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)

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

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 No. 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)

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)

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)

NASCAR Fine Payments Go to NASCAR Foundation: NASCAR announced that starting with the 2008 season, all money collected from fines and penalties issued to drivers will go to the NASCAR Foundation for its charitable initiatives.(NASCAR PR)

Other Jayski Charity pages:
Victory Junction and Jayski's Computer Lab
Geoff Bodine Bobsled Challenge
Ongoing Events/Support the Troops/Past NewsAcutions/News page

WIX Filters, a member of the Affinia Group family of brands, is auctioning a collection of six pink oil filter banks signed by 47 NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers as part of their Filter Out Cancer campaign, which is raising money to benefit the American Cancer Society. The auction, which includes wood and acrylic display cases, can be accessed at ebay.com and runs through March 11.

“The Filter Out Cancer campaign is a partnership with participating customers to raise money for cancer awareness, research and support,” said Jeff Blocher, brand manager for WIX Filters. “WIX is extremely grateful for all the drivers who participated by signing one of the six pink oil filter banks we’re putting up for auction; and, thank you to the one driver who kicked-off the campaign by placing a $5 bill in one of the banks.”

The WIX Filter Out Cancer signed oil filter bank collection is truly a one-of-a-kind collectible. The heavy-duty sized oil filter banks were signed by NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers during qualifying for the NASCAR Banking 500 Only From Bank of America at Charlotte Motor Speedway in October 2009. The six filters feature 47 total signatures, matching the number of NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers who attempted to qualify for the race.

100% of the final sale price from this auction will be donated to the American Cancer Society, WIX Filter’s official charity partner in the WIX Filter Out Cancer campaign, through e-Bay Giving Works partner MissionFish. The auction (item number 150419444200), which runs through March 11 (6:22 p.m. EST), can be accessed here: http://ebay.com.

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Champion and Volusia County resident Mike Skinner will host the 4TH ANNUAL TOYOTA SKINNER ROUND UP FOR CHARITY Presented by Rue & Ziffra Personal Injury Attorneys on Thursday, March 11, and Friday, March 12, at Daytona International Speedway and Spruce Creek Country Club in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Among the celebrities to help raise funds to benefit Volusia County charities include "The Blues Doctor" Nashville recording star Stacy Mitchhart, "American Idol's" Bo Bice, NASCAR Drivers Michael Waltrip, Geoff Bodine, Ron Hornaday, Ricky Carmichael, Tommy Baldwin, Rick Crawford, and Steve Park. Also joining the action will be WSOP Poker Professional Tristan Wade. Over the last three years, celebrities and the community have joined Mike in raising over a half a million dollars for area charities.

The two day event kicks off to the public on Thursday evening at 7:00 PM at the Fan Zone and Daytona 500 Club in the infield of Daytona International Speedway. The annual "Hoe Down Bash," sponsored by Halifax Health and Suntrust Bank, will feature award-winning jazz and blues entertainer Stacy Mitchhart in concert. A live celebrity auction will also be featured with one-of-a-kind items donated by celebrities along with items including NASCAR Race Ticket Packages, autographed memorabilia, a European vacation, fishing charters in Costa Rica, a Texas hunting trips, and more. Plus, guests will have the opportunity to have pictures taken in Gatorade Victory Lane with Mike Skinner and the #5 International Trucks/Monaco RV Tundra and the #5 Exide Batteries Toyota Tundra. Also on hand will be "A Taste of Daytona" where area restaurants and retailers will be offering their specialties to "Hoe Down" attendees. Tickets will be available the night of the "Hoe Down" at Gate 40 (Williamson Blvd entrance) to Daytona International Speedway for $10. Children under 12 years of age admitted FREE. Tickets can also be pre-purchased at Stirling Sotheby's International Realty at 201 Cessna Blvd in Port Orange (386.761.2172).

"Over the last three years, the Hoe Down has proved to be a great entertainment value for families in the area. With music by blues great Stacy Mitchhart plus a surprise guest or two, NASCAR drivers, celebrity auction, great local food … it's a fun night to enjoy with friends and family," says Skinner. "More importantly we will be giving back to many of the local charities that need our help this year."

