Carl's generosity," said Amanda Hollingsworth, director, Speedway Children's Charities Charlotte Chapter. "While we hope that he and his team can race their way into the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, we also encourage his fans and supporters of Speedway Children's Charities to vote for Carl with the Sprint Fan Vote."(SCC)(5-15-2010)
Biffle Pledges to Give a Portion of His All-Star Race Earnings to Friends of the Animals: In an effort to help the Iredell County Friends of the Animals organization move closer to its goal of building a state-of-the art animal sanctuary to include an adoption and education center with a spay/neuter clinic in Mooresville, N.C. Greg Biffle has pledged to donate a portion of his winnings from the Sprint All-Star Race to their cause. As Biffle is one of the drivers who needs to be voted in or finish in the top two in the Sprint Showdown to be in the All-Star Race, it is important that Biffle fans take the time to vote now and vote often over the next week and a half.
“I didn’t really want to campaign to get voted into the All-Star race because I feel like we should race our way in but the idea was presented to me to make this donation to the Friends of the Animals and I couldn’t say ‘no’,” said Biffle. “The animal sanctuary we are working to build is a project my wife Nicole and I really believe in because we believe it will increase adoptions and spay/neuters for animals.” For more info see www.friendsoftheanimals.net.(5-15-2010)
K’NEX Announces $100,000 Toy Donation to The Dale Jr. Foundation and The NASCAR Foundation: K’NEX, the most innovative and fastest growing construction toy company in America, announced today a donation of $100,000 worth of toys to The Dale Jr. Foundation and The NASCAR Foundation in conjunction with its sponsorship of the JR Motorsports #88 Chevrolet this weekend at Dover International Speedway. The donation was announced this morning by K’NEX officials at the DIS media center. Both The Dale Jr. Foundation and The NASCAR Foundation will distribute the K’NEX toys to 19 separate charities, beginning with a $5,000 toy donation to Dover International Speedway benefitting Boys and Girls Club of America and Toys for Tots.
“This is a tremendous donation from the good people at K’NEX,” JR Motorsports co-owner and general manager Kelley Earnhardt said. “We’ve had substantial donations to The Dale Jr. Foundation in the past, but this is unique because it’s in the form of toys. There will be a lot of other charities that will benefit from this effort on behalf of K’NEX. We’re going to make sure these toys go a long way in helping underprivileged and special-needs children.” The Dale Jr. Foundation will donate its portion to The Jamie McMurray Foundation, Jeff Gordon Foundation, Victory Junction Gang Camp, Make-A-Wish of Central & Western North Carolina, Women’s Auxilliary of Motorsports, The Pit Board Charity, Barium Springs Home for Children, Jimmie Johnson Foundation, Hendrick Marrow Program and The Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte.
“The K’NEX $100,000 toy donation is something I’m extremely proud to be a part of,” said K'NEX President Michael Araten. “I’m not sure of the exact numbers, but this definitely has to be one of the larger toy donations this sport has seen. We know The Dale Jr. Foundation and The NASCAR Foundation will put these toys to good use.”
The NASCAR Foundation will donate to A Place for Hope, AFLAC Cancer Center, The Ronald McDonald House of Kansas City as part of its NASCAR Day projects this year. Additional donations will go to Speediatrics Halifax Hospital and Baptist Hospital, Shands –USF and Stocks for Tots. Additionally, for the month of May, K’NEX is donating 10% of the online products sales at K’NEX.com to The Dale Jr. Foundation.(5-15-2010)
Pocono Raceway Owners Contribute $1 Million to Lehigh Valley Health Network: On the first lap of a 1988 Pocono Raceway event, NASCAR legend Bobby Allison radioed his crew that his tire was going flat. In the second turn, the tire blew. Allison's car hit the wall, spun and was T-boned on the driver's side. His injuries were life-threatening.
As trauma specialists from Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) began treatment at the scene, raceway owners Drs. Joseph "Doc" and Rose Mattioli comforted Allison's wife, Judy. "I told her we had a helicopter to take him to the health network's Trauma Center and that he would receive the best care," Rose says. "All the drivers took comfort in knowing he was in good hands."
The Mattiolis believe Allison is alive today because of the trauma care he received. It's one reason they contributed $1 million to support trauma care at LVHN. In recognition of the gift, LVHN has named the Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest facility the Mattioli Trauma Center. "We've been fortunate over the years, and strongly believe in supporting things that are important to us," Doc Mattioli says.
Interest from the endowment created by the Mattiolis' gift will perpetually support trauma care, education and research. "It will raise the quality of trauma care available in our community to an even higher level and further enhance our health network's reputation as a regional and national leader," says Elliot J. Sussman, M.D., LVHN's president and chief executive officer. The Mattioli Trauma Center is the region's largest Level 1 Trauma Center for adults, provides the region's highest level of trauma care for children, is the only one that specializes in trauma care for older adults, and includes one of the most advanced burn centers in the nation. Approximately 4,500 people receive care at the Mattioli Trauma Center every year.
The Mattiolis also experienced the importance of specialized health care when their twin great-granddaughters were born prematurely. Weighing three pounds at birth, they received care in LVHN's Forrest G. Moyer, M.D. neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). "It's a miracle that they lived," Rose says. "We had the right people to take care of them. We call them our miracle babies."
Children of modest families, Doc and Rose vowed in their youth to support causes that were important to them if they ever had the means. "Thank God I married someone who had the same beliefs as me," Rose says. "It's important for us to give back to the community that has given us so much."
Doc and Rose's "passion for the sport of racing" is as strong today as it was when they built the Long Pond, Pa., raceway more than 40 years ago. They know that by supporting a health network with A Passion for Better Medicine, future generations will have access to the same life-saving care that a NASCAR legend and their beloved great-grandchildren received.
Lehigh Valley Health Network includes three hospital facilities - two in Allentown and one in Bethlehem, Pa.; eight health centers caring for communities in four counties; numerous primary and specialty care physician practices throughout the region; pharmacy, imaging, home health services and lab services; and preferred provider services through Valley Preferred. Specialty care includes: trauma care at the region's most experienced trauma center treating adults and children, burn care at the regional Burn Center, kidney and pancreas transplants; perinatal/neonatal, cardiac, cancer care , and neurology and complex neurosurgery capabilities including national certification as a Primary Stroke Center. Lehigh Valley Health Network is Network Cancer Program accredited, one of only 26 in the nation and the highest available from the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer; has been recognized by US News & World Report for 14 consecutive years as one of America's Best Hospitals and is a national Magnet hospital for excellence in nursing. Additional information is available at www.lvh.org.(5-15-2010)
Falk wins Denny Hamlin's 250-lap charity race: Denny Hamlin has the household name, a multimillion-dollar contract with Joe Gibbs Racing and 10 career victories on NASCAR's top touring series. C.E. Falk III is a 22-year-old Norfolk native who's two weeks shy of graduating from Charlotte. Falk has racing in his blood, though, and the son of former Busch Series driver Eddie Falk wasn't about to back down when he got a rare opportunity to trade sheet metal with Hamlin last night at Southside Speedway. Falk qualified third behind local favorite Hamlin and Tony Stewart for the third annual Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown, a 250-lap Late Model race to benefit Hamlin's charitable foundation. Stewart was second, followed by Eddie Johnson. Hamlin settled for a disappointing fourth-place finish after dominating the race.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(5-1-2010)
Newman's release 2nd book about pets: Last weekend, Ryan Newman and wife Krissie, released their second book Pit Road: NASCAR Stars and Their Pets, the Second Lap at Bristol Motor Speedway. The book celebrates the NASCAR community and their beloved furry and sometimes even feathered families. Pit Road Pets: NASCAR Stars and Their Pets, the Second Lap, gives fans an intimate look at some of NASCAR’s most loved drivers both past and present, their families and their love for animals. Crew chiefs, broadcast personalities and the people who work behind the scenes at races each weekend are all part of this picturesque book.
“The book isn’t just the drivers,” Krissie Newman said. “We have the big personalities in the sport, but we also have a large contingent of the media broadcasters; we have the people who are behind the scenes like Jay Howard, who coordinates all of the pre-race activities; we have more team owners like Richard Childress and Rick Hendrick. This is the only book that encompasses every aspect of what racing is on a non-racing scale. And it’s really incredible to listen to the personal stories that they tell about their lives away from the racetrack.”
As the follow-up to the Newman’s first Pit Road Pets book which was published in 2006, The Second Lap even delves into the heart of NASCAR – its fans. Photographer Karen Will Rogers and a team of people traveled to three racetracks during the 2009 season – Bristol Motor Speedway, Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn and Charlotte Motor Speedway – to meet and photograph NASCAR’s devoted fans and their pets.
“When we started planning our second book, it was really a no-brainer to include the fans,” Krissie Newman said. “The fans are really the heartbeat of this sport. NASCAR has the most unique and most dedicated fans out there, and we wanted to showcase them and their personalities and their love for animals in our book. In fact, it was a chance meeting with fans that really encouraged us to help animals and start the Ryan Newman Foundation. And I can’t tell you how many fans come up to either me or Ryan to tell us about their pets or who want us to meet their dogs. It just made sense.”
The book, which sales for $24.95, is available for purchase at www.RyanNewmanFoundation.org or at the racetrack on the #39 Ryan Newman souvenir trailer. The proceeds from the first book helped build a regional spay/neuter clinic at the Humane Society of Catawba County in Hickory, N.C. To date, The Ryan Newman Foundation S.N.I.P. clinic has already performed over 13,000 spay/neuter surgeries since their doors opened in 2007, preventing the death of hundreds of thousands of unwanted and stray animals.
With the release of The Second Lap, the Ryan Newman Foundation hopes to make an even bigger impact. One hundred percent of the Ryan Newman Foundation net proceeds will be donated to animal causes such as giving grants to families that can’t afford to spay or neuter their pets. The Ryan Newman Foundation also plans to build an animal education center in North Carolina that will serve as a model for animal welfare and education throughout the U.S. For more information about the book, visit www.RyanNewmanFoundation.org.(3-22-2010)
NASCAR Foundation Breaks Ground For New Playground At Ronald McDonald House Charities Of Kansas City: Representatives from The NASCAR Foundation, Sprint, Inc., Ronald McDonald House, Turner Construction and Kansas Speedway broke ground today for a brand new state-of-the-art playground at the Ronald McDonald House of Kansas City. The playground is one of five community service projects across the country being hosted by The NASCAR Foundation to help celebrate NASCAR Day and will be dedicated in honor of Tom Murphy, a former Sprint Executive and NASCAR Foundation Board Member. Throughout his adult life, Murphy was a strong supporter of the Ronald McDonald House of Kansas City and served on its board of directors. His wife, Jenny, was on hand to participate in the ceremony. The playground, which will be built over the course of five days, May 12-16, is made possible through a generous gift by Sprint, Inc. and The NASCAR Foundation. Local construction company, Turner Construction, has also donated all of its services to make the build possible. Annually, the Ronald McDonald House and Family Room provide lodging to nearly 6,000 families and supports over 41,000 visits from family and friends of in-patients at Children's Mercy Hospital. The playground will provide a place for children and their families to come, relax and rejuvenate their spirits. Numerous volunteers will be needed to fill shifts each day of the project. For more information or to sign up to volunteer visit WWW.NASCAR.COM/NASCARDay and click on the Ronald McDonald House Charities Kansas City project. Fans and community members can also support the project by donating $5 for a NASCAR Day pin at the Ronald McDonald House Charities Kansas City or by going online to the NASCAR Day website.(NASCAR)(3-9-2010)
Sirius Speedway Launches Fundraising Drive: Sirius NASCAR Radio’s Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody is teaming with Ray Evernham to raise money for the new Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte, NC. Nearly two decades ago, Evernham needed a place to stay while his year-old son, Ray J, was treated for leukemia at New York’s Sloan-Kettering Hospital. Ronald McDonald House gave him and his family a home away from home and a sense of comfort that he has never forgotten. "I can't explain what it means to be so lost in a town with a sick child," he said. "Parents will find comfort within these walls. It's important that Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte gets built and used." Evernham recently made a $250,000 donation to the cause, and also agreed to serve on the charity's executive board. His pledge pushed donations past the $6-million mark, but the fundraising drive is running behind projections, and is well short of its $9-million goal. "This is something I have to do," said Evernham. "You don't let things like this go by without getting involved."
Sirius Speedway has set a goal of $5,000 in listener donations. If that goal is met, host Dave Moody will join Evernham in receiving an on-air pedicure, with the color to be selected by the largest individual giver. In addition, Evernham will match listener donations up to an additional $5,000.
“I’m not really a pedicure kind of guy,” said Moody, who also serves as lead turn announcer for MRN Radio’s broadcasts of NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping Truck Series races. “In fact, I’m not wild about people messing with my feet at all. But if that’s what it takes to help Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte get built, that’s what we’ll do. Paint my toenails pink.” Construction is scheduled to begin next week, following a ground-breaking ceremony on Wednesday. The 35,000-square-foot facility will be built on a one-acre lot donated by Carolinas Medical Center, and will be able to house up to 28 families of sick children. Charlotte has two large children’s hospitals, and many families travel to the city to take advantage of the care provided by Carolinas HealthCare’s Levine Children’s Hospital and Presbyterian Hemby Children’s Hospital.
"It's overwhelming and very stressful to be here with a child in crisis, trying to figure out this city… where to stay, where to eat, where to go,” said Mona Johnson-Gibson, Executive Director of Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte. “We have to be ready to go. It won’t be long before we’re opening.”
Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte will be the fifth Ronald McDonald House in North Carolina and one of 160 nationwide.
Donors are asked to send checks and money orders (no cash please) to Sirius Speedway, c/o MRN Radio, 555 MRN Drive, Concord NC, 28027. Make checks payable to Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte.(1-24-2010)
Teams / Drivers Fans Helping Haiti
Ongoing
Fans can contribute directly to American Red Cross International Response Fund at www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS. Donors also can text "Haiti" to 90999 on their cell phone to send a $10 donation to support Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti.
Check out Redcross.org
UNICEF
Missionary Flight International
charitynavigator.org,
ABC News
for more news or to see how you can help out folks devastated by the earthquake in Haiti
MAF Honors NASCAR Teams' Response to Haiti Quake: In the aftermath of the catastrophic Jan. 12, 7.0 earthquake that destroyed the capital of the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, two renowned NASCAR auto racing teams shuttled relief workers and supplies into Haiti and transported evacuees, rotating workers and quake victims to the United States. This week at their respective shops in North Carolina, MAF (Missionary Aviation Fellowship) President John Boyd presented Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing with special service awards for their work in Haiti.
In the crucial days following one of the world's greatest disasters, the teams generously provided aircraft from their fleets. The Hendrick and Gibbs crews worked with MFI (Missionary Flights International) and MAF to shuttle planes between Fort Pierce, Fla., and Port-au-Prince, Haiti, enabling the rotation of high-impact volunteer medical teams and humanitarian workers. The planes also evacuated adopted orphans to their American homes. In addition, the aviation crews offered care, personal concern and warm fellowship to the MAF missionary pilots and ground workers as they toiled amid heat, chaos, suffering and death.
"With these awards, we at MAF want to express our sincere gratitude to Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing for their support of the MAF team in Haiti," Boyd said. "We honor two fine motorsports teams for their selfless actions, and for the special blessing they were to us during a very trying time." Boyd also invited the two teams' aviation staffs to participate in one of the MAF advanced mountain training workshops at the ministry's headquarters in Nampa, Idaho.
MAF has served the missionary community and the people of Haiti since 1986. Eight MAF missionary families and seven Haitian staff members provide air service with three bush aircraft that fly to 16 remote airstrips from Port-au-Prince. Within the first three months of its disaster relief efforts, MAF had partnered with dozens of relief agencies, including the United Nations. In addition to having coordinated the flights of 3,500 international passengers and 1.5 million pounds of cargo between Florida and Port-au-Prince, MAF logged 1,037 flights within Haiti, transported 1,801 relief workers, missionaries, patients and medical staff in and out of inland towns and villages urgently needing help, and delivered 315,498 pounds of urgent relief and medical cargo. MAF continues its disaster response work in Haiti, having now shifted from the crisis-relief phase to a rebuilding stage that is expected to last several years.(MAF PR)(7-29-2010)
ML Motorsports owner donates to Haiti relief efforts: Add ML Motorsports owner Mary Louise Miller to the list of NASCAR folks lending aid to the earthquake victims in Haiti. ML Motorsports runs the #70, Foretravel Motorcoach / BIOMET Chevy in the Nationwide Series with driver Shelby Howard. Miller, who with her husband Dane founded BIOMET, a leading manufacturer of Orthopedic devices based in Warsaw, In. last month donated more than a half million dollars of equipment to the relief effort, stepped up to the plate once again this week. BIOMET quietly made the donation a couple of weeks ago, learned of an effort by Sister Laureen Painter, Vice President of St. Joseph Hospital Foundation in nearby South Bend to gather local doctors to go to Haiti to lend aid. Working with Friendship Flights Inc, based at the Goshen, In airport, BIOMET, Tuesday donated the company's Citation Excel Jet to fly the medical volunteers to Haiti.(On Pit Road)(2-8-2010)
Penske Donates Trucks to Clinton Bush Haiti Fund: Penske Corporation and its family of companies announced that today it has donated over $1 million worth of diesel-powered flatbed trucks to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund. “I’m pleased the Penske Corporation has stepped up to donate more than $1 million worth of trucks, which will be instrumental in mobilizing food and lifesaving supplies in Haiti,” President Clinton said. “Their generous contribution is an example of what the private sector can do to help Haiti rebuild and recover from the massive earthquake, and I’m grateful for their leadership.”
"The catastrophe that has struck Haiti is almost unimaginable," said Roger Penske, Chairman of Penske Corporation. "These trucks will assist in the humanitarian relief efforts in Haiti by facilitating the distribution of critical supplies that will help ease the suffering of the Haitian people." For more info about the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, visit www.clintonbushhaitifund.org.(Penske Racing)(2-6-2010)
Michigan International Speedway launches Haiti relief effort: Michigan International Speedway is working with the NASCAR Foundation to gather monetary donations for Haiti relief. Michigan International Speedway will match total donations up to $15,000. Through “MIS Cares for Haiti,” race fans may make a donation by visiting the NASCAR Foundation online (click here) from Friday, Jan. 29 through Thursday, Feb. 4. All money collected will be donated to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund for efforts to support Haiti. MIS Cares is a 501 c (3) non-profit entity under the umbrella of the NASCAR Foundation. It serves as the liaison between Michigan International Speedway and all of the charitable causes the speedway.(MIS)(1-29-2010)
Indy teaming with Red Cross for Haitian Relief UPDATE 2: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is teaming with the American Red Cross through an online auction and Brickyard Authentics retail store price reduction to encourage race fans to contribute to relief efforts for Haitian earthquake victims. Thousands were killed and injured when a massive earthquake struck Jan. 12 near Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The catastrophic damage destroyed the infrastructure of the capital of the Caribbean island nation, creating an urgent need for funds for water, food, medical services and temporary shelter. An eBay auction of autographed racing memorabilia will begin Jan. 15, with all proceeds being donated to American Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti. Items will be designated as part of the Haiti relief program. Initial items being auctioned at eBay.com:
•A helmet signed by nearly the entire starting field of the 2009 Indianapolis 500
•2010 Indianapolis 500 cap signed by three-time winner Helio Castroneves
•A replica Indianapolis 500 milk bottle featuring the 2009 event logo, signed by Castroneves
•An IMS Centennial Era cap signed by four-time Indianapolis 500 winner A.J. Foyt and A.J. Foyt Racing driver Vitor Meira
•An IMS Centennial Era cap signed by three-time Indy 500 winner Johnny Rutherford
•An enlarged 2008 Indianapolis 500 replica ticket signed by 2007 Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti
More items will be added to the auction soon. Check the auction site daily for updates.
Fans visiting Brickyard Authentics retail locations at the IMS Hall of Fame Museum and Indianapolis International Airport will receive a 20% savings on any purchase with a donation of $5 or more to the American Red Cross canisters located near the register. This program is valid at the retail stores only. For more information about the Red Cross, please visit www.redcross.org or read the blog at blog.redcross.org.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com at any time. Tickets for groups of 20 or more also are on sale. Contact the IMS Group Sales Department at (866) 221-8775 for more information.(IMS)(1-15-2010)
UPDATE: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is contributing $10,000 to the American Red Cross to assist its relief efforts for Haitian earthquake victims. Thousands were killed and injured when a massive earthquake struck Jan. 12 near Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The catastrophic damage destroyed the infrastructure of the capital of the Caribbean island nation, creating an urgent need for funds for water, food, medical services and temporary shelter. “Our fans have responded to the needs in Haiti by offering generous donations through our auctions on the Internet, and I thank them from the bottom of my heart for supporting this cause,” said Mari Hulman George, chairman of the Board of Directors, Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “Given the ongoing and long-term needs of the people of Haiti, our family felt it important to do more. The American Red Cross is doing wonderful things in the wake of this tragedy, and we’re proud to partner with them on these relief efforts.” Motorsports fans also can contribute to the American Red Cross in many ways, including an online auction at the IMS eBay site and a Brickyard Authentics retail store price reduction. All proceeds from the eBay auction of racing memorabilia, which began Jan. 15, are being donated to American Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti. Items are designated as part of the Haiti relief program. The newest item to be added to the auction is a VIP ticket package for the 2010 Indianapolis 500 race weekend May 28-May 30. Included are four tickets in an IMS luxury suite for Miller Lite Carb Day, Friday, May 28 and Race Day, Sunday, May 30, four pit and garage credentials (if age 18 or over) and a police escort to IMS on Race Day morning. Fans visiting Brickyard Authentics retail locations at the IMS Hall of Fame Museum and Indianapolis International Airport will receive a 20 percent savings on any purchase with a donation of $5 or more to the American Red Cross canisters located near the register. This program is valid at the retail stores only.(IMS)(1-20-2010)
NEW ITEMS: A helmet signed by 22 Indianapolis 500 winners is among the unique new items added recently to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway eBay auctions to benefit American Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti, which already have raised more than $8,400. Indy winners who signed the helmet include Helio Castroneves, Mario Andretti, Scott Dixon, A.J. Foyt, Gordon Johncock, Buddy Lazier, Arie Luyendyk, Rick Mears, Bobby Rahal, Jim Rathmann, Buddy Rice, Johnny Rutherford, Tom Sneva, Al Unser, Al Unser Jr., Bobby Unser, Dan Wheldon and more. All proceeds from the eBay auction of racing memorabilia, which began Jan. 15, are being donated to Red Cross relief efforts for the devastating earthquake Jan. 12. Items are designated as part of the Haiti relief program. The auction site os eBay.com. More items are arriving from race teams and competitors from around the world and being added to the auction regularly. Check the auction site daily for updates.
Some of the exciting items added to the auctions between Jan. 23-29:
•ABC Supply helmet visor and ABC Supply diecast car signed by four-time Indianapolis 500 winner A.J. Foyt
•Andretti “Racing Line” poster signed by 1969 Indianapolis 500 winner Mario Andretti, Michael Andretti and Jeff Andretti
•Tissot watch signed by 2006 MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden
•Race-worn camouflage gloves and shoes signed by 2005 Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon
•Brushed metal diecast of the #14 Old Spice Chevrolet signed by two-time Brickyard 400 winner Tony Stewart
•Red Bull Racing PUMA team jacket signed by NASCAR star Brian Vickers
•Red Bull Toyota sheet metal signed by Vickers
•Promotional standup of IZOD IndyCar Series star Sarah Fisher, signed by Fisher
•1973 Indianapolis 500 qualifying photo of Bill Vukovich Jr., signed by Vukovich.(IMS)(1-29-2010)
NASCAR Foundation to donate $250,000 for Haiti Relief: The NASCAR Foundation will donate $250,000 toward relief help in Haiti, officials said on Saturday night at the Charlotte Bobcats' NBA game where four-time defending Sprint Cup driver Jimmie Johnson and other drivers were on hand to help raise even more funds. Senior vice president Paul Brooks said the donation was driven by team owner Rick Hendrick, who has made two planes available to fly supplies and medical help to the earthquake devastated republic. The money will go directly to the Missionary Flight International out of Florida that coordinates relief flights to Haiti. Team owner/driver Michael Waltrip also has donated the use of one of his planes and Joe Gibbs Racing is looking at providing at least one of his planes. "Hopefully soon we'll have three planes flying to do whatever we can if Gibbs is involved,'' Brooks said. "Tonight is the least we can do to join these two sports together to rally the community for this effort.'' NASCAR Night at Time Warner Arena originally was scheduled to raise funds for the Victory Junction Gang Camp established by Kyle and Pattie for terminally and chronically ill children. After the tragedy in Haiti it was decided to send a majority of the funds raised by donations and a portion of ticket sales to the relief effort. "It is funny how NASCAR always aspired to be like Major League Baseball, the NFL and the NBA,'' Petty said. "You never really think about just how big we've become until you throw the two together for something like this. It is a big deal for us to be able to do what we're doing.''
Brooks agreed. "Both our sports have charities close to our athletes' hearts, but the needs in Haiti go beyond those borders,'' he said. "It's a true human need.''
Waltrip said his plane is flying supplies and medical help to Florida because it is not approved for international travel. From there those supplies are taken by other planes, such as the ones HMS donated. "I love racing cars,'' Waltrip said. "It's nice to be able to make a difference with something like this.''
NASCAR drivers are getting involved beyond Saturday night's event. Johnson donated 2,000 T-shirts from his foundation to be flown to Haiti. Max Papis is devising a plan to donate money and have fans donate money for every lap he runs between the Rolex 24 and Daytona 500. "It's good we're able to be able to help,'' Johnson said.
Said Papis, "If I can do anything to make people more aware, that's part of my duty.'' Papis joined Waltrip, Brad Keselowski, Kelly Bires and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. in the first-ever NBA skills competition before the Bobcats faced the Orlando Magic. Stenhouse, who was subbing for the injured Denny Hamlin, won with a time of 32 seconds.
Keselowski was last with a time of 52 seconds. He didn't care, knowing the ultimate goal was to raise money for Haiti. "Let me tell you something,'' the Penske Racing driver said. "My brother got on a plane in Michigan to Florida to go to Haiti for Christian ministry. Guess whose plane took him there from Florida? "Rick Hendrick's. That says it all.''(ESPN)(1-24-2010)
Hendrick lends planes for Haiti earthquake relief UPDATE: Hendrick Motorsports has loaned an airplane and two flight crews to an organization that is participating in the Haitian earthquake relief efforts. The NASCAR team loaned a 45-passenger plane to Missionary Flights International, which will send support teams in and out of Port-au-Prince. The first flight is scheduled to leave Fort Pierce, Fla., on Saturday morning and will take 30 passengers and medical supplies into Haiti. The HMS aviation team is planning to fly at least one roundtrip per day, with no timeline set on how long the plane and personnel will be on loan. The eight-team crew consists of HMS aviation director Dave Dudley, four captain-level pilots, one mechanic and one flight attendant. All volunteered to participate. HMS officials have a second plane on standby, and team owner Rick Hendrick is covering all costs associated with the flights. Hendrick officials said Friday they received a special exemption from the FAA to fly the plane into Port-au-Prince. The international Red Cross estimates 45,000 to 50,000 people were killed in the earthquake, which devastated the Caribbean nation on Tuesday.(Associated Press)(1-15-2010)
UPDATE: Hendrick Motorsports has added a second airplane to the Haitian earthquake relief effort, with both planes making daily flights into the devastated nation.
The NASCAR team initially loaned one 45-passenger plane and an eight-person crew to Missionary Flights International, but gave a second aircraft and additional personnel because of the desperate need. The Hendrick flight crews have been taking supplies and support teams into Port-au-Prince, and reacting to onsite to situations. Team owner Rick Hendrick said on Wednesday that one of the planes transported 26 orphans to Fort Pierce, Fla., on Tuesday to meet American families who had adopted the children before the earthquake struck. Hendrick is covering the cost of the flights.(Associated Press)(1-20-2010)
Motor Racing Outreach Community, Fans, and Supporters! HELP VICTIMS OF THE HAITI EARTHQUAKE Your donation can help people in Port au Prince who have been injured and lost homes and belongings in the earthquake. More info at firstgiving.com/wvmro.(1-16-2010)
Donate to the People of Haiti: The world’s attention has been on the devastation in Haiti, where an earthquake has nearly destroyed a whole nation, killing thousands of people in the process. Many people are asking what they can do to help but they also want to assure their help is utilized the right way. Since the late 1981, the VanWingerden family has been a fixture in the country of Haiti. With their Double Harvest project, they have been helping the people of Haiti by establishing an agricultural project that would reap an increase in the harvest from the land as well as a spiritual harvest of souls for the Kingdom of God. Tom VanWingerden, founder of North Carolina's Metrolina Greenhouses and frequent Legends Car and Thunder Roadster driver, who tragically lost his life in December, made monthly trips to Haiti to help the people continue on their quest to help people help themselves and to“Sow Seeds of Life” in an impoverished situation. Tom had and his family still has a passion for this effort and they give much of their resources to this mission. The 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti on Tuesday, January 12th, has caused catastrophic damage and multiple casualties and injuries. Double Harvest, located just eight miles from where the earthquake hit, was spared severe damage, and all the people, including a visiting mission’s team, are safe. However, nearby villages have homes damaged or completely destroyed. Double Harvest has built and runs an active children’s school, a medical/surgery center, and a large agricultural farm to produce food to help Haitians be self-sustaining over time. By the sheer grace of God, all of Double Harvest’s buildings remained intact during the earthquake, and they have quickly turned into a makeshift relief center helping thousands of Haitians. Relief efforts from all over the world have been spotty in getting executed, but Double Harvest is established, on the ground already, and already helping to repair, rebuild, and restore the people of Haiti.
Double Harvest, even though not a relief organization, is taking donations as they are assisting the local people of Haiti in their clinic and the community as a whole. If you would like to donate to Double Harvest, you may send a check to the information below:
Double Harvest – Haiti
Tom VanWingerden Memorial Fund
55 South Main Street, Oberlin, OH 44074
or go to .(1-15-2010)
Some Past 2009 News
NASCAR fans support The NASCAR Foundation: Thousands of NASCAR fans across the country came out to support The NASCAR Foundation throughout the year, enabling the Foundation to raise and contribute $1.8 million in program services to nonprofit organizations across the country. A majority of the contributions went to affect the lives of children and families in need, especially in the areas of pediatric health, fulfilling “NASCAR Dreams,” education and community service. The Foundation saw an increase in volunteer participation this year, in part due to a strong emphasis placed on community service through The NASCAR Foundation Volunteer Network – 10,000 NASCAR fans involved in community service projects. Record numbers of people came out to serve in their community this year, committing more than 10,000 hours to help those in need, including potentially saving 15,000 lives through The NASCAR Foundation Fourth Annual Blood Drive, raising enough funds to provide 250,000 meals to children and their families, raising awareness at the track about the importance of screening for breast cancer and collecting funds at the track that would enable over 150 kids to attend Victory Junction camp in Randleman, N.C.
More than $350,000 was contributed this year to organizations with an emphasis on pediatric health, including pediatric cancer and trauma research. The work being done by organizations like The Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital, the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma and Speediatrics is critical to helping children live longer and fuller lives.
The NASCAR Foundation also worked throughout the year to provide life changing experiences and educational opportunities for young people at the track. Throughout the season the Foundation worked with organizations to bring more than 400 kids to the track to get an inside glimpse to the sport, its personalities and learn about the engineering that goes in to putting a stock car on the track every weekend.
One of these groups was students from Phillip O. Berry High School in Charlotte, N.C. Through a NASCAR Day program, The NASCAR Foundation brought students from the school out to the track in May for a tour and meet and greet with 2009 NASCAR Day spokesperson Kevin Costner. In May, Victory Junction added The NASCAR Foundation to the elite founder list for surpassing the $1 million-giving mark. Since its inception, The NASCAR Foundation has given more than $1.5 million to Victory Junction through a variety of fundraising means, including NASCAR Day. Collectively, those efforts have sent more than 500 deserving children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses to Victory Junction for a life-changing experience. For more information on The NASCAR Foundation’s 2010 projects or on the impact the Foundation made within the motorsports community this year, visit nascar.com/foundation.(12-31-2009)
Las Vegas Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities grants $275,000 to charities: The Las Vegas Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities hosted its annual Grant Distribution and Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony last week at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The Las Vegas Chapter awarded $275,000 to 78 local children's charities at the ceremony. Children from all recipients were invited to attend and the event, which included musical entertainment by Malia Civetz and dancing by the Culture Shock dance group. The evening concluded with a visit from Santa Claus (delivered to the speedway in a Richard Petty Driving Experience stock car) and gifts for each child. Fund raising events for the 2009 season included the Mel Larson Night of Champions Presented By Autotrader.com (which honored Carroll Shelby), the 11th annual NASCAR Driver Auction at Sam's Town Live!, the chapter's seventh annual golf tournament and the sixth annual Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament at the Cannery Hotel & Casino. Making a difference in a child's life is the focus of Speedway Children's Charities. SCC strives to do this in collaboration with the non-profit organizations it supports nationwide. Individually, SCC's local chapters identify the needs of children in their communities and award grants to organizations that address them.
(LVMS.com)(12-16-2009)
Evernham makes donation & joins Ronald McDonald House: Former Championship crew chief and Sprint Cup team owner, Ray Evernham, announced Thursday afternoon he was making a $250,000 donation to the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) of Charlotte. This announcement was made during a press conference held at the future site of the House (the 1600 block of East Morehead Street). Not only did Evernham make a donation, but he also announced he would be joining the charity's Executive Board.Evernham. The RMH is more than a charity to Evernham; it supported his family 18 years ago when his son, Ray J., was diagnosed with leukemia.
"When I was getting started in NASCAR, we were in the middle of moving to Charlotte from New Jersey when we learned that Ray J. had leukemia," Evernham said. "He needed treatment at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. While Ray J. underwent his outpatient treatments, the RMH put a lot of our concerns at ease and allowed us to focus all our efforts on Ray J." During a two-year period, Ray made 10 trips to New York City so Ray J. could receive his treatments. Every time they arrived at the RMH, they were always met "with open arms."
"We were treated like family," Evernham said. "That's why I urge everyone to get behind this charity. The thought of having a sick child is one of the most stressful feelings in the world; however, that stress is reduced when you know you have a place to stay and 'friends' who will take care of you."
During the press conference, Evernham shared Ray J.'s story with the crowd, who is now 18 years old, graduated from high school last May and is cancer free. Construction of the House is scheduled to be completed in late 2010 on the one-acre parcel of land, donated by Carolinas Medical Center. The lot currently contains two structures that will be removed, making way for the state-of-the-art facility. An official groundbreaking will be announced soon and is expected to take place after the first of the year. Today, Evernham is exploring other ways of expanding his motorsports legacy, including broadcasting races for ESPN, managing East Lincoln Speedway, designing a vehicle to go after the land speed record for a piston-driven car, helping develop young drivers and overseeing a museum and entertainment facility in Mooresville, N.C.
For more information on RMH of Charlotte, visit www.rmhofcharlotte.org.(VMG)(12-12-2009)
Wally Dallenbach Jr. Foundation Announced: Fulfilling a life’s dream to give back to his community, to assist children in their time of need and to educate and impart a passion for the outdoors, Wally Dallenbach Jr., former NASCAR driver and current broadcast commentator [TNT's six-race Sprint Cup Series schedule June/July], businessman and family man, is proud to announce the creation of the Wally Dallenbach Jr. Foundation.. The mission of the 501(c)(3) charitable organization is to give children who have lost a parent the opportunity to learn about the outdoors, their heritage and their late parent’s passion through hunting and fishing expeditions. The idea for the Wally Dallenbach Jr. Foundation was created when Dallenbach was making an appearance at a Bass Pro Shops store. There, Dallenbach was approached by a little boy. In his discussion with the child, Dallenbach learned that the boy had lost his father, an avid outdoors enthusiast. Trying to learn more about his father’s life and passion, the boy insisted that he and his mother visit the outdoors store to enjoy a shopping experience that the boy had once with his father. Unfortunately, the boy’s father passed on before they were able to have a “father-son outdoors adventure.” Dallenbach was moved by the boy’s story and since then he has heard many more just like it – missed opportunities due to the untimely passing of a loved one. Instead of merely listening, he decided to do his part to assist these kids, as well as their surviving parent, through the creation of the Wally Dallenbach Jr. Foundation. The Wally Dallenbach Jr. Foundation also features a board of directors with representatives from the outdoors retail world, television executives and other captains of industry, all of whom will take an active role in the enhancement and continuity of the Foundation. For more information about the Wally Dallenbach Jr. Foundation, please visit www.wallydallenbachjrfoundation.com.(12-10-2009)
Ernie Irvan’s Race2Safety Foundation Presents Helmets: After comprehensive fundraising efforts conducted during the first five years of its existence, former NASCAR driver Ernie Irvan’s Race2Safety Foundation made its first major presentation this past week of more than 3,000 child bicycle safety helmets to Boys & Girls Clubs of America locations in the Southeast, as well as to a pair of organizations that also promote brain injury awareness and prevention with a special focus on kids. Thanks to funds raised via NASCAR fan track walk events at Michigan International Speedway and Pocono Raceway, the tremendous support of the NASCAR Foundation, proceeds from personal appearances by Irvan, as well as gifts from the former driver’s fans and supporters, Race2Safety conducted helmet presentations to Boys & Girls Clubs in Atlanta, Charleston, S.C., Columbia, S.C., and the Charlotte area. Race2Safety also will donate quantities of helmets to the Helmets for Kids organization in Minnesota headed by brain injury survivor and endurance cyclist Mike Heikes, as well as to the St. Camillus Health & Rehabilitation Center in Syracuse, N.Y. “After raising money for the last four or five years, we are extremely excited to finally have this first opportunity to see it all come together as we make our initial presentation of bicycle helmets and to help elevate awareness of brain injuries and their effects on our lives, particularly those of children,” said Irvan, whose illustrious NASCAR career was sidetracked by head injuries sustained in a horrific racing accident at Michigan International Speedway in 1994. “It’s difficult to find the right words to express how happy we are to be able to donate helmets to the Boys & Girls Clubs, to Mike Heikes and his Helmets for Kids organization, and to St. Camillus. I hope this will be the first of many, many events like this in the years to come.”