The following day, Friday, March 12th, celebrities and sponsors will play a round of golf at Spruce Creek Country Club. Following the golf tournament, the public is invited to participate in the "Skinner Round Up" Celebrity Poker Tournament beginning at 3:00pm at Spruce Creek Country Club. Entrance fee is $100 per player, and the grand prize is round trip tickets from Jet Blue Airlines to anywhere in the Continental US plus a two night deluxe stay at Barona Resort and Casino in San Diego, CA. The winner will also receive a seat at the upcoming WSOP Tournament for the Daytona Beach Kennel Club plus final table wins Maui Jim Sunglasses.

"Angie and I invite everyone to be a part of this year's Round Up," says Skinner. "Along with the help from sponsors, celebrities, volunteers and of course the public, it is an opportunity to give back to our community, and we hope to see you this year." He added that this year's charities will be the Council on Aging, Greyhound Pets of America, Halifax Health Foundation, Second Harvest Food Bank and Concerned Citizens for Animal Welfare.

For more information on the 4TH ANNUAL "TOYOTA SKINNER ROUND UP" Presented By Rue & Cziffra Personal Injury Attorneys, visit www.daytonaalive.com. To inquire about sponsorships, contact Angie Skinner at angie@mikeskinner.com or call 386-763-9011.

The 4th Annual Legends Helping Legends of Racing will be held on Sunday, March 14, 2010. The event will take place at Memory Lane Museum located at 769 River Hwy., Mooresville, NC 28117. The event will run from 11:00am to 4:00pm/et

This year’s event will honor Rex White, the oldest living NASCAR Grand National champion. Rex White was selected as one of NASCAR’s Top Fifty Greatest Drivers. Rex White won the 1960 NASCAR Championship, beating Richard Petty by almost 4,000 points in the fight for the title. Rex raced from 1956 to 1964 with 233 Starts, 28 Wins, and 36 poles. Rex finished second to Ned Jarrett in the 1962 NASCAR Championship. Rex is a great friend to the racing community and is still very active today in his support of the sport of stock car racing. We feel privileged to honor not only a great driver, but a great individual, such as Rex White.

Weather permitting there will be a vintage race car show in the parking lot outside of Memory Lane Museum. Dozens of legendary drivers and racing personalities will be available throughout the event to visit with fans.

Concessions will be sold by the Statesville Shriners Club and all proceeds from concession sales will go to the Shriners Hospital.

A 50/50 raffle, along with door prize giveaways, etc. will take place throughout the day with proceeds going to the Living Legends Medical Fund.

Fourth Annual Ride with the Legends:Bike Ride to the Legends Event. Registration 9:30 am- 10:30 am at Tilley Harley Davidson (Statesville, NC). A police escort will take riders to Memory Lane Museum in Mooresville. $25.00/Per Person Includes Lunch and Museum Entrance, even Rain or Shine!

The Cornhole craze continues at Bristol Motor Speedway this March with the return of the Scotts Turf Builder Cornhole Classic, to benefit Speedway Children's Charities. The Bristol Motor Speedway's inaugural tournament last August was a rousing success, drawing 128 teams intent on being crowned BMS Cornhole Champions. This year the tournament will stretch over three days, beginning Friday, March 19 and culminating with the championship on Sunday, March 21.

Friday, March 19th 2:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Saturday, March 20th 10:00am - 1:30 pm
Sunday, March 21st Grand Champions 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Teams will be playing for many significant prizes, including:
* $500
* Suite Seats to the Irwin Tools Night Race and Food City 250 on August 20 and August 21
* Camping Space for the August race weekend

The runner-up will receive:
* $200
* Suite Seats to the Food City 250

Two 64-team double-elimination qualifying tournaments will take place March 19 and March 20, 2010.

The top finishers in the qualifiers will receive:
* $200
* Irwin Tools Night Race tickets

2nd Place will receive:
* $150
* Tickets for the Food City 250.

3rd Place will receive:
* NASCAR Cornhole Board Sets

The top four teams in each qualifying tournament will advance to Sunday's Championship Tournament to determine the Scotts Turf Builder Cornhole Classic Champs.

Cost to enter is $40 per team. Each player on each team receives a goody bag and a t-shirt. Teams may register now at www.bristol.speedwaycharities.org.

All proceeds from the Cornhole Classic will benefit the Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for children's agencies in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. In the first 12 years of its existence, the Bristol Chapter of SCC has raised in excess of $5 million.

Be part of "Hanging Out with Kevin and Ron" as Daytona 500 winner and NASCAR star, Kevin Harvick, makes his return to Bakersfield, along with Four-Time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Champion, Ron Hornaday. "Hanging Out with Kevin and Ron" will be a benefit fundraiser to help raise money for the newly formed Kevin Harvick Foundation.

The night will feature a silent auction showcasing items from Kevin and some of his fellow drivers, a great Crystal Palace dinner, a program featuring Kevin and Ron, along with a VIP autograph session.

Individual ticket prices for the event are $75. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, March 2nd and can be purchased by contacting the Buck Owens' Crystal Palace box office at 661-328-7560. You may also purchase entire tables on the main floor by contacting the office of the SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Series at 661-679-4681.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Buck Owens' Crystal Palace
Bakersfield, California
No Host Social Hour 5:00 pm
VIP Autograph Session 6:00pm
Dinner - Program - Silent Auction 7:00pm

More info about Buck Owens' Crystal Palace at buckowens.com

Experience the rush of taking a parade lap with your favorite driver prior to the start of a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at select tracks throughout the 2010 racing season. See the action up close and personal, tour the pits and feel the thrill of parading around the track with a Sprint Cup star in front of thousands of other race fans. The Speedway Children’s Charities Ride of A Lifetime provides you the opportunity for an exhilarating experience while helping to provide support to hundreds of children’s organizations across the country through Speedway Children’s Charities and driver foundations!

Your Ride Of A Lifetime Experience Will Include:

* Ride with a Sprint Cup Series Driver - One lap around one of several famous race tracks on the NASCAR circuit with your favorite driver

* Track Pit Tour - Enjoy the sights and sounds down pit road as a seasoned track expert provides you with insider information about the track

* Professional Photo of You and Your Driver - Not only will you take home some amazing memories from your experience, but we'll also send you a link so you can download your professional keepsake photo of you and your driver!

Take a lap around the track with your favorite NASCAR Sprint Cup driver and help support children's organizations across the country through Speedway Children's Charities (SCC) "Ride of A Lifetime". Lucky race fans will have the chance to ride in the pre-race parade lap with their driver at Speedway Motorsports Inc., race tracks prior to NASCAR Sprint Cup races throughout the 2010 season. Speedway Children's Charities will auction pre-race parade lap rides with select Sprint Cup drivers through online and live auctions for twelve races during the 2010 racing season. The NASCAR Foundation will host the online auctions at www.sccrideofalifetime.com while live driver auctions will be held in Las Vegas and at both Texas races. The SCC Ride of A Lifetime will kick off with the SCC Live Memorabilia and Driver Auction at Sam's Town Live Hotel & Casino on Thursday, February 25, 2010. Online auctions will run for two weeks from the auction launch date. Proceeds will benefit numerous children's organizations across the country through Speedway Children's Charities as well as driver foundations and charities. For more information, list of auction dates and locations, or to bid on a ride with your favorite driver, visit www.sccrideofalifetime.com .

:Scheduled 2010 SCC Ride of A Lifetime Auctions

Texas - Live - April 17 at Hospitality Village, Texas Motor Speedway following the Nationwide race - Ride date is April 18

Charlotte - Online - Auction runs May 9-23 - Ride date is May 30

Infineon - Online - Auction runs May 30 - June 13 - Ride date is June 20

New Hampshire - Online - Auction runs June 6-20 - Ride date is June 27

Atlanta - Online - Auction runs August 15-29 - Ride Date is September 5

New Hampshire - Online - Auction runs August 29-September 12 - Ride date is September 19

Charlotte - Online - Auction runs September 26-October 10 - Ride date is October 16

Texas - Live - November 6 at Hospitality Village, Texas Motor Speedway following the Nationwide race - Ride date is November 7

more info at www.sccrideofalifetime.com

Petty ride dates announced: Kyle Petty's 16th-annual Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America will begin in Indian Wells, Calif., on May 1 and end at the Victory Junction Gang Camp near Greensboro, N.C., on May 9. The route includes California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee and North Carolina.(Autoweek)

This year's Charity Ride is scheduled to make overnight stops in North Las Vegas, Nev.; Richfield, Utah; Durango, Colo.; Amarillo, Texas; Texarkana, Texas; Choctaw, Miss.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; and Asheville, N.C.