The mission of Race2Safety is to make a positive difference in the lives of men, women and children across America by informing and educating them about the latest transportation-related head protection equipment and technologies and actively promoting the everyday use of such equipment. The organization works closely with safety equipment manufacturers, head injury prevention and treatment associations, as well as state and federal transportation safety organizations to help dramatically reduce the number of transportation-related traumatic brain injuries that occur every year.(12-7-2009)
Penske donates $25,000 to Brienne Davis scholarship: Universal Technical Institute (UTI) Foundation announced Roger Penske has donated $25,000 toward the Brienne Davis Memorial Scholarship for one qualified female to attend UTI's NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville, N.C. The Penske award is part of the Brienne Davis Memorial Scholarship Fund for women pursuing careers in the automotive industry. Davis, a UTI graduate and Sprint Cup official, died tragically in 2008. "The automotive industry needs outstanding people, like Brienne Davis, who are dedicated to top-notch service," Roger Penske, chairman of Penske Corporation, said. "This scholarship was created to provide more opportunities for women committed to pursuing technical excellence through a career in the motorsports and racing industries." In addition to the $25,000 scholarship, the Foundation, through the support of The NASCAR Foundation and the NASCAR family, will also be awarding three $10,000 Brienne Davis Memorial Scholarships to women who wish to attend one of UTI's nine automotive campuses across the United States. The deadline for scholarship applications is Dec. 31, 2009. More information about the scholarships is available on the UTI Foundation Web site at www.utifoundation.net.(Penske Racing)(12-6-2009)
Johnson's Announce Nearly $1 Million in Funding for Education: On the heels of winning his fourth-consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup championship, Jimmie Johnson continues to show he is a champion off the track as well. Chandra and Jimmie Johnson announced donations totaling $922,000 for the 2009 Jimmie Johnson Foundation/Lowe’s Toolbox for Education Champions Grants today. The foundation received more than 80 applications from eligible school districts in California, North Carolina and Oklahoma. The selection criteria were based on basic needs of the school. “It was amazing to review the proposals and read first hand about the pressing needs of our schools. The funding requests were so diverse,” said Chandra Johnson, co-founder of the Jimmie Johnson Foundation. “I am particularly excited about the projects in Oklahoma as this is our first opportunity to give back in my hometown.”
The grants include $347,000 towards science and technology needs, $357,000 for outdoor classrooms, playgrounds and athletic facilities, and $27,000 for accelerated reading programs. The Johnsons awarded the California grants at a special ceremony today at Jimmie Johnson’s elementary school, Crest Elementary, in El Cajon, Calif.
“This is what the foundation is all about, being able to give back to communities in need. We are grateful for the partnership with Lowe’s and their guidance as our foundation begins its work in education,” said Johnson, 34, who also attended Greenfield Middle School and Granite Hills High School in El Cajon, Calif. “I look forward to visiting some of the schools next year to see the completed projects.”
“We are proud to support the Jimmie Johnson Foundation in its efforts to fulfill basic school needs in the Johnsons’ hometowns,” said Larry D. Stone, chairman of Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation. “Jimmie and Chandra Johnson have always shared Lowe’s commitment to giving back to the communities where we live and work, so it was a natural fit to partner with them on this outstanding educational program.” For a complete list of 2009 grant recipients and projects, please visit www.jimmiejohnsonfoundation.org. To apply for a grant, visit toolboxforeducation.com.(Jimmie Johnson Foundation/GMR Marketing)(12-1-2009)
Newman helps family from Extreme Home Makeover: The Ryan Newman Foundation and Iams team up to help a family featured on ABC’s Extreme Home Makeover. Ryan and Krissie Newman are helping the Creasey Family, Lexington, NC find the perfect pet for their new home. Krissie Newman will locate the pet through a local animal adoption center and The Ryan Newman Foundation is covering the adoption, spay/neuter and necessary fee’s associated with the adoption. Iams, one of the leaders in pet care nutrition donated a year’s worth of food for the new family member. Iams ProActive Health with Prebiotics works inside the digestive tract to promote healthy digestion and strong defenses. Healthy inside. Healthy outside. The Ryan Newman Foundation and Iams are very proud to be a part of this exciting time for the Creasey Family.(11-25-2009)
#24 - Fastest Crew Award: To recognize the fan-chosen “fastest pit crew,” AT&T donated $20,000 to Victory Junction.
“We are pleased to donate this money as part of our ‘Fastest Pit Crew’ program to Victory Junction,” said Daryl Evans, vice president of marketing for AT&T. “It was exciting to see who the fans thought was the fastest and most valuable pit crew, but it’s even more exciting to know we will be helping some great kids attend this special camp.” AT&T’s Fastest Pit Crew ran season-long and asked fans to vote each race via text message to determine the fastest pit crew. Points accumulated throughout the season, and #24-Jeff Gordon's DuPont pit crew was the ultimate winner. “Congratulations to the DuPont pit crew,” said Kyle Petty,co founder of Victory Junction. “They came out and hung out with the kids this summer, and that was really cool. This year has been hard on all of us financially so we’re especially grateful to AT&T and its ‘Fastest Pit Crew’ program for benefiting the kids at Victory Junction. With this donation, eight kids will get an experience of a lifetime!”(victoryjunction.org)(11-25-2009)
Living Legends treasurer accused of stealing: The stepdaughter of legendary NASCAR engine and car builder Ray Fox was arrested Tuesday after police said she embezzled more than $20,000 from an auto racing organization headed by her stepdad. Deborah Sue Burdick was charged with grand theft after South Daytona investigators said she pilfered about $21,000 from the Living Legends of Auto Racing, according to an arrest report. Living Legends, founded in 1993, recognizes, honors and promotes the pioneers of beach and stock car racing. The organization has more than 600 members from around the world, according to its Web site. The 56-year-old Burdick, who was released from the Volusia County Branch Jail on Tuesday afternoon on $10,000 bail, did not return a phone message. Police said she had been siphoning the money since April 2006. Fox, now in his 90s, was an early NASCAR engine and race car builder, as well as an engine inspector in his later years. He is also president of Living Legends of Auto Racing, based in South Daytona. He did not return a call for comment. Based on police reports, it's not clear why the money was taken. Burdick's husband told detectives she provides financial assistance for her son. Two Living Legends board members told investigators that Deborah Sue Burdick's gambling problem is why she stole, the report states. When Burdick was confronted by Coolidge at a board meeting in August about the $7,500 check, Burdick said "she needed the money," and she did not have her mother "or anyone to turn to," the report states.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(11-12-2009)
Brienne Davis Scholarship Fund To Provide Three $10,000 Scholarships In 2010: The Brienne Davis Scholarship Fund will now provide three $10,000 scholarships annually for qualified female students who wish to attend any Universal Technical Institute (UTI) campus as a result of the overwhelming success of the second official Jail & Bail supported by Best Buy and Insignia. The Jail & Bail was created by NASCAR Officials to raise money for the Brienne Davis Scholarship Fund, in partnership with The NASCAR Foundation and the UTI Foundation to honor Brienne Davis, a NASCAR Official and UTI alumnus who died tragically in 2008.
NASCAR drivers Aric Almirola, Marcos Ambrose, Trevor Bayne, Kurt Busch, Paulie Harraka, Kevin Harvick, Jason Leffler, Juan Pablo Montoya, Reed Sorenson, Scott Speed, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., David Stremme and Brian Vickers as well as NASCAR executives and celebrities John Darby, Wendy Venturini and Rutledge Wood were all locked up for the event, which was held at Brickhouse Tavern in Davidson, N.C., and helped raise more than $100,000 in pledges in just one night.
The Brienne Davis Scholarship Fund is intended to provide an opportunity for a qualified female student who wishes to attend one of nine Universal Technical Institute campuses across the U.S. including UTI’s NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville, N.C. Last year, the inaugural Brienne Davis Scholarship was awarded to Kenna Primm, who is currently enrolled at NTI in Mooresville. “Thanks to the Brienne Davis scholarship from the UTI Foundation I was able to come to North Carolina and fulfill my goal of attending NASCAR Technical Institute,” said Primm. “I'm very excited to see other females receive this scholarship opportunity and live out their dreams." The application deadline is Dec. 31, 2009. Those interested in applying must fill out an application form, provide letters of recommendation and submit an essay. For more information on how you can apply visit www.utifoundation.net, or to learn how you can contribute to the Brienne Davis Scholarship Fund and help provide an opportunity to a deserving female student, visit www.nascar.com/foundation.
Jeff Gordon Foundation pledges $2.5 million: The Jeff Gordon Foundation commemorated A Decade of Caring -- it's 10th anniversary -- with friends and supporters at VanLandingham Estate on Oct. 14th where Gordon announced his Foundation will be donating and pledging $2.5 million this year. The Foundation's funding will support several initiatives including the development of the Pediatric Pulmonary Lab and Community Outreach Program at the Jeff Gordon Children's Hospital, the establishment of the Jeff Gordon Pediatric Cancer Research Fund at Riley Hospital for Children and the funding of the Phase I Long-Term Follow-Up Program focused on the effects of treatment on the health and quality of life of cancer patients. "Looking back at the past 10 years it's amazing to see the tremendous growth of the Foundation and the number of children that we have been able to help," Gordon said. "I am also pleased that we are able to provide such a large commitment this year even in these difficult economic times." Since its inception in 1999, The Jeff Gordon Foundation has awarded nearly $10 million to the country's top childhood health organizations. To assist the Foundation this year a campaign called TEN Match was created to gather support and to celebrate the Foundation's 10-year anniversary. For every donation of $10 or more, Gordon will personally match the contribution. Through generous donors, great strides in the support of pediatric cancer research and treatment and the Jeff Gordon Children's Hospital continue to be made.(JGF)(10-22-2009)
Over $125k donated to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation: Over 2,500 supporters of the fire fighting community; $98,000 raised through the support of individuals, sponsors and merchandise sales this September; A total of $125,900.12 donated to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) over the course of two September races that the organization has held an annual event at Dover International Speedway. The NFFF and Dover International Speedway created a package that offers the fire fighting community a ticket to the Sept. 27, 2009 “AAA 400” NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, admission to a special pre-race, NFFF hospitality area, and a trackside tour of the Monster Mile. Kevin Harvick, driver of the #29 Shell/Pennzoil Chevy volunteered to participate in a special question-and-answer session in the NFFF hospitality tent prior to the race. 500 supporters took advantage of the package in 2008. This time around the number ballooned to over 2,000. A portion of proceeds from the sale of a special second-edition firefighter Miles the Monster t-shirt is included in the total donated to the NFFF, along with contributions from sponsors PBI, Kidde, Motorola, Holmatro Rescue Equipment, Provident, True Hero, Rosenbauer, DPC, Spartan, Road Rescue and Wheeled Coach. The NFFF program at Dover honors the nearly 100 firefighters who lose their lives each year in the line of duty. Every day, the over one-million firefighters around the country respond to calls to keep citizens safe. During race weekend at the Speedway, over 250 fire and EMS crews work to keep drivers, crews and all the fans in attendance out of harms way. Plans are currently being made for the NFFF's return to Dover International Speedway for the Sept. 26, 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. NASCAR returns to the Monster Mile in 2010: May 14-16 and Sept. 24-26. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call 800-441-RACE or visit DoverSpeedway.com.(Dover International Speedway)(9-30-2009)
Dover victory means over $29k to Red Cross: #48-Jimmie Johnson and American Le Mans Series drivers Adrian Fernandez and Luis Diaz Raced for Relief this weekend, and as a result of their efforts, Lowe’s donated $29,295, including $4,800 for Johnson’s victory finish, to benefit the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which helps people affected by disasters like the floods in Georgia. Johnson completed 400 laps during his victory at Dover, Del. Sunday while Fernandez and Diaz raced for 353 miles in their race at Road Atlanta on Saturday. The $29,295 is in addition to the $250,000 Lowe’s donated to the American Red Cross last week. Lowe’s stores across Georgia continue to serve as official cash donation sites for the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Funds raised will help to provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to victims of disasters like the recent floods. Donations to the American Red Cross may be made at participating Lowe’s stores, online at www.redcross.org, or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).(Lowe's PR)(9-29-2009)
NASCAR Foundation Annual Blood Drive Collects 4,861 Pints: NASCAR fans across the country came out by the thousands last week for The NASCAR Foundation’s Fourth Annual Blood Drive presented by Nationwide Insurance. A total of 4,861 units of blood were collected through the national effort, helping to save thousands of lives. The NASCAR Foundation Annual Blood Drive, held at 34 locations across the country on Sept. 11, has become one of the largest national drives of its kind, helping to save thousands of lives since the program began in 2006. In 2009, the top three collection sites were Michigan International Speedway with 1,297 units, Pocono Raceway with 710 units and Daytona International Speedway with 414 units collected. Through a partnership with the American Red Cross, the Drive seeks to help meet the on-going need for more than 39,000 blood donations every day and to help lessen the blood shortages that often occur during the summer months and around holidays. Nationwide Insurance, the first corporate office in the country to have an on-site American Red Cross blood donor center, presented the drive for the second year and hosted drives at four corporate offices in 2009. A few tracks held drivers after Sept. 11th.(NASCAR)(9-20-2009)
- NASCAR 60th Anniversary Motorcycle Series: To commemorate the 60 years of NASCAR, Bruce Rossmeyer, CEO of 15 Harley-Davidson locations - including the Worlds Largest Harley-Davidson dealership located at Bruce Rossmeyer's Destination Daytona - teamed up with NASCAR to create 60 custom motorcycles, each individually serialized #1 through #60, Each motorcycle is the officially licensed NASCAR 60th anniversary motorcycle series brought to you by Destination Daytona captures the true essence of NASCAR - a sport that combines design, technology and speed. Each bike, retailing for $48,600, with the purchase of this custom bike you will receive a print by NASCAR artist Sam Bass of the 60th Anniversary Custom Bike as well as a Limited Edition authentic NASCAR leather jacket. With #60 Motorcycle presented to NASCAR Driver Kyle Petty, son of racing legend Richard Petty, the officially licensed NASCAR 60th year motorcycle Series brought to you by Destination Daytona is quality enough for racing legend and built especially for motorcycle lovers. Part of the proceeds to the sale of these bikes go to Camp Boggy Creek and also Victory Junction. More info and see the bike at brucerossmeyer.com(6-15-2009)
- SPEED partners with Jeff Gordon Foundation: In celebration of The Jeff Gordon Foundation’s 10-Year Anniversary, SPEED has joined the Foundation’s effort to raise money through their TEN Match Campaign. Throughout the 2009 campaign, every contribution of $10 (TEN) or more will be personally matched by four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon - up to $250,000. The funds raised will support pediatric cancer research, treatment and the Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital in Concord, NC. As part of its weekly NASCAR programming, SPEED will be highlighting the Foundation at work and how this charity has grown into an organization that provides over $1 million in funding each year for programs and hospitals that care for our country’s most vulnerable children. The TEN Match Campaign does not rely on soliciting large contributions from corporations or organizations, instead reaching out to individuals to engage them in the mission for a modest contribution of $10. The Jeff Gordon Foundation will be accepting contributions to the TEN Match Campaign throughout 2009. For more information on how you can participate in the TEN Match Campaign, please visit www.jeffgordonfoundation.org.(4-24-2009)
PRS Guitars donates guitars to drivers: This year’s Chevy Rock & Roll 400 marks the fifth year that one winning NASCAR driver will walk away with a four foot tall, fifty pound trophy custom designed and built by PRS [Paul Reed Smith] Guitars from Stevensville, Maryland. In addition, this year six drivers will leave the track with their own PRS guitar that will help aid many more people down the road.
Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kevin Harvick, and Clint Bowyer have each won a race in Richmond under the domain of Chevrolet. To honor their success and their efforts, PRS held a special press conference Friday at Richmond International Raceway, during which PRS President, Jack Higginbotham presented the aforementioned drivers with a PRS Corvette guitar for their individual charities. Jack Higginbotham, President of Paul Reed Smith Guitars, said, “It is our hope that each of these guitars will develop its own story and have a positive effect on the lives of others. Whether it is cancer research, shelter for the needy or assistance for underprivileged children, each driver has a passion for their cause, and we are honored to help them in their mission.”
PRS’s extensive involvement in racing began with a sponsorship of the world dominating factory Corvette C6.r racing team in 2003. During the past six years, PRS’s involvement in racing has ranged from being a part of large-scale NASCAR events to its own grassroots “Laps For Life” charity event helping support the Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, Maryland.(PRS Guitars site)(9-12-2009)
13-Year-Old Girl from Aflac Cancer Center Designs Carl Edwards’ Car: On September 6th, at Atlanta Motor Speedway, the #99 Aflac Ford Fusion will sport a colorful new look inspired by a 13-year-old patient at the Aflac Cancer Center. Aflac invited children at the Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service to “Color Carl’s Car” for the Labor Day weekend race. The chosen paint scheme, submitted by Jody Lawrence of Greensboro, Georgia, was selected among 54 other entries as part of Aflac’s month-long effort to generate awareness for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. All of the children’s drawings will be featured on the pit wall banner for the #99 race team. Edwards will wear a matching fire suit and a white helmet signed by children at the Aflac Cancer Center. People can join the fight against pediatric cancer by donating to the Aflac Cancer Center (ACC) through the Aflac Cancer Center causes page which can be accessed on Facebook.com or at aflac.com/aflaccancercenter. Aflac will contribute one dollar for anyone who joins the ACC causes page and will match donations up to $1 million.
Aflac Chairman and CEO Dan Amos kicked off the campaign by making a personal donation of $100,000 and challenged others to contribute to the fight against childhood cancer. Carl Edwards responded to this challenge by announcing on Facebook that he will donate his portion of the winnings from Sunday’s race to the Aflac Cancer Center.
Aflac is also engaging NASCAR fans in the fight against childhood cancer through a text donation program which will run throughout the month of September. The NASCAR community can simply text “GoCarl” to 90999 using any carrier, to donate $5 per text, with charges appearing on customers’ wireless bill. The NASCAR Foundation will match texted donations up to $10,000.
Childhood cancer is Aflac’s primary philanthropic commitment and the number one cause of death by disease for young people under the age of 15. However, due to increased and improved research and treatment, since the 1980s, childhood cancer survival rates have improved from less than 20% to over 80% today.
“This is a wonderful campaign and a great example of how Aflac continues to support childhood cancer treatment and research,” said Carl Edwards, driver of the #99 Aflac Ford Fusion. “I am proud to be a part of this effort.”
“Aflac is combining our passion for fighting childhood cancer with our NASCAR sponsorship of Carl Edwards to raise money and awareness for a great cause,” said Paul Amos II, Aflac President and Chief Operating Officer. “By showcasing Jody’s compelling story we hope to inspire NASCAR fans to help raise funds and support the research and treatment that takes place everyday at the Aflac Cancer Center.”