UPDATE: Get ready to start your engines motorcycle enthusiasts, NASCAR fans and Victory Junction supporters. Approximately 200 riders will join NASCAR driver, SPEED and TNT racing analyst and Charity Ride founder Kyle Petty for the 16th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America, May 1 – 9, 2010. The Ride will travel from Indian Wells, Calif. to Victory Junction in Randleman, N.C., to raise awareness and funds for Victory Junction. Founded by Petty and his wife, Pattie, Victory Junction provides a medically-sound camping experience to children with chronic and terminal illnesses.

As they travel across the country, the Charity Ride participants will greet fans and supporters at overnight stops in North Las Vegas, Nev.; Richfield, Utah; Durango, Colo.; Amarillo, Texas; Texarkana, Texas; Choctaw, Miss.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; and Asheville, N.C.

Since the Charity Ride’s inception in 1995, more than 6,400 participants have logged more than 9.1 million cumulative motorcycle miles, traveled through 48 states, and donated more than $13 million to Victory Junction and other charities that support chronically ill children. The Petty’s opened Victory Junction in 2004 in honor of their son Adam, whose life dream was to help children with terminal illnesses.

The year-round camp serves children, ages six to 16, whose health issues would typically prevent them from attending camp. Campers attend at no cost to their families, and transportation costs are covered, if needed. The camp operates solely on the donations of corporations, organizations and individuals. As a result of the Charity Ride, more than 7,000 children have attended Victory Junction free of charge. Last year, the Petty’s broke ground on a second Victory Junction in Kansas City, Kan.

Fans and spectators are encouraged to create “Dream Teams” that work together to host fundraisers in advance of the Charity Ride to help send a child to camp at Victory Junction. Dream Teams that attend one of the Ride “pit stops” will have the opportunity to present their donation to Petty, which helps to provide these children the memory of a lifetime.

Petty continued, “Adam’s passion for helping children drove him to think of new ways to impact their lives. His dream of opening a racing-themed camp for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses lives on today at Victory Junction. Please join us this year in ‘Keeping the Dream Alive,’ honoring Adam Petty by supporting the Charity Ride.”

Sponsors of the 2010 Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America include Coca-Cola, Pilot Travel Centers LLC, Racing Electronics, Wincraft Racing and FLUIDYNE Racing Products. To inquire about additional sponsorship opportunities, please call the Kyle Petty Charity Ride office at (704) 714-4545.

More info about the ride at:
kylepettycharityride.com
Facebook - kpcr
Twittwe - KPCharityRide

The NASCAR Foundation announced five community service projects across the country as keystone events to take place on NASCAR Day on May 21, teaming with several official NASCAR partners and aimed at education and helping children live happier, healthier lives. “The Big Five” projects include:
renovation and race theme decoration of a portion of the Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta in Atlanta, Ga.;
partnering with Bank of America for a racing-themed educational initiative at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla.;
working with Sprint, Inc. for a playground build at the Kansas City Ronald McDonald House in Kansas City, Mo.;
A Place for Hope project outside Charlotte, N.C.,
and a youth initiative at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif.

NASCAR Day is an annual charitable celebration of the NASCAR spirit that enables fans and corporate partners to join together to make a difference in the lives of children. Since it began in 2004, NASCAR Day has raised nearly $8 million for charity. This year marks the first time that the Foundation has taken on multiple national service projects of this magnitude to celebrate and create awareness for children’s causes through the NASCAR Day platform.

Fans can help support these initiatives by making a $5 donation for the 2010 NASCAR Day collectible lapel pin or by registering to volunteer at one of the service projects. For more information visit nascar.com/nascarday.

Details of “The Big Five” projects:

* Atlanta, Ga. – Aflac, NASCAR’s official partner, and The NASCAR Foundation have partnered on the project which will involve a room renovation at the Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to help give it a fresh new face-lift with a racing theme. Recognized as one of the top childhood cancer centers in the country by U.S. News & World Report, the Aflac Cancer Center treats more than 370 new cancer patients each year and follows more than 2,500 patients with sickle cell disease, hemophilia and other blood disorders.

* Daytona Beach, Fla. – Bank of America, the Official Bank of NASCAR, and The NASCAR Foundation will work together in Daytona to raise awareness for the critical role math and science play in the sport of NASCAR by bringing more than 100 middle school students to Daytona International Speedway. The NASCAR Day event is part of the “Students at the Speedway” program, the bank’s signature program designed to showcase NASCAR as a strong career path for students who are eager to learn in the areas of math, science and technology.

* Fontana, Calif. – The NASCAR Foundation has partnered with Auto Club Speedway to host a youth initiative at the track on NASCAR Day.

* Kansas City, Mo. – With the help of Sprint, an official partner of NASCAR, and hundreds of volunteers, The NASCAR Foundation will build a brand new playground at the Ronald McDonald House of Kansas City. The playground will be dedicated in memory of Tom Murphy, a former Sprint Executive and NASCAR Foundation Board Member who passed away last year. The Ronald McDonald House serves more than 6,000 families per year and is desperately in need of a playground facility.

* Charlotte, N.C. / Rock Hill, S.C. – A community service project at A Place for Hope. A Place for Hope (APFH) is committed to providing material resources, hands-on educational training and job development programs, and psychological hope for the residents of Blackmon Road. The Blackmon Road Community is one of the poorest communities in South Carolina. The residents of Blackmon Road live without indoor plumbing, bathrooms or showers, without trash pick-up, without paved roads, and without street lights.

In addition to the five service projects, the contributions raised through NASCAR Day will help a variety of other organizations with an emphasis on children’s health and education. Last year, NASCAR Day funds also supported charitable organizations and non-profit programming including gifts to Kyle and Pattie Petty’s Victory Junction camp in Randleman, N.C., the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma, the Speediatrics racing-themed pediatric units and others.

One lucky fan will also win the trip of a lifetime to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony in Las Vegas that includes airfare, hotel and two tickets to the Awards Ceremony in December 2010 through the NASCAR Day Sweepstakes. To learn more visit nascar.com/nascarday

JGR announces Taylor’s Finish Line Festival: Joe Gibbs Racing will partner with Charlotte Motor Speedway to host Taylor’s Finish Line Festival, a special charity event to be held on the afternoon of Sunday, May 23, on the grounds of the Charlotte Motor Speedway Drag Strip.

Taylor’s Finish Line Festival was created by J.D. and Melissa Gibbs, who wanted to host a family-friendly event to benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Levine Children’s Hospital. The Gibbs’ family was greatly affected three years ago when J.D. and Melissa’s youngest son Taylor was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Fortunately, Taylor is currently in remission and the festival will celebrate the completion of his 3 year chemotherapy treatment.

“Taylor’s illness really made us aware of the hardships so many families have to endure when battling cancer,” said J.D. Gibbs. “We wanted to create a fun day to not only celebrate the completion of Taylor’s treatments but to come alongside and encourage those that are still dealing with these hardships. Make-A-Wish Foundation and Levine Children’s Hospital have done so much to help others including our own family and it is our hope that we can raise a lot of money to benefit each of them.”

Charlotte Motor Speedway, along with JGR’s sponsors and partners, will assist the Gibbs family to host the event on the grounds of the Speedway’s drag strip on the Sunday afternoon following the NASCAR Sprint All-Star race. The event will begin mid-afternoon immediately following NASCAR’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

There will be dozens of activities for both young and old. Events will include more than 40 carnival like amusement rides and games, inflatibles for the children, hot air balloons, BMX and skateboard exhibitions, appearances by NASCAR drivers and personalities, and live entertainment across three stages throughout the afternoon culminated with a live concert by Grammy Award winning recording artist Toby Mac beginning at 8pm and a fireworks display that will close out the night in explosive fashion.