As an additional program element, Aflac has teamed up with Motorsports Authentics to create a special die cast car, featuring the special paint scheme, which was sold on QVC and is still available online at nascarsuperstore.com. As part of the initiative, five percent of all profits from the die cast sales will be donated to the Aflac Cancer Center.(RFR/Aflac), see images of thew scheme on my #99 Team Schemes page.(9-6-2009)
College fund established for Poole's grandson: Since his passing eight weeks ago, the inspiration of David Poole's legacy has been quite prevalent. Countless memories have been shared and personal tributes written. In those tributes, it was clear the sport of auto racing held a significant place in David's heart. But it was also clear his inner-joy came from his two-year-old grandson, Eli. We all find balance and escape in different ways. Poole found his in Eli. With the support of many industry people as well as Katy Poole, David's wife, a college fund has been established for Eli. The hope here is that Eli will be afforded the opportunity to embark on his own successful career, and - all the while - truly understand how much his PawPaw meant to the NASCAR community. The college fund for Eli is established at the Bank of Stanly in Oakboro, N.C. Donations can be sent to the following address:
Eli Samuel Ross
Bank of Stanly
Attn: Misty Nordan
P.O. Box 539
Oakboro, NC 28129
Phone: 704.485.3435
(Please make checks payable to "Eli Ross Account" at Bank of Stanly.)
(PR)(6-24-2009)
- Dale Earnhardt Foundation announces scholarship winner: Clemson University's first Motorsports Innovation Partner, the Dale Earnhardt Foundation, has announced the winner of its annual undergraduate scholarship -- Michelle Phillips of Ellisville, MO, a rising junior majoring in mechanical engineering. She is the first woman to receive the scholarship, which was founded in Dale Earnhardt's honor.
Phillips is active on the Clemson Formula SAE team having served as purchasing and logistics manager, head of crash structure design and testing and lead manufacturing assistant. Next year she steps up to team leader. The Dale Earnhardt Foundation funds the annual undergraduate scholarship in honor of Dale Earnhardt for students interested in motorsports and automotive engineering. The Dale Earnhardt Foundation provides a three-year undergraduate scholarship for a student in Clemson's College of Engineering and Science.(Victory Management Group)(5-26-2009)
- Kurt Busch Foundation Takes Inaugural King’s Cup: The inaugural King’s Cup Karting for a Cause provided a great way to kickoff the racing action in the Charlotte area. In the end the Kurt Busch Foundation team held off the Denny Hamlin Foundation team by 18 seconds in an event that lasted three hours and 40 minutes. The event, which benefited the Paralyzed Veterans of America, raised over $60,000 for the organization through sponsorships, general admission ticket sales and a silent auction that featured 75 pieces from all across the NASCAR world. The Finishing Order:
1. Kurt Busch Foundation
2. Denny Hamlin Foundation
3. Stanley Tools Racing
4. Kasey Kahne Foundation
5. Dale Jr. Foundation
6. Sun Trust Racing
7. Martin Truex, Jr. Motorsports
8. Hunt Brothers Racing
9. Sprint
10. Richard Petty Motorsports
11. Penske Racing
12. Jimmie Johnson Foundation
13. NASCAR
14. Brad Keselowski Racing
15. Budweiser
16. Best Buy Racing
(MCG Sports)(5-21-2009)
- Tix sales at LMS raise $38k for Autism: Lowe's Motor Speedway celebrated Autism Awareness Month by contributing $38,000 to Autism Speaks. The speedway raised the funds by donating $10 from each ticket sold to the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and Coca-Cola 600 from April 3 - 11. Through Speedway Children's Charities, the contribution will help fund autism research, awareness, advocacy and family services. Lowe's Motor Speedway is the home of NASCAR's biggest back-to-back weekends next month with the 25th running of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and 50th Coca-Cola 600. Ticket packages and payment plan options for both events are available through the Lowe's Motor Speedway ticket office by calling 1-800-455-FANS or online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.(5-3-2009)
- NASCAR Day ‘Goes Pink’ for Susan G. Komen for the Cure: The NASCAR Foundation has announced that NASCAR Day will “Go Pink” through a joint partnership with FOX Sports Supports and Susan G. Komen for the Cure April 24-26. Celebrated on May 15, NASCAR Day is an opportunity for fans, corporations, schools and organizations across the country to donate to The NASCAR Foundation to raise funds to help thousands of children live better lives. Through the partnership between The NASCAR Foundation, FOX Sports Supports and Komen for the Cure, a portion of the net proceeds raised through the program will benefit Komen for the Cure, supporting its promise to save lives end breast cancer forever. Specifically, the money raised will support the Susan G. Komen Scholarship Fund – a fund specifically designed for children whose mothers have lost their battle against cancer.(NASCAR PR)(4-16-2009)
- Philanthropists support the Childress Institute: News of the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma and its needs has touched the hearts of many generous donors who have recently made significant contributions. Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center has announced a $1 million commitment from John L. Morris, founder and chief executive officer of Bass Pro Shops, to the Childress Institute. An additional $1 million pledge has been made by an anonymous private family foundation. Another recent gift was made by the Eddie and Jo Allison Smith Foundation, established by Eddie Smith, owner and CEO of Grady-White Boats Inc., of Greenville, N.C. The Smith Foundation made a $250,000 commitment to the Institute for research and expansion of programs in pediatric trauma care. To date, contributors have given nearly $2 million to the Childress Institute, and pledges total almost $8.5 million. On July 30, 2008, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center and the Richard Childress family announced the formation of the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma. The Childress Institute’s mission is to significantly improve survival rates of children nationwide who suffer serious injuries and reduce the lifelong impact of traumatic injuries in children. Richard Childress and his family have provided $5 million to the Medical Center to initiate the project. Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and the Childress family are working with corporations and individuals to raise awareness and an additional $20 million to establish the Institute’s endowment fund. For more information on the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma visit www.childresspediatrictrauma.org.(RCR PR)(3-7-2009)
Some Past 2008 News
- UTI Foundation Awards the First Brienne Davis Memorial Scholarship: The Universal Technical Institute (UTI) Foundation today selected Kenna Primm of Greenwood, Ark. as the first Brienne Davis Memorial Scholarship recipient. Named in honor of the UTI graduate and NASCAR Sprint Cup official who died tragically in April of this year, the $10,000 scholarship will fund a portion of Primm’s technical education at UTI’s NASCAR Technical Institute, NASCAR Tech in Mooresville, N.C. This month, Primm will graduate from the University of Arkansas with a degree in marketing and begin a 10-week internship at Daytona International Speedway in January. She will start at NASCAR Tech on April 20. Upon completion of her technician training, she plans to combine both her marketing and technician degrees and pursue a career in the motorsports industry. The UTI Foundation supports education excellence and the considerable need for qualified technicians. The $10,000 Brienne Davis scholarship is awarded annually to one qualified female student who wishes to enroll in the NASCAR Technical Automotive Program. Additional information is available on the UTI Foundation website at www.utifoundation.net.(NASCAR PR)(12-17-2008)
- NASCAR community remembers Brienne Davis: When Block High School Principal Donald Money told Catahoula Parish schools Superintendent Gwile Freeman the NASCAR community was interested in placing some type of memorial at the school for Brienne Davis, neither one could imagine what would develop. Davis was a 1997 graduate of the school who grew up in Jonesville. She went to Universal Technical Institute in Houston, and upon completing her studies there, moved to North Carolina and landed a job rebuilding engines at Dale Earnhardt Inc. A few years ago, she left DEI to work for NASCAR as a technical inspector, becoming one of the few females to work in the garage. Davis died in an April car wreck in North Carolina, sending shockwaves through two tight-knit communities -- Jonesville and NASCAR -- that came together Friday morning at the school.
"I thought it would be the memorial and tree," said Freeman, referring to the newly-planted tree and marker that sit in front of the main entrance to the school, where Friday's ceremony took place. "I never thought it would involve technology for the entire school." Neither did Robby Maschhaupt, who spearheaded the NASCAR effort to remember Davis by giving back to something she took great pride in -- her hometown and school. "I was hoping to raise enough money to get a laptop or two," admitted Maschhaupt, who works for Gillett-Evernham Racing as the transport driver and catch can man on the pit crew for the #10 team. "Then Best Buy and some of the drivers got involved." The end result was unveiled Friday in the form of a computer lab of six computers, a SMART board, in-focus projector and laser printer as well as a second lab of six more computers in the school's library. Both are named after Davis. Freeman said it would have taken years for the school system to raise the money necessary to furnish the two computer labs. "It was quite exciting," she said. "We never dreamed" it would be this big.
Block assistant principal Buddy Trisler taught Davis and her mother. He said the labs have sparked interest in the students learning more about Davis and what she accomplished. "They're proud of her," Trisler said. "She was very positive and very motivated. Whatever she went after, she would accomplish." Freeman said Davis is an example for the student body, especially the girls. "If they pursue training and education, it's possible for a small-town girl to break through, even in a male-dominated sport," she said. "For me, as a female superintendent, and the first for Catahoula Parish, it hits home."
Maschhaupt, who serves as the president of the Transport Drivers of Motorsports Association, led a delegation of NASCAR officials and inspectors who flew in from North Carolina on Friday for the ceremony. All wanted to see the place their friend was proud to call home. The stories they heard from the many relatives and friends of Davis who were on hand painted a similar picture of the co-worker they honored. "For Brienne, it wasn't about glory or status, it was the love of what she did," said Darryl Lomick, a NASCAR official. "You can't say enough about her," said Maschhaupt. "As beautiful as she was, she was 10 times more beautiful on the inside. We lost a friend but gained a town."(Alexandria Town Talk)(12-14-2008)
- Childress selected as recipient of 2008 Humanitarian Award: The Home Depot and NASCAR announced that Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing and former NASCAR driver, was selected as the recipient of the 2008 NASCAR Home Depot Humanitarian Award. Childress is honored for establishing the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma at the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. The award is open to any member of the NASCAR community who has shown extraordinary dedication to serving others and improving communities through meaningful service efforts. As the 2008 NASCAR Home Depot Humanitarian of the Year, Childress received a $100,000 donation made by The Home Depot to his charity of choice, the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma at the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, and a specially-designed crystal award.
In 2008, Childress made a $5 million donation to establish the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma. The Childress Institute aspires to impact the chances of a child dying from a traumatic injury through advancing and disseminating research and knowledge on the treatment and care of children with traumatic injuries. Traumatic injury is the leading cause of death for children in the United States, and the Childress Institute will focus on research, education, treatment, prevention and raising awareness of childhood injuries. Childress is currently working with a number of organizations and donors in an effort to raise additional support for the Institute. The other finalists for the award were Artie Kempner, coordinating director of NASCAR for FOX Sports and founder of the Autism Society of Delaware, and Ryan Newman, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver for Penske Racing, founder of Racing for Wildlife with The Conservation Fund and animal rights advocate. They received a $25,000 donation each to their designated non-profit organizations.
All active employees within the NASCAR industry – drivers, owners, team and track employees, licensees, media partners, and motorsports media – were eligible to receive the NASCAR Home Depot Humanitarian Award. Nominees were assessed based on their community commitment and dedication; impact on the community; and charitable giving of their time and talents. A blue-ribbon committee comprised of representatives from NASCAR, The Home Depot and motorsports media selected the NASCAR Home Depot Humanitarian Award winner. The NASCAR Home Depot Humanitarian Award was established in 2007. The inaugural Humanitarian Award winner was Don Miller, a former Penske Racing executive. Miller started the Stock-for-Tots program as a holiday event to collect toys and raise funds for Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN).(NASCAR PR)(12-5-2008)
- Newman Foundation raises over $155.000: #39-Ryan Newman raised $155,000 for conservation and animal welfare efforts at the Ryan Newman Foundation’s Fourth Annual Charity Gala and Auction on December 12 and the Third Annual Charity Fishing Tournament on December 13 in Mooresville, NC. The gala, which was presented by Alltel Wireless, featured a concert by country music singers/songwriters Bridgette Tatum and Danny Myrick. Three hundred and nineteen fishermen competed for the grand prize which was Ryan Newman’s Z-20 Ranger Boat. Alfred Kiesling of Mooresville, NC and Cliff Kirby of Catawba, NC won the tournament and took home the grand prize package, valued at $45,000. 90% of the proceeds raised will be used to fulfill the mission of the Ryan Newman Foundation Endowment—to educate and encourage people to spay/neuter their pets and to adopt dogs and cats from animal shelters; to educate children and adults about the importance of conservation so the beauty of the great outdoors can be appreciated by future generations; and to provide college scholarship funding through the Rich Vogler Scholarship program to students interested in auto racing careers. Ten percent of the proceeds will be donated directly to the Humane Society of Iredell and the Humane Society of Catawba County, both located in NC.(RNF PR)(12-19-2008)
- Reutimann Presents Donations to Charities and Local Schools: David Reutimann, driver of the #00 Aarons Toyota in the Sprint Cup Series and the #99 Aarons Dream Machine in the Nationwide Series for Michael Waltrip Racing, hosted his Fourth Annual Charity Golf Tournament, Cook Out and Auction at Silverado Golf and Country Club the weekend after Thanksgiving in Zephyrhills, FL.
The festivities consisted of a cook out and sports memorabilia auction, followed by a golf tournament. In total the festivities raised around $78,000 for local Florida based charities. This past Friday David Reutimann received the opportunity to present to his affiliated charities, including All Children’s Hospital of Florida, Camp Boggy Creek, Zephyrhills Pregnancy Center and Kid’s Go to Camp. In addition, David donated $3,000 to six local Pasco county schools. “I’m blessed to be able to give back to so many. It’s rewarding to give back to my community and schools that I myself attended,” said David Reutimann.(PR)(12-18-2008)
- Stewart's Foundation Awards $20,000 To Indiana Racehorse Charity The charitable organization of Tony Stewart has awarded a $20,000 grant to Indianapolis-based Friends of Ferdinand, Inc. (FFI), a not-for-profit volunteer organization that works with owners and trainers at the state's two horse tracks to identify and obtain thoroughbreds that are nearing the end of their racing careers.
Funds provided by the Tony Stewart Foundation will help FFI evaluate and retrain the horses, and find new, forever homes with devoted, caring owners. More than 200 horses have been transitioned from the track into new careers as show horses, dressage competitors, pleasure and trail riders, equine therapeutic program partners, pasture mates and beloved companions. Several thoroughbreds, the first horses to be christened "Tony's Ex-Racers," were brought into the FFI program Nov. 17 during the annual end-of-season paddock sale at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino in Anderson, Ind. Representatives of both Friends of Ferdinand and the Tony Stewart Foundation were on hand to take a look at available horses and select those destined to become "Tony's Ex-Racers." A total of 10 horses will be brought into the program as "Tony's Ex-Racers" - those obtained from the Hoosier Park paddock sale, and two or three others already in line to come off the track and into FFI's care.(IMS PR)(11-23-2008)
- 2008 Racing for Kids Prize Winners Announced: Speedway Children's Charities is pleased to announce the prize winners for the 2008 "Racing For Kids" Drawing. Thanks to partnerships with TCX Customs and Husqvarna, this year race fans had two chances to win. The winning tickets were drawn at Texas Motor Speedway prior to the start of the Dickies 500. Thanks to terrific sponsors such as AutoTrader.com, Bank of America, NRA Sports and the generous support of race fans across the country, "Racing for Kids" was able to raise $250,000 benefiting children at Speedway Children's Charities chapters across the country.
The grand prize is a custom 'Old School' style chopper donated by TCX Customs of Matthews, NC featuring original artwork by NASCAR artist, Sam Bass. The paint scheme for the bike is a first time collaboration between Sam Bass and the bike builder, Jeff Clark. Congratulations to Donald Smith of Bryan, TX with winning ticket # 01987.
The second prize winner receives an "Ultimate Dream Garage" compliments of Husqvarna of Charlotte, NC, which includes a variety of top of the line Husqvarna equipment, featuring a HUV 4x4. Congratulations to Gary Smith of Riverside, OH with winning ticket # 22865.
Speedway Children's Charities
The mission of Speedway Children's Charities remains true to the ideals it was founded upon in 1982: To care for children in educational, financial, social and medical need in order to help them lead productive lives. SCC provides funding for hundreds of non-profit organizations throughout the nation that meet the direct needs of children. Our vision is that every child has the same opportunities no matter what obstacle they are facing.
The Cycle Xchange, is a custom motorcycle design, manufacturing and repair facility led by Jeff and Brian Clark in Matthews, N.C. Jeff Clark has been involved in the sport of NASCAR as an engine designer/builder, car tuner and jack-man for Dale Earnhardt Jr., Davey Allison, Ernie Irvin, Dale Jarrett and Rusty Wallace for the past 18 years. Brian Clark was an integral member of Dale Jarrett's 1999 championship team during his seven years in NASCAR. Both Jeff and Brian have brought to the Cycle Xchange the same drive that produced wins at the historical Daytona International Speedway, storied Talladega SuperSpeedway, the prestigious Brickyard, a NASCAR Winston Cup Championship and a total 47 NASCAR Winston/Nextel Cup Series wins. The Cycle Xchange employs an All-Pro crew of Certified Motorcycle Technicians with more than 50 years of experience.
Sam Bass is the most accomplished artist in NASCAR. Since 1987, he has created race team graphics for corporate America's leading sponsors, NASCAR team owners and drivers. He also is known for his fine-art original paintings and a distinctive style when it comes to his design of souvenir program covers, racing-themed ad campaigns, posters, apparel and custom shop guitars. His personal studio and motor sports art gallery in Concord are adjacent to Lowe's Motor Speedway. He is the first officially licensed artist of NASCAR. For more information, please call (704) 455-6915 or log onto www.sambass.com.
Husqvarna is the world's largest producer of lawn mowers, chainsaws and portable petrol-powered garden equipment such as trimmers and blowers. The Group is also a world leader in diamond tools and cutting equipment for the construction and stone industries. Net sales in 2007 were SEK 33.3 billion and the average number of employees was 16,000.(SCC PR)(11-15-2008)
- Steve Peterson Memorial Trust Fund: Contributions are being accepted for the Steve Peterson Memorial Trust Fund for Motorsports Education and Safety. The scholarship fund has been established by the family of the late Steve Peterson, the former NASCAR Technical Director who passed away this past July at his home in Concord, N.C. Peterson began his NASCAR career in January, 1995 and led many of NASCAR’s safety initiatives including development and installation of SAFER barriers, management and approval of head and neck restraints and improved seat belts, and coordination of the safety features in NASCAR’s new Sprint Cup Series car. The scholarship fund will be for students who aspire to study Motorsports Engineering and work in the field of motorsports safety. Contributions can be made through deposits to the following Wachovia bank account: 2000042225126 in the name of the Steve Peterson Memorial Trust Fund for Motorsports Education and Safety. Any questions can be directed to Greg Peterson by calling 616-662-1612.(10-14-2008)
- Scott Speed helping raise cash for CCFA: Red Bull Racing Team driver Scott Speed is raising cash for the Chron’s &
Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) through a partnership with Muze Clothing, a Scottsdale-based company that helped Speed produce “Muffin Man” t-shirts, a design of his own creation. The charity t-shirts will go on sale November 3rd preceding the Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway.
“This is a really cool opportunity for me to work on a project that ties one of my biggest passions – fashion – into motorsports, while also raising money for a great cause,” said Speed. “We’re hoping that through this project we can help create awareness and raise money for conditions such as ulcerative colitis, a disease that affects me personally.”