Tickets will be available through the Speedway ticket office and online via the event’s website at www.finishlinefestival.com. 100% of the money from ticket sales will go directly to each of the two charities.(JGR)

Join the Paralyzed Veterans and “the presenting partner,” along with NASCAR drivers and racing enthusiasts, for the The Kings' Cup Go-Kart Event, in a friendly go-karting endurance competition, to raise funds and awareness for Paralyzed Veterans of America.

Date: Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Event Time: 4:00 pm 9:30 pm

Race Time:
1st qualifying race: 5:00 pm 6:00 pm
2nd qualifying race: 6:15 pm 7:15 pm
Shootout event to determine winner: 7:30 pm 9:00 pm

Location:
Victory Lane Indoor Karting, 2300 Tipton Drive, Charlotte, NC 28206
Direction and more at 377fast.com

Tickets:
Available for purchase online at www.pva.org/gokart and/or at door

Grand Prizes: TBD

Event Format:
30 teams compete; two 1-hour heat races to determine the 16 team shootout field; Last race will be a 1.5-hour race with 16 qualifiers total; Each team will be comprised of six drivers; all drivers will be required to complete at least 1 segment.

Event Features:
* Driver appearances & autographs
* Food and beverage
* Silent auctionMusic, games and NASCAR trivia

Tentative Participating NASCAR Drivers:
* Richard Petty
* AJ Allmendinger
* Kasey Kahne
* Elliott Sadler

Paralyzed Veterans Mission:
The Paralyzed Veterans of America is the only congressionally chartered veterans services organization dedicated solely to the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injuries or spinal cord disease. Their mission is to provide both physical and vocational rehabilitation and legal services (veteran’s affairs) as well as assist in the removal of structural barriers in public and private facilities for paralyzed citizens.

Contact: Mindy Ann Walker at (704) 987-7959 Ext. 233 or mindy.walker@mcg-sports.

More info at PVA.org

This weekend at the Phoenix International Raceway (PIR), the Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) and “The King” Richard Petty will honor our nation’s veterans in a unique way. Petty, a long-time supporter of America’s troops and veterans, will lead the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series field on Sunday in a restored 1946 Willy’s Jeep. This tribute will put a fitting final touch on Veterans Day weekend. In keeping with Petty tradition, fans will have the opportunity to win this “workhorse of World War II” after it leads the field around the one-mile oval.

The vehicle will be raffled off in an effort to raise awareness and money to support America’s Paralyzed Veterans. Prior to the parade laps, the Jeep will be on display outside of PIR where fans can purchase their raffle tickets for $20, or three tickets for $50. Tickets are also available for purchase at www.PVA.org/Jeep. The promotion will run until the annual Memorial Day race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in 2010. See rules at: pva.org

“One of the goals of our partnership with the Paralyzed Veterans is to make Veteran’s Day happen year round, not just in November,” stated Petty. “We want people to realize the sacrifices that these men and women make for our freedom. This Jeep is a piece of American history that becomes more distant with every passing year. I’m honored to pace the field in it this weekend – and I’m sure the fans will enjoy it too.” When longtime supporters of the Paralyzed Veterans donated the Jeep to the organization, at “The King’s” leadership, Petty’s Garage stepped up to help with the restorations. Today, it resembles every much the vehicle that war correspondent, Ernie Pyle, called “as faithful as a dog, as strong as a mule and agile as a goat.”

About Paralyzed Veterans of America: Sixty-three years ago, Paralyzed Veterans of America was founded by a band of spinal cord injured service members who returned home from World War II to a grateful nation, but also to a world with few solutions to the challenges they faced. These veterans from the Greatest Generation made a decision not just to live, but to live with dignity as contributors to society. They created Paralyzed Veterans, dedicated to veterans service, medical research, and civil rights for people with disabilities. And for more than six decades, Paralyzed Veterans and our 34 chapters have been working to create an America where all veterans, and people with disabilities, and their families, have everything they need to thrive. Please visit www.pva.org to learn more about our work.

About MCG Sports: MCG Sports, based in Davidson, N.C., is a sports and lifestyle marketing company that delivers cost effective, highly targeted strategies that leverage fan loyalty, bolster your brands and build your sales and market share. We create opportunities to help companies like yours connect with the audiences they desire most. For more information, please visit www.mcg-sports.com.