Speed was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2003, an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and sores in the large intestine or colon. Ulcerative colitis has similarities to Crohn’s disease, another form of IBD. Muze Clothing (www.muzeclothing.com) began in 2006, with the Muze brand applying a classic movie line to a real world scenario, a practice appropriately dubbed “Muzing.” Speed’s “Muffin Man” t-shirt will feature a saying from the movie Top Gun, “I feel the need…The need for speed!” Each year Muze designs a t-shirt to promote a worthy cause and donates 100 percent of sales proceeds to that charity.
Purchase the Scott Speed-designed “Muffin Man” t-shirt at www.muzeclothing.com. T-shirts are on sale for $40 with $20 of the proceeds going to charity.(11-5-2008)
- McMurray's golf event helps out: On Monday, the Jamie McMurray Foundation raised over $100,000 for autism awareness in the Third Annual Jamie McMurray Foundation golf tournament.(RFR PR)(10-14-2008)
- NASCAR Cummunity Pleadges $100,000 for Brienne Davis Scholarship Fund: Despite the rainy weather, hundreds of fans showed up and helped collect $100,000 in donations and pledges at The First Official Jail and Bail charity event benefitting the Brienne Davis Scholarship Fund Oct. 8 at the Brickhouse Tavern in Davidson, N.C. The excitement could be felt throughout the crowd as fans watched and cheered as their NASCAR drivers and other celebrities were put behind bars with all of the “bail money” going to support the scholarship fund. Inmates included NASCAR drivers Tony Stewart, Juan Pablo Montoya, Chase Miller, David Stremme, Ron Hornaday, Aric Almirola, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Michael McDowell. Others locked up were Wendy Venturini, Tony Eury Jr., Shannon Wiseman, Jimmy Spencer, Sprint Cup Series Director John Darby and NASCAR Vice President of Corporate Communications Jim Hunter. The Brienne Davis Scholarship Fund is intended to provide an opportunity for a qualified female student who wishes to attend the NASCAR Technical Automotive Program at the UTI’s NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville, N.C. Davis, a Universal Technical Institute (UTI) graduate and NASCAR Sprint Cup official, died tragically earlier this year at age 28, and is honored by this scholarship created to encourage women to seek a career in the automotive industry. An online auction featuring autographed NASCAR memorabilia that also benefits the Brienne Davis Scholarship Fund went live Oct. 1 at 5pm/et and will continue through Oct. 15. For more information visit www.nascar.com/foundation.(10-10-2008)
- Jeff Gordon Foundation Honors Heroes: The Jeff Gordon Foundation and the four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, Jeff Gordon, hosted “A Hero’s Journey” on Wednesday. The day-long event raised over $310,000 for the Hendrick Marrow Program. The Hendrick Marrow Program works in partnership with The Marrow Foundation to increase access to transplantation by promoting donor recruitment and providing patient assistance to hundreds of children and their families. The event was set in ancient Greece and began with “The Games” which took place at Victory Lane Karting. During the morning’s events, teams took to the track for a fast-paced go-kart challenge with their favorite driver. The go-kart event included nine different heats of two teams with four drivers from each team. Participants and spectators enjoyed lunch provided by Paventi’s Pizzeria, along with a “Question and Answer” session with Jeff as well as team pictures and awards presented to the winning teams. John Roberts, host of SPEED Channel’s NASCAR Raceday and Victory Lane, joined as the emcee of the event. Later that evening, guests attended “The Festival” at the Westin in downtown Charlotte presented by Pacific Technical Resources, Inc. “The Festival” included a cocktail reception, delicious dinner, and an exciting live auction. The climax of the evening was the introduction by Jeff Gordon of a young hero and guest of honor, Tanner, to his life-saving donor, Tom. There was not a dry-eye in the room when the pair met for the first time. During the dinner, individuals who were previously, or currently, on the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) Registry were recognized with flowers handed to them by five special children whose lives had been saved from a marrow or cord blood transplant. A table was also set up for dinner guests to sign up for the Registry during the event, and over 65 individuals registered throughout the day. The night was capped off with a live auction which raised approximately $134,715, and was led by auctioneers, Steve Letarte, Crew Chief of the #24 DuPont Chevrolet, and Doug Duchardt, Vice President of Development for Hendrick Motorsports. The dynamic duo helped to pump up the crowd and gain excitement for the wide-range of items, including, a 4-day trip for four guests to go salt water fishing in Key West aboard Mr. Rick Hendrick’s 80’ Custom Merritt Sport Fishing Yacht, Reel Wheels, an ultimate “Charlotte Sports Package”, and an all-expense paid trip to the popular vacation spot, Bar Harbor, Maine.(JGF PR)(10-10-2008)
- Childress Champions Pediatric Trauma Research: Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center and the Richard Childress family announced at a press conference Wednesday [July 30, 2008] today that they have teamed up to form what will become the nation’s most comprehensive Institute for Pediatric Trauma.
The Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma will focus on key areas in treatment, education and training, research and prevention of pediatric trauma. The Institute’s goal is to help pave the way for others in the nation searching for ways to help save the lives of severely injured children and help those who survive on the road to recovery.
“Accidental injury and death is the number one killer of children in this nation,” said J. Wayne Meredith, M.D., Chief of Surgery at Wake Forest Baptist, Medical Director of Trauma Programs for the American College of Surgeons and the Interim Director of the Institute. “This Institute will have a national impact and bring much more attention and awareness to this issue. We need a better way to treat children and there is not enough research being done.”
The Childress family has donated $5 million to the Medical Center to initiate the project, which will get underway later this year. Wake Forest Baptist and the Childress family are currently working with a number of corporations and individuals to raise the additional $20 million to establish the Childress Institute.
“Most people don’t know that traumatic injury is the biggest killer of our children,” said Richard Childress. “The Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma will be the focal point of a national movement to improve the level of pediatric trauma care available across the country. We will assemble the right team to conquer this national crisis in pediatric trauma. The Childress family is committed to making the Childress Institute the leader in pediatric trauma care.”
Because of significant programs and infrastructure in place at Wake Forest Baptist, the Institute will be able to devote most of the monies to research, education, treatment and prevention and to raising the national awareness about childhood injuries. The project will also help expand our state-of-the-art pediatric emergency department for the Triad region.
This institute has a goal to become the most comprehensive research center in the country as it develops new research initiatives and partners with other investigators throughout the nation. For example, the Institute will investigate pediatric devices to be used in treating pediatric trauma victims and will study issues including researching the best way to detect, prevent and minimize the effects of a serious injury in a child once it has occurred, Meredith said. The Institute also plans to offer four fellowships in pediatric trauma to help train the next generation of pediatric trauma surgeons.
“There is no one in the country presently studying this issue in a comprehensive manner as this institute is targeted to become,” Meredith said. “We won’t find a cure for pediatric trauma. You are always going to have injuries, despite our desire to prevent them, and some can’t be fixed. But for the kids who do get hurt, we’d like to find a better way to help them and reduce their disability. I think we can make the most difference here.”
The Institute will also work with national and regional research groups to pool knowledge and data that can be shared with healthcare providers nationwide. Charles L. Branch, Jr., M.D., Chair of Neurosurgery at Wake Forest Baptist, is one of the visionaries behind the formation of the Institute. “Our goal is to find the best possible way to care for children who have experienced traumatic injuries and then share that information with other trauma centers,” Branch said. “We want to help realize the Childresses’ vision to help children everywhere to get out of the hospital and back at play or in school and living normal lives as soon as possible.”
For more information about the institute, visit www.childresspediatrictrauma.com or www.wfubmc.edu, or call 866-635-8190.(RCR PR)(7-31-2008)
- God's Pit Crew - Crisis Response Team: Randy Johnson a former late model stock racer of Danville Virginia started the Disaster Crisis Response team right after devastating tornados hit Oklahoma City in 1999. Since then the 501-C3 non-profit organization has been a vital and key component in aiding people across the nation as well as in the Dan River region. The mission of their disaster relief team is, with God's help and direction, to fill needs and bring healing to hurting people. For children they have a program called the "Pit Stop Program" in which they perform a live action, fast pace demonstration program for children and youth groups using real race cars and special effects. There are dynamic motivational speakers and comedy routines using different characters. The program is designed to capture the attention of young people in hopes of teaching them about teamwork, service and helping them to have better self-esteem.
Nationally they have brought disaster aid and assistance to over 33 major disasters in 11 different states, and they have distributed over 4 million pounds of relief supplies. Their vast skilled volunteer workforce have cut thousands of trees off of peoples homes, gutted out houses, patched roofs, worked feeding kitchens that feed as many as 10,000 people a day a hot meal. They have rebuilt homes, churches, and assisted with the renovation of a cottage that houses boys at the Smokey Mountain Home for Children. They pray with people and give them hope in their time of need. For more info see www.Godspitcrew.org.(7-13-2008)
- Lowe's Racing for Relief Update - Dover Results: #48-Jimmie Johnson’s efforts on the track this weekend raised $19,200 to benefit the American Red Cross as part of Lowe’s Racing for Relief program. The $19,200 represents Lowe’s pledge of $48 per lap completed. Johnson finished fifth and completed 400 laps during Sunday's Camping World RV 400 at Dover International Speedway. Funds raised will help to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of Hurricane Ike and other 2008 hurricanes. Anyone interested in making a donation to the American Red Cross may visit participating Lowe’s stores, donate online at www.redcross.org, or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).(Lowe's Racing PR)(9-23-2008)
- Petty promotes prostate awareness: Seven-time NASCAR champion Richard Petty is a prostate cancer survivor. Son Kyle Petty remains highly involved in battling the disease through his Stay on Track for Better Prostate Health awareness program. Petty's "Prostate Inspection Pledge" is encouraging men to go for annual screenings and if diagnosed, to assemble a multidisciplinary pit crew of healthcare experts. Pharmaceutical company Sanofil-aventis is donating $1 for every prostate awareness pledge to the Prostate Cancer Education Council.(USA Today)(9-13-2008)
FREE SCREENINGS: Depend, a Kimberly-Clark brand, is sponsoring free prostate cancer screenings throughout the weekend at the FanZone at Dover International Speedway. The Drive Against Prostate Cancer mobile unit will be open from 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The screenings will take place on Sunday between 8 a.m.- 1 p.m. Males who participate will receive a free T-shirt and can enter for a chance to win a VIP package to the May 2009 Dover race weekend from ZERO -- The Project to End Prostate Cancer. The screening consists of a blood test and does not require an appointment or health insurance. The test takes less than 10 minutes. Physical exams will be available if requested. For information, visit Depend.com.(Delaware News Journal)(9-18-2008)
- Jamie McMurray Foundation launches branded caps/shirts: The Jamie McMurray Foundation (JMF) launched the sale of JMF branded t-shirts and hats on its website. Also launching on the JMF website is an online donation site where fans can make donations directly to the foundation, and possibly win a signed #26 Crown Royal diecast for making a donation of as little as one dollar. “Over the last year, the Jamie McMurray Foundation has come a really long way,” said Jamie McMurray. “I’m really excited about the way the shirts and hats turned out. I remember when it was raining in Watkins Glen, we sat on the motorcoach and came up with a pretty simple, but cool design for the t-shirts.”
Along with the launch of the t-shirts and hats, the foundation is pleased to announce a recent addition to the website - an online donation site. Instead of having to mail in a check, fans can now go online and make a donation directly to the foundation. To kick off the donation site, the JMF is launching a “donate for diecast” contest. Each donation made over the course of the next three weeks will be entered into a drawing for a signed #26 Crown Royal diecast. The diecast will be sent to the winning fan, along with a signed letter from McMurray.
The JMF was formed in May 2006, and since has provided more than $200,000 to Autism Speaks and other Autistic foundations throughout the United States. In October 2008, the JMF will host its third annual Jamie McMurray Foundation Golf Tournament presented by Crown Royal and the Stanford Group. Fan can access the Jamie McMurray Foundation through the following link: jamiemcmurray.com/foundation/(9-13-2008)
- Target Donates to Hurricane Relief: Target is donating more than $300,000 in product for relief packages to support Hurricane Gustav relief assistance efforts, in partnership with the Red Cross. Target is donating product for a total of 40,000 relief packages, 40,000 emergency food packs, and an additional 10,000 comfort kits and emergency food packs. Target is also providing additional critical support to this effort by offering The Salvation Army a vacant Target store in Texas to stock relief product and providing the American Red Cross use of the parking lot in the Covington, L.a., Target store for their Central Command Center.(CGWFS PR)(9-4-2008)
- Smoke Show brings in $217k: #20-Tont Stewart made a special visit Tuesday to Texas Motor Speedway to conduct the
inaugural “Smoke Show” fantasy camp to benefit the Speedway Children’s Charities-Texas Chapter and the event raised a record $217,000. That total makes the “Smoke Show” the largest grossing single-day event in the history of SCC-Texas Chapter. The “Smoke Show” benefitting SCC was born from a public relations event with Stewart last year that was held with a select group of media. The concept was transformed into a fund-raising event and Stewart was more than willing to participate once again. Twenty-nine participants, who paid between $6,000 and $8,250 for the day, enjoyed the full race experience, complete with driver suit, parade laps, driver introductions, Victory Lane celebration and two 10-lap driving sessions where they got behind the wheel of a stock car. The group even got some driving tips and, of course, some good-natured ribbing from Stewart. The money raised will be distributed to non-profit organizations across Denton, Tarrant, Collin and Dallas counties.(TMS PR)(8-27-2008)
- Indy win pushes Johnson's Racing for Relief over $25,000: #48-Jimmie Johnson's efforts on the track this weekend raised $12,480, which includes $4,800 for a victory finish, to benefit the American Red Cross as part of Lowe's Racing for Relief program. After nearly three and a half hours, Johnson completed 160 laps at the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard Sunday. The $12,480 is in addition to the $12,816 raised earlier this month during the race at Chicagoland, pushing the total Lowe's will donate to the Red Cross to more than $25,000. Lowe's had pledged $48 per lap completed for both races and an additional $4,800 for either race if Johnson finished in first place. The funds raised will help the Red Cross to provide food, clean-up supplies, counseling and other assistance to victims of the recent Central U.S. floods and tornadoes.
In addition to Racing for Relief, Lowe's stores across the Midwest are serving as official cash donation sites for the United Way 2008 Midwest Flood Recovery Fund to support long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts to areas devastated by the recent floods. The in-store donation program has been extended through August 3, 2008, with Lowe's matching in-store customer donations up to a total of $100,000. 70% of donations to the fund will help the Red Cross provide immediate needs such as food and shelter and 30% of the funds will support longer term relief efforts through local United Way partner agencies. Donations to the American Red Cross for the Central U.S. Floods and
Tornadoes response may be made at participating Lowe's stores throughout the Midwest, online at www.redcross.org, or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.(Lowe's Racing PR)(7-31-2008)
- Pocono race renamed Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500: Brandon Igdalsky, President of Pocono Raceway, Tom Foley, CEO of the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania (SEPA) Chapter, and Bob Owens, Senior Vice President of Sunoco, today announced the details for the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500, to take place August 1-3. A partnership of Sunoco, Pocono Raceway and the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter was formed to provide much-needed funds to help people throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania recover from devastating disaster. Through this partnership, Pocono Raceway is also donating a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales and merchandise, as well as providing other revenue-generating efforts to benefit the Red Cross SEPA Chapter's Red Cross House.
As part of this partnership, Pocono Raceway is donating ten percent of the ticket revenue generated by online ticket buyers who use the Red Cross promo code, REDCROSS. As an added incentive, those race fans purchasing the first 1,500 Sunday, August 3, 2008 reserved grandstand seat tickets, using the Red Cross promo code, will receive a free pre-race Pit/Paddock Pass ($50 value) and Souvenir Program Book and Commemorative Die Cast Car ($15 Value) with each ticket purchased. So ORDER NOW. Tickets can be purchased at www.poconoraceway.com.
In addition, Pocono Raceway will also feature a donation collection on its website, as well as provide the SEPA Chapter with the opportunity to collect donations at the race. Pocono Raceway is also donating to the SEPA Chapter a portion of the proceeds from the Official Starting Line-Up t-shirt, Pocono Raceway's largest grossing concession item. The Red Cross will receive a percent of the proceeds from the walker fees for the Track Walk, hosted by the NASCAR Foundation, on Saturday, August 2, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. Fans can register to participate in the Track Walk at www.nascar.com/foundation. NASCAR Foundation is also hosting an online auction, on www.nascar.com/foundation, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania. Auction items include autographed Sunoco Victory flags, a Sunoco Racing fuel can, a Pace Car ride for two people before the start of the race on Sunday, A parade lap for one with the celebrity Grand Marshal, autographed race helmet and a Super VIP experience to include 4 skybox tickets valued at $2,000, food and beverage, pit pass, and all three-day access, VIP garage tour given by a Track Ambassador, ability to stand on stage and meet the drivers during the official driver introductions.
Sunoco will be providing marketing and promotional support to the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 with signage at 750 Sunoco retail locations near the track. Sunoco will also highlight the event on their new website, www.gosunoco.com, and provide a link to the Pocono Raceway's ticket sales site in order to encourage fans to enter the promo code and help raise money for the Red Cross. In addition to marketing efforts, Pocono Raceway and Sunoco will provide an exciting day at the races for 200 Red Cross Club members and victims of area disasters who have stayed at the Chapter's Red Cross House. These participants will receive free tickets and transportation to the Pennsylvania ARCA 200, the ARCA RE/MAX Series 80 lap race on Saturday, August 2, 2008. A corporate partner of the Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter for many years, Sunoco also provides free gasoline for the Chapter's emergency response vehicles to help reduce the cost of local disaster relief operations. Proceeds will benefit SEPA Chapter's Red Cross House, a short-term residence in West Philadelphia where hundreds of local families every year begin their recovery from fires, floods and other disasters affecting their lives.(Pocono Raceway PR)(7-1-2008)
- NHMS Walk raises $30k: #99-Carl Edwards and a few hundred fans walked a lap around New Hampshire Motor Speedway following the Camping World RV Sales 200 as part of the Speedway Children's Charity/NASCAR Foundation Track Walk. The walk raised $30,000 for Speedway Children's Charities, the Kenny Irwin Jr. Memorial Foundation, Victory Junction Gang Camp and the NASCAR Foundation. Each organization provides vital services to children in need. The Irwin foundation and Victory Junction Gang Camp also honor the memories of two NASCAR drivers, Kenny Irwin Jr. and Adam Petty, who were killed in crashes at NHMS in 2000.(New Hampshire Union Leader)(6-29-2008)
- Ragan added to Horsepower Series UPDATE 2: Elliott and Hermie Sadler, and J.J. Yeley will join a cast of eight stock car personalities [five to be named later] as they will team with Power Golf Professionals Sean Fister, Brooks Baldwin, Danny Luirette, Kevin Bullard, Vince Howell, Scott Ionno, JD Murkerson, and Carl Wolter in the 2008 HorsePower Tee Shot Tour. The Horsepower Tee Shot Tour (HTST) will include six events being played under the lights during race weeks next season. The scoring format will not only reward length off the tee, but accuracy as well. SPEED TV will be airing all the HTST events during the summer and early fall of 2008. Jeff Hammond is the spokesman for the HTST and NASCAR on FOX broadcaster. In addition to the “Power Golf” competition, each stop on the Tour also will include a golf trick-shot exhibition, fan participation and a charity event to benefit the Petty’s Victory Junction Gang Camp.(HTST PR)(12-30-2007)
UPDATE: HorsePower Sports Marketing (HSM), the sanctioning body of the 2008 Horsepower Tee Shot Tour (HTST), proudly welcomes Brian Vickers, its fifth stock car personality, to the upcoming 2008 HTST season. The six "Power Golf" events constituting the HTST take place during Sprint Cup race weeks at select venues in close proximity to the race tracks between May and October.(3-11-2008)
UPDATE 2: HorsePower Sports Marketing (HSM) announcesd the addition of David Ragan to the list of NASCAR personalities slated to compete in the 2008 HorsePower
Tee Shot Tour (HTST). The HTST is a series of six Power Golf events featuring NASCAR personalities teaming with eight of the most prolific drivers of the golf ball in the world. The scoring format rewards both distance and accuracy. The season opens 5/14 in Concord, NC, at the beautiful Cabarrus Country Club. Ragan and seven of his NASCAR colleagues -
Marcos Ambrose, Stephen Leicht, Kyle Petty, Hermie Sadler, Elliott Sadler, Brian Vickers and J.J. Yeley - will step up to the tee along with their respective Power Golf counterparts to see who can drive the ball the furthest, yet keep it in the fairway. All events are scheduled to air on SPEED.(SPEED PR)(5-14-2008), for the tour schedule and more info, see hpteeshottour.com.
- Bridge-Logos Publishers & The Jamie McMurray Foundation Team Up to Fight Autism Bridge-Logos Publishers has partnered with Brad Henry, author of Destination—The Winner’s Circle, and NASCAR driver Jamie McMurray to raise money and awareness of autism. Brad Henry and Jamie McMurray have at least two things in common—autism and NASCAR. Brad‘s eight-year-old son, Chase, and Jamie‘s niece are both autistic. This is why a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each book are being donated to the Jamie McMurray Foundation. Destination—The Winner’s Circle is a series of devotions for anyone who is searching for the meaning of life, pain, trials, and success. More info at bridgelogos.com.(5-4-2008)
- Hamlin Announces Foundation at Richmond: #11-Denny Hamlin will launch his new charitable foundation with the running of the Denny Hamlin 175 at Southside Speedway, the track where he cut his teeth in Late Model racing, in Midlothian, Va. on Thursday, May 1. The Denny Hamlin Foundation will focus primarily on raising awareness and funding for the specific needs of individuals afflicted with Cystic Fibrosis and will donate all proceeds from the charity event to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF). Moving forward, in addition to CFF, the foundation also will support chronically ill children with other debilitating illnesses.(PR)(5-1-2008)
- Race Fever 2008 Raises over $171,000 thanks to Drivers and Fans: More than 1,300 race fans, from 30 states and Canada, helped raise over $171,000 to benefit the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) Foundation at the 23rd Annual Race Fever. Race Fever was held Friday evening, April 25, in the Speed Channel Dome at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame. The event was hosted by racing legend Darrell Waltrip, former Auburn basketball coach Sonny Smith, and media personality Mike "The Bagman" Bagley. A total of 16 Sprint Cup and Nationwide drivers made appearances at Race Fever-many repeat attendees including Kyle Petty, Bobby Labonte, Kurt Busch, David Ragan, Joe Nemechek, Marcos Ambrose, A.J. Allmendinger, Brian Vickers, Paul Menard, Kevin Lepage, Travis Kvapil, David Gilliland, Scott Wimmer, Kelly Bires, Brad Coleman and Cale Gale. Race Fever is the largest source of unrestricted funds for the AIDB Foundation, the private fundraising arm of AIDB. Through five campuses in Talladega and nine regional centers throughout Alabama, AIDB serves more than 13,500 children and adults who are deaf, blind and multidisabled each year.(PR)(5-1-2008)
- Fans Race to be Part of Permanent Tribute, Benefit The Dale Earnhardt Foundation; Just like the legend they so admire, Dale Earnhardt fans have moved fast to be part of history, joining with The Hershey Company to help raise funds for The Dale Earnhardt Foundation. Hershey has debuted a series of collectible bars honoring the racing legend and given fans the opportunity to personally join a permanent tribute to "The Intimidator" while raising funds for charity. By logging on to www.hersheys.com/dale, fans can upload a photo for inclusion in a picture mosaic - a replica of which will be unveiled on April 29, during Dale Earnhardt Day in Mooresville, N.C. Already, nearly 1,000 fans have posted their name, photo and/or message to the site. Fans also can make a donation to The Dale Earnhardt Foundation.
Dale Earnhardt fans from across the country have been joined by actress Carmen Electra and Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI) drivers Mark Martin and Martin Truex Jr., who recently posted their images and messages to the site. With less than one month until Dale Earnhardt Day, fans still have time to join these stars and show their support.
Available in four varieties, including two Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar designs, one Hershey's Milk Chocolate with Almonds Bar design and one Kit Kat Wafer Bar design, the specially moulded Collector Edition Dale Earnhardt bars feature a distinctive on-bar design. The designs include three individual portraits spanning Earnhardt's distinguished
career and one image of the Richard Childress Racing #3 GM Goodwrench car that is most synonymous with Earnhardt's nickname, "The Intimidator." Packaging features interesting facts about the racing legend's life on and off the race track and are redeemable for unique Dale Earnhardt merchandise such as a #3 soft-sided cooler or a Dale
Earnhardt tribute poster designed by renowned motorsports artist, Sam Bass. The Collector Edition bars are available now through May 2008 at retail outlets nationwide.
The mission of The Dale Earnhardt Foundation is to "Continue the Legend"TM through charitable programs that sustain Dale's lifelong commitment to education, children and environment/wildlife preservation. More information on The Dale Earnhardt Foundation can be found at www.thedaleearnhardtfoundation.org
- Kevin Harvick & RoadLoans: A Million Thanks.org: RoadLoans and Kevin Harvick, 2007 Daytona 500 champion, launched a letter writing campaign February 23 at California Speedway raising awareness and support of the troops around the world. RoadLoans, a leader in online auto financing, and Harvick, co-driver and co-owner of the #33 RoadLoans Chevrolet, have partnered with A Million Thanks Foundation for this season-long patriotic campaign. Motorsports fans are encouraged to join Harvick and show their support at select Nationwide Series races, race festival events and other locations of the #33 RoadLoans show car by writing a letter of support. The campaign kicked off February 23 and will continue through November 15, 2008. Fans can visit www.RoadLoansracing.com for a complete listing of the #33 RoadLoans Chevrolet show car program.
A Million Thanks Foundation is a letter and email campaign founded by Shauna Fleming of Orange, California. The 18-year-old, college student began the campaign in March 2004 as a freshman in high school. The initial goal of the campaign was to collect and distribute one million letters of thank you to the troops serving in the U.S. Armed Forces around the world. In October 2004 Fleming reached her goal and presented President George Bush with the one-millionth letter. To learn more about how you can support military personnel please visit AmericaSupportsYou.mil.(2-28-2008)
- Stewart getting waxed: During last night’s SIRIUS radio show Tony Stewart Live with Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick mentioned “Operation Wax Smoke,” and the fact that the fans had met the goal [of $100,000]. In response, Tony said he would like to have Kevin host the show while he was getting “the procedure.” Now, we are just waiting on Tony to set the date! The fans raised a total of $39,611.00 and Harvick has pitched in the rest, which totaled $60,389.00 just to make the goal. Details as things become more final.(Kevin Harvick site)(2-13-2008)
- Johnson's Skins Golf Tournament raises over $400k: Multi-platinum recording artist Nick Lachey and two-time reigning Sprint Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson teed-off in their first annual Super Skins Celebrity Golf Classic at the SunRidge Canyon Golf Club in Fountain Hills, Arizona on February 2nd. Proceeds from the event totaling over $400,000 will benefit multiple charities including the Nick Lachey Foundation and the Jimmie Johnson Foundation, which support various organizations that help those in need. The Annual Super Skins Celebrity Golf Classic will continue on to Tampa in 2009 and Miami in 2010. Lachey and Johnson each pledged $125,000 to the Super Skins purse, which brings the amount pledged to charity to over $400,000.(GMR Marketing)(2-8-2008)
Some Past 2007 News
- Newman Foundation events raise $100,000 for conservation and animal welfare: #12-Ryan Newman and pro bass fisherman Kevin Van Dam shared big fish stories with over 300 fisherman at the second annual Ryan Newman Foundation Charity Fishing Tournament at Queen's Landing in Mooresville, NC on Saturday, December 8, 2007. #1-Martin Truex, Jr. and #01-Regan Smith also fished in the tournament with Newman, as well as Two Foot Fred of the MusikMafia and Fred Contaoi of American Choppers. Prior to the fishing tournament, the Ryan Newman Foundation hosted its third annual Charity Dinner and Auction on Friday, December 7 at the Charles Mack Citizen Center ballroom in Mooresville, NC. The weekend events raised over $100,000 for the Ryan Newman Foundation Endowment, which will be a source for grants to nonprofit organizations that fulfill the foundation's mission-to educate and encourage people to spay/neuter their pets and to adopt dogs and cats from animal shelters; to educate children and adults about the importance of conservation so the beauty of the great outdoors can be appreciated by future generations; and to provide college scholarship funding through the Rich Vogler Scholarship program to students interested in auto racing careers. More info at the Ryan Newman Foundation site.(12-25-2007)
- NASCAR Fine Payments Going to NASCAR Foundation: NASCAR announced that starting this season, all money collected from fines issued to drivers will go to the NASCAR Foundation for its charitable initiatives. “Now that the NASCAR Foundation is well established and supporting dozens of charitable organizations it is the logical place for fine money to be distributed,” said NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France. “We are excited to be able to work with our charities and help them develop a program that will maximize the impact they can have with their organizations,” said Sandy Marshall, executive director of the NASCAR Foundation.(NASCAR PR)(1-21-2008)
- Pettys considering another camp for for seriously ill kids in Kansas UPDATE confirmed: #45-Kyle Petty said Tuesday afternoon that he and his wife, Pattie, are determined to build a camp that would help seriously ill children in the Midwest and that the Kansas City area is the preferred site for the facility. “We told some people that it’s not if we build, it’s a matter of when we build here,” Petty said. In 2004, the Pettys founded the Victory Junction Gang Camp in Randleman, N.C. The intent was to build a facility that would bring happiness into the lives of chronically ill children by providing them, free of charge, with a camp that features everything from horseback riding to bowling. The Pettys’ impetus for founding the race-themed camp was the death of their son, Adam, during a NASCAR test session [at New Hampshire in 2000]. Richard Petty handed 75 acres of wooded land to Kyle and Pattie, and private donors stepped up with financial help. The camp, which features 42 modern wheelchair accessible buildings and a seven-acre lake, plays host to up to 125 children in each of its weeklong summer sessions. It also is host to family weekends. Pattie Petty said that the North Carolina camp is now operating at capacity. She said that prompted a look into a second camp. Petty was scheduled to meet with civic and corporate representatives Tuesday night for another presentation on the project. He said that before anything becomes definite, all involved must be confident of the “long-term sustainability” of the project. Petty said if details are worked out, the camp could open in 2009 or 2010.(Kansas City Star), Kyle and Pattie were also recently named WebMD Health Heroes.(11-28-2007)
UPDATE: Ryan Cooper, the Lake Mary [FL] firefighter who ran into two burning homes last July after a plane belonging to NASCAR crashed into a Sanford neighborhood. Cooper helped to rescue several victims including a 10 year old boy. He also provided first aid to victims until the first fire units arrived. It was a tragedy that changed his life forever. Now that tragedy will help Cooper change the lives of thousands of deserving children every year. Cooper has been asked by NASCAR driver Kyle Petty to head a new branch of the Victory Junction Gang Camp set to open near Kansas City by 2010.(MyFoxOrlando)(11-29-2007)
- $1.6 Million Raised Through NASCAR Day: Thousands of NASCAR fans and companies participated in NASCAR Day on May 18th in an effort to raise money for the charitable causes supported by The NASCAR Foundation. A grand total of over $1.6 million was raised through donations made by fans, corporate partners and the NASCAR Day Telethon. The money raised from NASCAR Day goes to support The NASCAR Foundation and its Family of Charities which helps children's causes, animal welfare and wildlife conservation. As a result of this overwhelming support of NASCAR Day, a $500,000 check was presented at Kansas Speedway to Kyle and Pattie Petty for the Victory Junction Gang Camp. The funds raised this year from NASCAR Day will also help open the doors to a brand new racing-themed Speediatrics Children's Emergency Room at Homestead Hospital in Homestead, Fla.(NASCAR PR)(10-13-2007)
- NASCAR Specialty License Plate Now Available To Florida Residents: The NASCAR Foundation, in partnership with the Florida Sports Foundation (FSF), has announced a new NASCAR-themed, official Florida license plate that will be available to fans for purchase at this weekend's Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Net proceeds from the sale of the specialty plate will benefit The NASCAR Foundation and the Florida Sports Foundation. The FSF will distribute proceeds to support the marketing of motorsports-related tourism in the state and 50% to support The NASCAR Foundation's charitable organizations. Last year alone, The NASCAR Foundation donated $250,000 to Speediatrics, a racing-themed pediatrics unit in Daytona Beach and Homestead, Fla. This weekend, Florida residents traveling to Homestead-Miami Speedway can pick up their plate at a mobile FLOW (Florida Licensing On Wheels) unit stationed at the track. The units are equipped with the technology and ability to bring valuable DHSMV services right to the customers, including the ability to issue specialty plates on the spot. The units will be parked near Gate 11 at Homestead-Miami Speedway from Friday, Nov. 16 through Sunday, Nov. 18. To purchase a NASCAR specialty plate, fans must prove that they have a vehicle registered in the state of Florida, a valid Florida driver’s license and proof of insurance. The annual specialty license plate is $27. Residents not traveling to the track this weekend may still purchase a NASCAR specialty plate at their local Department of Motor Vehicles. For more information, please visit www.hsmv.state.fl.us.(NASCAR PR)(11-16-2007)
- Some NASCAR related help to victims of Calif wild fires AND: Truck drivers Gary Alred and Howard Austin are accustomed to being on the road - traveling as members of the UAW-Dodge NASCAR Motorsports Exhibit, but a different opportunity presented itself a few weeks ago - one that the UAW-Dodge members felt honored to accomplish. Gary Alred and Howard Austin with a dozen others from Chrysler LLC and Chrysler Financial took part in the California relief mission for residents who were victimized by the devastating wild fires. Alred and Austin were en route to Detroit from a Dodge NASCAR Motorsports dealership event in Atlanta, when Alred received a call asking if they would
like to join in with the effort. They arrived in the San Diego area on October 29 - meeting up with other volunteers from Chrysler and Chrysler Financial. They immediately put their
truck to good use, hauling two loads of food and water to a restaurant near Barrett Lake that had been converted to a temporary Red Cross Shelter. Besides providing their rig, Alred and Austin pitched in with other Chrysler volunteers to unload each trailer, while also helping distribute relief supplies delivered in Dodge vans to local neighborhoods and fire departments
affected by the fires. The donation included food, water, juice, toiletries and cleaning supplies to tents, sleeping bags, flashlights and dog food. They even loaded hay for
horses and other livestock displaced by the blazes. The Chrysler Foundation and Chrysler Financial joined forces with the California-based Rescue Task Force to donate $200,000 to aid fire victims, affected communities and rural fire departments that have been affected by the recent blazes. Among the beneficiaries was an elementary school that had burned during the fires - a $25,000 check was presented to help with the rebuilding effort. The UAW-Dodge traveling NASCAR Motorsports Exhibit has been a fun destination for fans on the NASCAR circuit for the past four years, which included 12 NASCAR race weekends in 2007 - one being the UAW-Dodge 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March.(PR)(11-13-2007)
AND Motorsports Authentics has teamed up with California Speedway and UPS to make a major apparel donation to benefit the victims of last month's deadly firestorms in Southern California. Motorsports Authentics, known by most motorsports fans for its Action Racing Collectables die-cast and Chase Authentics line of apparel, has donated roughly 65,000 items of apparel to the victims of last month's wildfires in Southern California. UPS, the official express delivery company of NASCAR and California Speedway, has donated their services and is transporting the items from MA's headquarters in Concord, N.C., to the Human Services Warehouse in San Bernardino, Calif., and the Navy & Marine Corps Relief Society in San Diego.(PR)(11-14-2007)
- Finalists for the inaugural NASCAR Home Depot Humanitarian Award announced: Home Depot and NASCAR announced the finalists for the first-ever NASCAR Home Depot Humanitarian Award. The award is the first of its kind open to any member of the NASCAR community who has shown extraordinary dedication to serving others and improving communities through meaningful service efforts. The three finalists are:
Spencer Lueders, project creator, director and team member of 24 Hours of Booty;
Don Miller, project creator and director of Stocks-for-Tots Charity Event; and
Kyle Petty, driver for Petty Enterprises and co-founder of Victory Junction Gang Camp.
The recipient of the NASCAR Home Depot Humanitarian Award will be announced at the NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Awards luncheon in New York City on Nov. 29, 2007. The award recipient will receive a specially designed crystal award, a $100,000 donation made by The Home Depot to the recipient’s charity of choice and a playground in the city of their choice built by volunteers from NASCAR, The Home Depot and KaBOOM!, the company’s national nonprofit partner which envisions a great place to play within walking distance of every child in America. The other two finalists will receive a $25,000 donation each to their non-profit charity. All active employees within the NASCAR industry – drivers, owners, team and track employees, licensees, media partners, sponsors, and motorsports media – were eligible to receive the NASCAR Home Depot Humanitarian Award. Nominees were assessed based on their community commitment and dedication; impact on the community; and charitable giving of their time and talents. A blue-ribbon committee comprised of representatives from NASCAR, The Home Depot and motorsports media selected the three finalists.(NASCAR PR)(11-13-2007)
- Martin Truex Jr. Announces Foundation: #1-Martin Truex Jr. announced he has started a foundation that will benefit children in need. Martin donated a check in the amount of $100,000 to the foundation in making the announcement. "I have been fortunate enough to be surrounded by a loving family and supportive friends," said Truex. "They have helped me get to where I am today. When I joined Dale Earnhardt Inc. I made a promise to myself to give back to those less fortunate than me. The Martin Truex Jr. Foundation is the realization of that promise. The foundation is dedicated to providing funds to non-profit, charitable organizations that will properly impact the lives of children. It will benefit children in my hometown in New Jersey, as well as the town of Mooresville, North Carolina, and the surrounding area. There are so many kids who could accomplish things in their lives if only given the right tools. My goal is to help these kids any way I can. Our first project, "Little Bears for Little Kids", is a stuffed animal drive for children who have been served by the Dove House in Statesville, North Carolina. We have collected several thousand stuffed animals for the children in need. I need to thank everyone with all of these corporations who have helped to make this a success." The Dale Earnhardt Foundation also donated $5,000 to the fund. The Earnhardt Foundation will donate $3,000 for each victory Truex Jr. earns for the rest of 2007 and in 2008. Bass Pro Shops will also donate 1,000 stuffed bears to the Little Bears for Little Kids program. Eight hundred and twenty-seven of the bears were donated today to the Dove House in Statesville, which benefits victims of child abuse.(Lowes Motor Speedway PR)(10-15-2007)
- #40 Coors Light Dodge to feature St. Jude Paint Scheme at Atlanta: Coors Light, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) announced the #40 Coors Light Dodge driven by David Stremme will be wrapped with a special St. Jude paint scheme for this weekend's Pep Boys Auto 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The purpose of the paint scheme is to increase awareness of the hospital and its work as well as to support Coors Light's yearly pumpkin-themed "Halloween Pinups" fundraiser. During the month-long "Halloween Pinups" promotion, Coors and its distributors will focus on raising money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. In the Atlanta area, employees at participating retail locations will ask patrons to make a $1 donation to St. Jude's to join in the fight against catastrophic childhood diseases. In return for the contribution, the donors will have the opportunity to write their names on pumpkin-themed pinups which will be displayed in each location through Halloween. In addition to its annual "Halloween Pinup" promotion, Coors Light will make a $10,000 base donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital on race weekend, with an incremental donation for every lap Stremme completes in the race. Since 1997, Chip Ganassi Racing Teams, Inc. has raised more than $440,000 for St. Jude Hospital and Target House by donating $5,000 for each victory, $1,000 for each pole position and $25 for each lap led.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(10-23-2007)
- Belmont Peanuts is running a special this month. David Peck is working with The Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation on the development of wildlife education programs by contributing a portion of the sales to the Foundation. Belmont Peanuts are available year round for you enjoyment. Please visit this link belmontpeanuts.com or go to www.wardburton.com and click on the SHOP button.(WBE/WBWF)(10-18-2007)
- Kahne Donates $500,000 to Ronald McDonald House: On Monday, Oct 15th, #9-Kasey Kahne, NASCAR driver and founder of the Kasey Kahne Foundation donated $500,000 to the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte to support the construction of a new Ronald McDonald House in Charlotte. "We are thrilled to partner with Kasey Kahne on this important initiative to support critically ill children in the Charlotte area," said Joanne Charnetski, executive director of the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte. "The Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte relies heavily on the generous support of individuals like Kasey Kahne and his foundation, as well as our dedicated volunteers." The new facility will serve as a "home away from home" for the families of children who are receiving care at two state-of-the-art children's medical facilities - Presbyterian Hemby Children's Hospital and Levine Children's Hospital at Carolinas Medical Center (CMC). Upon completion of the new Ronald McDonald House in Charlotte, there will be a Ronald McDonald House located in every major city across the United States. The Ronald McDonald House program has provided a "home-away-from-home" for millions of families of children being treated at nearby hospitals since its inception in 1974. There are 270 Ronald McDonald Houses open in 30 countries worldwide.(PR)(10-17-2007)
- Pettys consider Kansas City for children’s camp: Kyle Petty and his wife, Pattie, founded the renowned Victory Junction Gang Camp in North Carolina to help children with chronic and terminal illnesses. Now they want to bring a similar camp to the Kansas City area. The Pettys laid the groundwork for a Midwest version of their camp at a meeting with top officials of Sprint, NASCAR, Kansas Speedway, Children's Mercy Hospital and other business and community leaders Thursday night at Sprint headquarters in Overland Park. "[Victory Junction] was built for children in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and parts of east Tennessee," Kyle Petty said. "All of a sudden, we've seen kids from 44 different states, and during the last two years the percentage of kids from west of the Mississippi is growing. That's created a quandary for us. When we see a kid from Phoenix or California, we pay for the transportation to fly the child from there. This way, they don't have to fly all the way to North Carolina. It makes the cost per child more economical." That's why Petty - who has a soft spot in his heart for Kansas City and for Sprint, which previously sponsored his Nextel Cup car as well as Adam Petty's car - convened some of the biggest movers and shakers in the sport. he meeting Thursday included NASCAR chairman Brian France, vice chairman James France, vice president Lesa France Kennedy and president Mike Helton; [Kansas Speedway president Jeff] Boerger; Sprint vice president Tom Murphy; Dean Kessel, director of NASCAR Nextel Cup Series marketing for Sprint; and officials from Children's Mercy Hospital.(Kansas City Star)(9-30-2007)
- Cheerios Race For Books Kicks Into High Gear: The Cheerios Race For Books program, which has already raised more than 300,000 books for children in need this season, is kicking into high gear for the last 10 races of the season. Cheerios and nonprofit partner First Book have already donated 43 books for every lap that Bobby Labonte and the #43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge team have completed this season. And beginning this weekend at the New Hampshire International Speedway, Cheerios and First Book will double the number of books they donate for every Top 10 finish the team achieves from now through the last race at the Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 18.(Petty Racing PR)(9-14-2007)
- Ryan Newman announced an exciting new conservation program during a press conference at Michigan International Speedway i August 2007: Racing For Wildlife. Racing for Wildlife will work to build an American land legacy for generations of race fans who share Newman's love of the outdoors. Newman teamed up with The Conservation Fund to launch the program in an effort to help preserve America's great outdoors and educate children about the importance of taking care of our nation's land and waterways. Racing For Wildlife unites the NASCAR community with passionate land and water conservationists across the country. The Conservation Fund and the Ryan Newman Foundation, through this partnership, are leading the effort to create an American land legacy for generations of race fans who love the outdoors. Each year, Racing For Wildlife will pursue a new conservation project that offers recreational opportunities near urban areas so families can easily enjoy the outdoors in protected places. In selecting conservation projects, Racing For Wildlife will work with local land conservation groups and wildlife management agencies to find opportunities that fulfill state-recognized conservation priorities while inviting a new generation to experience the outdoors.
To find out more about Racing For Wildlife or to make a donation, visit www.racingforwildlife.org.(10-12-2007)
- NASCAR Foundation Blood And Marrow Drive Has Potential To Save 11,000 Lives: The results are in, and NASCAR fans rolled up their sleeves in record numbers. The Second Annual NASCAR Foundation Blood and Marrow Drive has had a record-breaking year, collecting 3,410 pints of blood and adding over 1,000 volunteers to the National Marrow Donor Program Registry. The donations from this year’s drive have the potential to save over 11,000 lives. Out of the 23 tracks that have already held their drives, the top three participating tracks are Michigan International Speedway (MIS), Pocono Raceway and Talladega Superspeedway. MIS collected 962 pints of blood and added 80 volunteers to the registry; Pocono Raceway collected 541 pints of blood and added 109 volunteers to the registry; and Talladega Superspeedway collected 229 pints of blood and added 125 volunteers to the registry. Last year, the inaugural drive collected over 2,500 pints of blood and added 650 volunteers to the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) Registry at 14 participating tracks. The NASCAR Foundation, Jimmie Johnson Foundation and Hendrick Marrow Program partner on the Annual Blood and Marrow Drive, which seeks to provide unique experiences at many different tracks that bring out the goodwill and community pride in all race fans. The drive helps serve a desperate need for blood and marrow donations – more than 38,000 blood donations are needed per day and over 6,000 people are searching for a marrow match on any given day. To round out the national drive, New Hampshire International Speedway will hold its blood and marrow drive on Nov. 27. For more information or to learn more about The NASCAR Foundation, Jimmie Johnson Foundation and Hendrick Marrow Program visit www.nascar.com/foundation.(NASCAR PR)(9-26-2007)
- Richmond International Raceway announces Charitable Program to increase community Assistance: In an effort to increase its already prevalent community involvement in Henrico County and the Greater Richmond Metropolitan Area, track officials at Richmond International Raceway announced that they are working through The NASCAR Foundation-a
501(c)3 nonprofit organization-to operate a charitable program that will provide even more support to nonprofit organizations throughout the community. Richmond International Raceway Cares, through The NASCAR Foundation, was developed to help better the Greater Richmond Metropolitan Area and the surrounding communities. To kick off the announcement, Richmond International Raceway Cares presented a check last weekend for $4,500 to Special Olympics Virginia for their support of NASCAR Day at Richmond International Raceway May 4-6. Special Olympics Virginia representatives came out to the track and collected donations in exchange for the commemorative 2007 NASCAR Day lapel pins. For their efforts, Special Olympics Virginia received half the proceeds raised throughout the weekend.(RIR PR)(9-13-2007)
- SCC Commits $350,000 to Levine Children's Hospital: Levine Children's Hospital has received a $350,000 commitment from Speedway Children's Charities to support the new 234-bed facility that will open in October. Speedway Children's Charities is the charitable arm of Speedway Motorsports, Inc. headquartered in Concord. Its philanthropy is directed toward a variety of children's causes. Amanda Hollingsworth, Director of the Charlotte Chapter, noted that the Levine gift is "special because it reflects the generous support of our
corporate donors, Speedway Motorsports Inc., Sonic Automotive, O. Bruton Smith and loyal race fans." In recognition of the gift from Speedway Children's Charities, a family
lounge on the 8th level of Levine Children's Hospital will be designated in the organization's honor. Levine Children's Hospital, located on the main campus of Carolinas Medical
Center, is currently undergoing its final construction phases, with opening anticipated in late October.(PR)(8-12-2007)
- NSSN hooks up with CARA: National Speed Sport News has chosen to link with CARA Charities for its 2007 charity initiative program. This benevolent program is new to NSSN as of this year, but NSSN's relationship with CARA has been longstanding. While most charity programs rely solely on monetary contributions or auctions to raise funds, NSSN will be combining both. NSSN has teamed up with GoMotorBids.com to maintain an exclusive online charity auction starting July 12 and running until Dec. 16. The auction's central item will be a racing helmet, autographed by multiple motorsports personalities, such as Chris Economaki, Richard Petty, David Gilliland, Jeff Green and many more. In addition to the helmet, National Speed Sport News will furnish several items throughout the year designated for the auction. NSSN will also accept monetary donations at any of its 2007 Grassroots Tour events. With every donation, fans will receive a CARA Charities checkered-flag armband. Fans will also have the chance to observe the helmet at these events. CARA Charities supports many worthy causes, including children's hospitals, scholarships, research groups, injured drivers, the Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund and CARA's "Buckle Up Baby" children's car-seat program. The "Buckle Up Baby" program has impacted the safety of thousands of children with monetary donations, as well as infant car seats, to children's hospitals around the country. National Speed Sport News has not only been providing race coverage that is timely, accurate and colorful but also contributions towards the betterment of the community since 1934. NSSN has become the voice of motorsports, covering every series, every track, every week. For more information on NSSN, CARA Charities or the auction, please visit www.nationalspeedsportnews.com.(7-25-2007)
- Race for Books sucessful at Chicago: Thanks to the silver tongues of readers in Naperville, Ill., Chicago-area children in need will receive 10,000 new books from First Book and Cheerios. The readers participated in a First Book Speed Read on Saturday, held at the Jewel-Osco in Naperville, and hosted by Donna Labonte, wife of #43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge driver Bobby Labonte. The speed readers read a total of 1,423 words during the event. First Book and Cheerios will make an extra donation of new books for local children for a total of 10,000 books. The First Book Speed Read, created by First Book, a nonprofit organization that provides brand new books to children from low-income families, is an interactive and entertaining event that helps raise awareness about the importance of books and reading in children's lives. Participants "speed read" as many words as possible aloud from a children's book in just 15 seconds. During Saturday's event, the winning 'speed reader', Jaleesa Parks, from Chicago (Ill.), read an astonishing 83 words from the children's book Wiggle by Doreen Cronin. While Donna Labonte helped raise books for kids off the track, her husband Bobby helped raise books for kids on the track through the Race for Books. Cheerios Spoonfuls of Stories and First Book are donating 43 books to disadvantaged children for every lap completed by Bobby Labonte in the #43 Cheerios Dodge during the 2007 racing season. Labonte completed 266 laps on Sunday, generating an additional donation of more than 11,000 books for children in the region. So far this season, Labonte's efforts on the track have resulted in more than 228,000 books for children in need nationwide.(Petty Racing/Cheerios PR)(7-18-2007)
- Race Fans allow Bud to donate to military foundation: Thanks to the generosity of NASCAR fans, Budweiser was able to donate $100,000 to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF) to help provide college educations to the children of fallen Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps special operations personnel. Dale Earnhardt Jr. presented the check during special ceremonies on Saturday [July 7] between the NASCAR Busch and Cup races at Daytona International Speedway. Budweiser and Earnhardt Jr. raced two military-themed paint schemes in 2007. Budweiser’s brown and beige “Desert Camo” car raced Memorial Day weekend during the Coca-Cola 600 in honor of fallen soldiers, while the red, white and blue “Stars & Stripes” car ran this evening at Daytona to salute all those who currently serve. The proceeds from the sale of collectible diecasts of the two special cars were ear-marked for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which provides full-ride college scholarships to surviving children of special operations personnel killed in combat or training missions, and immediate financial assistance to special operations personnel severely wounded in the global war on terror. More than 700 children currently benefit from the efforts of the SOWF.(fingerprint inc. PR)(7-10-2007)
- NASCAR fans bolster young theft victim: NASCAR fans around the United States want to help Cody Copas. The Otterbein [Indiana] boy's collection of Jeff Gordon memorabilia, including pieces given to him by the NASCAR driver during a Make-A-Wish Foundation trip, was stolen last week from his father's home in West Lafayette. Offers to replace the items have come from NASCAR fans as far away as Maine, New Jersey and North Carolina.(for the full story and more info see the Journal and Courier)(6-21-2007)
- Johnson to be Featured on ESPN SportsCenter My Wish Series June 24-29 --- 25th: After a successful debut last year, ESPN SportsCenter’s “My Wish” series, which chronicles sports-themed wishes granted to children with life-threatening medical conditions, will be aired Sunday, June 24, through Friday, June 29. The five “My Wish” episodes will feature 2006 Nextel Cup champion Jimmie Johnson, all-pro quarterback Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints, a past NBA Finals most valuable player, a popular World Series slugger and an athlete TBD. Emmy Award-winning reporter Chris Connelly will again host. “My Wish” is presented by ESPN, in cooperation with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and The Walt Disney Company. As part of the series, ESPN will help grant sports-related wishes with leading sports stars to five children referred by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Each wish will then be the subject of one SportsCenter feature segment. The SportsCenter segment will feature the reason for the wish, interviews with the kids and their families, and a behind-the-scenes look at the wish fulfilled, including the interaction between the youngster and the athlete. Several ESPN multimedia platforms such as ESPN.com, ESPN The Magazine, and ESPN360.com will offer additional and complementary content related to the five wish-granting experiences. Team ESPN encompasses ESPN’s multi-faceted corporate outreach initiatives, including volunteerism, corporate giving and cause marketing, while utilizing its diverse media assets. Through Team ESPN, ESPN, its employees and its fans work together to make a difference more info at www.teamespn.com. The Disney VoluntEARS program provides opportunities for Disney employees to contribute their time and expertise towards making a positive impact in the communities they serve while furthering the traditions and ideals of The Walt Disney Company. For more information on Disney’s outreach efforts, please visit www.disneyhand.com.(ESPN PR)(6-21-2007)
AND The 2007 edition of ESPN’s critically acclaimed and award-winning SportsCenter “My Wish” series will debut at 10:30am/et Sunday, June 24. Johnson’s segment will air during SportsCenter at 6:00pm/et Monday, June 25 [interestingly the same time as ESPN2's NASCAR Now starts]. Johnson’s segment will be featuring 16-year-old Jennifer Walters of Colesburg, Iowa.(ESPN PR)(6-21-2007)
- Kyle Busch forms charitable foundation: #5-Kyle Busch, president of Kyle Busch Motorsports, announced his newly formed charitable effort called the Kyle Busch Foundation. "I have been very blessed in my life,” Busch said. “I’m fortunate enough to be able to race and do what I love. Not everyone is as fortunate. So I wanted to give something back and I decided I wanted to help kids." The Kyle Busch Foundation is dedicated to providing essential tools and supplies for institutionalized children across the country. The foundation will provide support to organizations that create and foster a safe, protective environment for children. “There are a lot of children in need out there,” Busch continued. “Times are tough enough for young people these days, and if there is anything I can do, I’m more than willing.” KBF is in the process of collecting items crucial to these respective homes. For designated drop off points and wish lists please visit please visit www.kylebuschfoundation.org.(Kyle Busch Motorsports PR)(5-21-2007)
- NASCAR and Home Depot Team Up For New Award: officials from NASCAR and Home Depot announced the first annual NASCAR/Home Depot Humanitarian Award. The award will be presented at the National Motorsports Press Association luncheon during Champions Week at the end of the season in New York City. The award will be given to any active member of the NASCAR community including driver, car owner, crew member, media member, track employee or sponsor that contributes to helping others, giving of their time, and to his or her community. The winner will receive a crystal award and a $100,000 donation made by The Home Depot to the recipients' charity of choice. The two runners-up will each receive a $25,000 donation to their charity of choice. To nominate an individual for the award log onto www.nascar.com/humanitarian to download an application through September 8.(LMS Pit Notes)(5-20-2007)
- Kyle Busch helping raise money for Conservation Fund: The makers of Garden Safe brand products, which include a natural and organic lawn and garden care line, are planning a pair of promotions to benefit the non-profit SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. On March 15, Garden Safe brand products, the official lawn and garden partner of Busch Gardens, will kick off an in-store promotion at Lowe's locations nationwide. For each Garden Safe brand product purchased at Lowe's between March 15 and April 30, 2007, the makers of Garden Safe brand products will donate 50 cents to the Conservation Fund. The promotion coincides with the debut of a section at Lowe's stores dedicated to organic and alternative products, demonstrating the retailer's commitment to the environment.
While consumers can affect the donation level in Lowe's stores, Kyle Busch, driver of the #5 Garden Safe/SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund Chevy, will have the opportunity to raise the charitable contribution on the race track. For every lap Busch completes on the lead lap in Saturday's Busch Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, the makers of Garden Safe brand products will donate $100 to the Conservation Fund. If he and the #5 team win, they will double the $19,500 donation to $39,000. The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund will be showcased on the #5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevy throughout Busch Series competition this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Featuring various endangered wildlife, the car demonstrates the fund's commitment to species research, animal rescue and rehabilitation, and conservation education. Garden Safe products are not sponsored or endorsed by the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. As with all consumer products, it is important to follow all product guidelines and usage instructions.
ABOUT THE SEAWORLD & BUSCH GARDENS CONSERVATION FUND: The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, created in 2003 by the Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks, is a registered non-profit charitable foundation dedicated to supporting environmental and wildlife conservation initiatives around the world. Its primary areas of focus are habitat and species conservation, animal rescue and rehabilitation, and environmental education. Of donations made to the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, 100 percent benefit individuals and groups active in conservation or education. Administrative costs, including fund development, staff salaries, equipment and facilities, are borne by Busch Entertainment Corp. (BEC), the theme park division of Anheuser-Busch Companies Inc.
For additional information on the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, go to www.SWBG-ConservationFund.org.(3-15-2007)
2006 PAST NEWS
- Dodson Scholarships at over $40k: Friends and colleagues of Barry Dodson, a Mooresville resident and a familiar figure in NASCAR, have given more than $40,000 to establish athletic scholarships at Wake Forest University in honor of his children, Trey and Tia, who were killed in 1994. "Losing a son and daughter is like a free fall; you never get settled back," Dodson said. "I donít think you ever learn to deal with it. But this has made it easier when I thought nothing ever would. It has put life back into the entire family."
Trey, Tia and one of their high school friends were killed in a car accident near Darlington, S.C., where they lived with their mother, Jan. Trey was 17 and Tia was 16. Dodson has supported Wake Forest's athletic program for years and attended many events with his children. The scholarship named for Trey, a former high school pitcher, is designated for baseball or menís basketball. The scholarship honoring Tia is the first cheerleading scholarship ever established at Wake Forest. Tia was a high school cheerleader.
Contributions toward the scholarships came from various racetrack owners, drivers, crew members, race car owners and others who know Dodson, a former mechanic and crew chief for drivers such as Richard and Kyle Petty, Darrell Waltrip and Rusty Wallace. Dodson is now a crew chief in NASCARís Craftsman Truck Series with Team ASE/Ultra Wheels, Inc. Companies contributing to the scholarships include Ford Motor Company, Team ASE, Ultra Wheels, Valvoline and Wagner Brakes. "I never knew how many people cared about the children and the family until this," Dodson said about the donations. "It tops anything thatís ever happened to me. Itís been an unexpected blessing."
For more information about the scholarship fund, contact Sheila Massey in University Relations via e-mail or at 910-759-4834. Checks should be made payable to Wake Forest University. Desigate the "Trey Dodson" or "Tia Dodson" scholarship. Any donations should be mailed to Sheila at P.O. Box 7227, Reynolds Station, Winston-Salem, N.C. 27109-7227.
- Amateur fishermen win Newman Charity Fishing Tournament: #12-Ryan Newman and #20-Tony Stewart shared big fish stories with over 300 fisherman at the inaugural Ryan Newman Foundation Celebrity Charity Fishing Tournament at Blythe Landing in Huntersville, NC on Saturday, December 16, 2006. The charity bass tournament-sponsored by Ranger Boats and facilitated by FLW Outdoors-and VIP Reception-sponsored by Huckleberry's BBQ-raised over $40,000 for the Ryan Newman Foundation Endowment, which will be a source for grants to nonprofit organizations that fulfill the foundation's mission. Tony Stewart fished on Lake Norman during the tournament and signed autographs during the VIP Reception to support his fellow driver's charity. Newman fished Lake Norman with FLW Angler of the Year Anthony Gagliardi in his Alltel-wrapped Ranger Boat. Newman and Stewart were joined on the FLW Outdoors stage by Ranger Boats Founder Forrest Wood during the Awards Ceremony, sponsored by Alltel. Fisherman Brian Morgan and Michael Fox of Newton, NC won the grand prize, a 519VX Ranger Boat with a VZ200TLR HPDI Yamaha motor, valued at $35,000.(Ryan Newman Foundation PR)(12-24-2006)
- Jimmie Johnson Foundation Hats Available: By popular demand, the Jimmie Johnson Foundation is making its apparel available to the public. Here is your chance to own a Jimmie Johnson Foundation hat just like the one Jimmie wears. It is a great way to show your support. These hats are available only through the foundation website, and the proceeds benefit the foundation. Visit www.jimmiejohnsonfoundation.org and click on the apparel button to place your order. First run quantities are limited, so place your order now. Additional apparel will be unveiled in 2007.(11-28-2006)
- Trust fund set up for #55 jackman's family: A trust fund has been established for the children of the late Steve Spahr, a longtime Bill Davis Racing employee, who died last Friday. Spahr has been working as a jackman on the #55 Waltrip-Jasper Racing team that has an affiliation with BDR this season. Fans can contribute to the Trust Fund for Jenna and Hailey Spahr, BB&T, 2835 Randleman Road, Greensboro, N.C., 27406. Spahr, 48, had recently undergone surgery for a tear of the aorta and was recovering at home when he died.(SceneDaily.com)(11-2-2006)
- OUR "DREAM" is to give sick or handicapped kids, ages 5 -15 a fun filled night at a local racetrack. The families get free admission into the track, the child gets an on track interview, (if they don't want to be interviewed that's fine), a victory lap with the checkered flag, a trophy, a CHECKERED DREAMS hat and T shirt, and a real race helmet to get autographed! (When available) We also supply the families with a buffet to feast on throughout the night. If you know a child that qualifies and would like to receive an event from us please feel free to contact us! More info and events/fund raisers at jackie88racing.com
- "The King" and Stewart join ‘speedy tags’ program: NASCAR racers Richard Petty Tony Stewart are putting their likeness on dog tags, with the proceeds of these “Speedy Tags” benefiting the Paralyzed Veterans of America. “I feel very strongly that we must support our brave men and women returning from Iraq and Afghanistan injured,” Petty said. “That’s why I urge all NASCAR fans to get their Speedy Tags … This is one small way fans can join me in supporting our paralyzed vets.” Speedy Tags are imprinted with the names, signatures and in some cases, pictures of some of the biggest names in racing. About 75,000 will be distributed at the Bristol Motor Speedway on Aug. 26 for free. To get a Speedy Tag, log on to www.SpeedyTags.org. Those who purchase the tag will recieve a $5 discount on racing merchandise and will be eligible to win a trip to the season-ending Ford 400 championship race at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Paralyzed veterans’ spokesman Carl Blake said the not-for-profit organization provides veterans with spinal cord injury or disease benefits, employment, education, accommodations and sport activities.(Bristol Herald Courier)(8-24-2006)
- Jamie McMurray Foundation Formed to Assist Autism Society: Jamie McMurray has formed the Jamie McMurray Foundation (JMF) to promote awareness of and raise funding for, research, education, and support for individuals and families affected with autism. McMurray, who drives for Roush Racing in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, is sponsored by Newell-Rubbermaid (Irwin Industrial Tools, Lenox Industrial Tools and Sharpie) and Diageo (Crown Royal and Smirnoff Ice). The JMF is dedicated to joining the financial backing and support of the NASCAR community with the passion and commitment of the autism community to promote
better understanding of this challenging disability. The Jamie McMurray Foundation will also support other charitable organizations providing opportunities to disadvantaged youth. McMurray has been a viable advocate for the Autism Society of America (ASA),
with a "Driving Autism Awareness Pledge" campaign in 2005, and has participated in many golf tournaments, auctions for charitable contributions and benefits throughout the year. The JMF board will consist of McMurray as President; with mother, Melanie Sue
McMurray, Treasurer and sister, Trisha Montez as Vice President.(Roush Racing PR)(6-10-2006)
- Man Loses Both Legs in Non-Racing Accident at LMS Dirt Track: A foundation has been set up for Chris James following an accident on Wednesday night at The Dirt Track @ Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Injuries stemming from the incident required the amputation of both of James’ legs. James is a regular driver with the Redneck Racing Series and CRASHCar division at the Lowe’s Motor Speedway. He pilots the #38 “Rimer Rocket.” The 40-year-old James is married to his wife Lori and has two children, Lynn (19) and Mandi (17). James was injured while volunteering to drive a “packer” car at The Dirt Track @ Lowe’s Motor Speedway on Wednesday night prior to the World of Outlaws event at the track. James has driven “packer” cars for several years and was helping to get the track in shape for the night’s racing. James got out of his car to allegedly remove a piece of debris from the track and was subsequently hit by another “packer” car, pinning him against his car and the wall. James was airlifted to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he has undergone several operations, including one that resulted in both of his legs being amputated below the knee. James will remain in the hospital for an unknown period of time. More info on how to donate and the wreck at 51sportsracing.com.(5-27-2006)
- NASCAR Foundation established: NASCAR announced the establishment of the NASCAR Foundation, a 501 © (3) non-profit entity that will serve as the liaison between the sport and all of the charitable causes supported by its different constituents. The Foundation will review charity requests on a regular basis and over time, will expand its focus beyond the industry-related charities that NASCAR currently supports. Betty Jane France has been a leader of NASCAR charitable projects, most notably Speediatrics, a NASCAR themed pediatric unit at Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach and Homestead Hospital in Homestead, Fla. Mrs. France believes the NASCAR Foundation will be an effective tool in making a positive and lasting impact in the community. “NASCAR actively supports charities and is devoted to being a leader in the area of public service,” said Mrs. France, who will serve as chairman of the NASCAR Foundation Board. “We are fortunate to have a wonderful group of drivers, owners, teams, tracks and sponsors, along with more than 75 million fans that believe in providing opportunities for those in need. The NASCAR Foundation will link all of our charitable initiatives, and working together, we will make a difference.”
“NASCAR is committed to helping improve the lives of people and those in need and we are excited about the opportunities for community service through our NASCAR Foundation.” said Mike Helton, NASCAR president and NASCAR Foundation Board vice chairman.
Through the NASCAR Foundation, the general public will have opportunities to become involved with the community service projects NASCAR supports. The largest annual charity event supported by the NASCAR Foundation is NASCAR Day. For a $5 donation, participants receive an official NASCAR Day lapel pin and have the opportunity to wear their favorite NASCAR apparel to work. In just its second year, 240,000 pins were sold for NASCAR Day 2005, raising $1.2 million overall. More than 2,500 companies participated in NASCAR Day last year, with the initiative benefiting the three designated charities – Victory Junction Gang Camp, Speediatrics and Speedway Children’s Charities.
The NASCAR Foundation will also work with drivers and their foundations or favorite charity. Kyle Petty, who along with his wife, Pattie, founded the Victory Junction Gang Camp in honor of their late son, Adam, says the NASCAR Foundation will be a great asset to furthering the assistance the sport can provide to those in need.
“From the very beginning, NASCAR has been a tremendous help to the Victory Junction Gang Camp,” said Petty, driver of the #45 Dodge. “We received so much support from NASCAR when we first announced the camp and it wasn’t long after that, the camp became an official NASCAR charity. That really allowed the camp to move to a national level and reach an even greater number of young people. The Victory Junction Gang Camp is up and running today in large part because of NASCAR, its drivers, sponsors and all of the loyal fans who follow the sport. I believe the NASCAR Foundation is only going to continue to improve the Victory Junction Gang Camp and benefit all of the charitable efforts that NASCAR sponsors.”
The NASCAR Foundation Board will consist of Betty Jane France, chairman; Mike Helton, vice chairman; Jim Hunter, vice president; Todd Wilson, treasurer; and Jennifer F. Bates, vice chairman, secretary. Sandy Marshall, who has served as NASCAR’s senior manager for Community Relations for the past three years and is based in Charlotte, will be executive director of the NASCAR Foundation. For more information on the NASCAR Foundation, visit www.NASCAR.COM/foundation.
About the NASCAR Foundation: The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc., (NASCAR) launched the NASCAR Foundation in January 2006. The Foundation, headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is a 501 © (3) non-profit entity that embodies the compassion of the NASCAR Family and its commitment to serving communities. The Foundation supports a wide range of charitable initiatives that reflect the core values of the entire NASCAR Family. The NASCAR Foundation will use strength of the sport and its people to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. For more information on the NASCAR Foundation, please visit the website: www.nascar.com/foundation.(1-18-2006)
- Dale Earnhardt Foundation rides with Andy Pilgrim into "The Driving Zone" The Dale Earnhardt Foundation has partnered with four-time road racing champion Andy Pilgrim in the release of "The Driving Zone" DVD for new drivers. The 30-minute presentation has an introduction by Teresa Earnhardt, President and CEO of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. and her daughter, Taylor. They are joined by Dale Earnhardt, Jr. as he assists Pilgrim in the instructional portions. Pilgrim discusses issues pertinent to new drivers throughout the DVD. He addresses everything from "internal distractions" to his "3-2-1-Go" method utilized before getting behind the wheel of a vehicle. The catalyst for Pilgrim to host and produce this presentation came from events he witnessed and heard of during his travels around the country. Pilgrim started to receive immediate feedback from students and parents. They said there was so much good information in his talks and they couldn't have said it better to their own children. As a champion race driver, Dale Earnhardt knew daily the risks we all face behind the wheel. As a father, he made sure his children exercised good judgment and had proper training before getting behind the wheel - whether it be a race car or personal vehicle.
The Dale Earnhardt Foundation is proud to help make this video possible, both as a valuable teaching and training aid for today's
young driver; but also in the hope that the lessons taught will reduce highway accidents involving young drivers and ultimately save lives. The Foundation supports charitable causes regarding children and their education. A portion of the proceeds will directly fund the
continuation of those efforts through the Foundation. During an upcoming appearance on QVC Friday, Aug. 19 at 10:00pm/et,
Earnhardt, Jr. will talk a little more about "The Driving Zone" during a segment of the show. It will be available for purchase ($14.95 plus
shipping) through TheDaleEarnhardtFoundation.org, the E Store Online at
DaleEarnhardtInc.com , DaleJr.com, and AndyPilgrim.com. You can also order one by calling 1-800-220-5711 beginning on Friday, August 19. This is NOT the toll free number for the Retail Store at
Dale Earnhardt, Inc. in Mooresville, NC.(DEI PR)(8-19-2005)
Champions' Helmet Project
Auction Date: ?
Al Pearce's [motorsports writer/Autoweek] F-1 champions' helmet project is finally complete and was totally successful. Pearce recently flew to/from London for Lewis Hamilton's signature, spent a few days at home, then went to/from Brazil for Nelson Piquet's signature. They were the 19th and 20th champions to sign, 19 of them living. (got the late Phil Hill's signature in Nov. of '07 in Santa Monica). Pearce went into eight countries and did five East Coast-to-Europe flights, one to Canada, two East Coast-to-California trips and the trek to/from Brazil.
There were 50 takeoffs and landings on six airlines. He also used private and rental cars, cab, local, regional and international trains, ferry (twice across the English Channel), city and international buses, and subways. A friend used a national/international mileage web site to figure Pearce's travels at about 67,000 miles.
All proceeds from the sale or auction of this helmet will go directly to the Victory Junction and the Kyle Petty Charity Ride. From what some F-1 people in Europe told Pearce, this helmet is a one-of-a-kind item. They're stunned that every living World Driving Champion would agree to meet him and sign this itemt.
Below are the order and details about getting their signatures, starting in November of 2007. Except for Sir Jack Brabham (FedEx took care of it; I couldn't justify the expense or time going to/from Australia), I delivered the helmet to each champion.
1. Phil Hill Nov. 12 His home Santa Monica, CA.
2. Jacques Villeneuve Nov. 16 Pit road Homestead, FL.
3. Emerson Fittipaldi Nov. 18 His home Miami, FL.
4. Mario Andretti Nov. 28 His office Nazareth, PA.
5. Damon Hill Dec. 2 Grosvenor House London, England
6. John Surtees Dec. 2 Grosvenor House London, England
7. Jackie Stewart Dec. 2 Grosvenor House London, England
8. Alain Prost Jan. 30 His home Paris, France
9. Fernando Alonso Jan. 30 Renault World HQ Paris, France
10. Jody Scheckter Jan. 31 Laverstoke Park Farm Overton, England
11. Nigel Mansell Feb. 6 Walker Racing hauler Sebring, FL.
12. Michael Schumacher April 9 Harbour Castle Hotel Toronto, Canada
13. Niki Lauda April 21 Fly Niki Airlines HQ Vienna, Austria
14. Kimi Raikkonen May 21 Ferrari transporter Monte Carlo, Monaco
15. Keke Rosberg May 22 Red Bull hospitality Monte Carlo, Monaco
16. Mika Hakkinen May 23 Le Meridian Beach Hotel Monte Carlo, Monaco
17. Jack Brabham June 29 His home Queensland, Australia
18. Alan Jones Aug. 15 Toyota Expo Tent Laguna Seca, CA
19. Lewis Hamilton Dec. 7 Grosvenor House London, England
20. Nelson Piquet Dec. 18 AutoTrac, Inc. HQ Brasilia, Brazil
AND In the spirit of the season, veteran motorsports writer Al Pearce [Autoweek] deserves substantial recognition for a charitable project that has taken him around the world in the past 13 months. Pearce is a writer who literally has gone the extra mile in supporting two causes initiated by Kyle and Pattie Petty: the Victory Junction and the Kyle Petty Charity Ride. At his own expense, Pearce, who lives in Newport News, Va., and covers NASCAR for AutoWeek, traveled approximately 67,000 miles to obtain the signatures of 20 Formula One world driving champions on a racing helmet he plans to auction in support of the two charities. Trips to London and Brazil in December, to get the signatures of Lewis Hamilton and Nelson Piquet completed the roster of living F1 champions. The helmet now features 20 names, including the 19 living champions plus Phil Hill, who died Aug. 28, 2008. Hill is the only American-born driver to win the F1 championship. Pearce met each driver face-to-face, with the exception of Sir Jack Brabham, who lives in Australia. FedEx delivered the helmet to Brabham and back to Pearce after it was signed. "All proceeds from this helmet will go directly to the Victory Junction and the Kyle Petty Charity Ride," said Pearce, who will begin marketing the helmet in January. "From what some F1 people in Europe tell me, this is a one-of-a-kind item and will be quite valuable. They're stunned that every living World Driving Champion would agree to meet me [being a total stranger] and sign this item. It took countless e-mails, calls and letters to set up the precise dates, times and places for these brief meetings." All told, Pearce visited eight countries in pursuit of the 20 signatures. His most productive trip, in terms of signatures collected, took place in December 2007, when he got the autographs of Damon Hill, John Surtees and Jackie Stewart on the same day, at the Grosvenor House in London. "My travels covered 13 months, took me into eight countries, required five East Coast-to-Europe flights, one flight to Canada, two East Coast-to-California trips and the recent journey to Brazil," Pearce said. "There were 50 takeoffs and landings on six airlines. I also used private and rental cars, cabs, local, regional and international trains, a ferry (twice across the English Channel), city and international buses, and subways." Despite the enormous expenses he accumulated, Pearce won't take a dime of reimbursement for this labor of love.(NASCAR.com)(12-28-2008)
'Super' helmets a Victory this holiday season: Al Pearce, the former racing writer for the Hampton Daily Press and NASCAR correspondent for Autoweek, is an avid supporter of the Victory Junction. He’s been on most if not all of the charity rides. He believes in the camp so much that a few years ago he came up with the idea of having all the Sprint Cup champions living at that time to sign a helmet and then auctioned off each of the mementos, with all the proceeds going to the camp. Since then, he’s done the same with helmets signed by Cup champion car owners, Daytona 500 winners, Indy 500 winners, Formula One champions and Chase for the Championship drivers.
Running out of autographed auto racing-themed helmets that might have a broad enough appeal to generate bids in the thousands of dollars didn’t stop Pearce from discontinuing his helmet project. In fact, he may have come up with an idea that most likely will have the broadest appeal in a sports-themed helmet. Pearce is in the process of getting autographs of Super Bowl-winning coaches. So far in person he’s gotten the signatures of Joe Gibbs, Jon Gruden, Jimmy Johnson, Bill Parcells, Mike Ditka, Bill Belichick, Tom Coughlin and Tom Flores. Currently, the helmet has been shipped to Florida to get Chuck Noll’s autograph. He’s already made arrangements to meet Bill Cowher in the Raleigh area once the helmet comes back from Noll.
That leaves Tony Dungy, Don Shula, Brian Billick, John Madden, George Seifert, Mike Shanahan, Barry Switzer, Mike Tomlin and Mike Holmgren. He hopes to get most of them by Super Bowl week.(High Point Enterprise)(12-28-2009)