About Petty's Garage: Petty's Garage is a manufacturer of performance vehicles, including the "museum-quality" restoration of vintage race vehicles, custom cars and high performance street vehicles. It is housed in the former home of Petty Enterprises in Level Cross, North Carolina. Since 1949 this facility has built some of the most-historic racecars in all of NASCAR and amassed 268 Cup wins, ten Cup championships and nine Daytona 500 trophies. Performance for the track and the street is the foundation for every vehicle built at Petty's Garage. For more information, please visit www.pettys-garage.com.

Quality Oil Company is accepting $1 donations at each of its Quality Mart, Quality Plus, and Shell Station stores throughout North Carolina during November to raise money for the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.

The effort is part of Quality Oil’s 80th anniversary celebration. Each $1 donation comes with a paper die-cut of the Childress Institute logo for the purchaser to write his or her name on. The paper logo will then be hung in windows of the Quality Oil Company stores.

In addition to these convenience store locations, Quality Oil Company will also be accepting donations at the Hampton Inns in Winston-Salem, N.C., and Cary, N.C., as well as the Sleep Inn in Winston-Salem, N.C. and Quality Oil’s home office at 1540 Silas Creek Parkway. All proceeds will be donated to the Childress Institute.

The Childress Institute was organized in July 2008 by Richard Childress and his family in conjunction with Wake Forest Baptist. Its mission is to prevent and treat life-threatening injuries to children and to help kids affected by life-threatening injuries recover and lead normal lives. Approximately 12,000 children under the age of 18 die each year from traumatic injury, making it the No. 1 killer of children in the United States.

Support the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma by donating $1.00 at a local Quality Oil Company location. For a list of locations, please visit www.QOCNC.com. To learn more about the Childress Institute, visit ChildressPediatricTrauma.org.(11-3-2009)

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

The 2010 NASCAR Pets Calendars are being printed! The calanders are for pre-sale at just $13.99! The 2010 Calendar features members of the media including Jamie Little, John Roberts, Jeff Hammond and Matt Yocum pictured with their families and pets.

The drivers featured in the 2010 calendar are Matt Kenseth, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Jeff Burton, Jamie McMurray, Jimmie Johnson, Casey Mears, Tony Stewart, Kurt Busch, Denny Hamlin, Greg Biffle, Kasey Kahne and Carl Edwards.

The Greg Biffle Foundation is also offering a 2009, 2010 Calendar Combo Sale. Get both for just $19.99 while supplies last. Go to the The Greg Biffle Foundation site for more info and to purchase

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)

Stewart Wins Prelude to the Dream at Eldora Speedway: Tony Stewart won the fifth annual Gillette Young Guns Prelude to the Dream all-star dirt late model race Wednesday night at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio, marking the third time in four years Stewart has won the event. Stewart passed Kenny Wallace on lap 13 of the 30-lap event and led the final 18 laps en route to victory. “This was probably the best I’ve run in the Prelude,” said Stewart, who bought Eldora in 2004. “We won last year, I think we led the whole thing, but this was one I had to work for. We weren’t exactly perfect, and we weren’t perfect because I hit the wall on the first two starts right off the bat.”
Clint Bowyer finished 3.358 seconds behind Stewart in the runner-up spot, while Kyle Busch, Ryan Newman and Matt Kenseth rounded out the top-five. Drag Racing standout Cruz Pedregon, David Reutimann, Aric Almirola, Kasey Kahne and Jimmie Johnson comprised the top-10. There were four caution periods during the event, although the laps conducted under caution did not count.
The race, which drew more than 23,000 fans, was broadcast live on HBO Pay-Per-View with proceeds from the nationwide telecast supporting four military-themed charities – Wounded Warrior Project, Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, Operation Homefront and Fisher House. Each has a mission that outlines assistance to the courageous men and women who serve their country and need additional support both during and after their time of service.
“The Wounded Warriors Project, Fisher House, Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund and Operation Homefront, that’s who this money’s going to tonight,” Stewart said. “Thank you to the fans – you guys helped us do this and you’re the reason we were able to do this tonight. I just really appreciate the support that our fans give us here. We also can’t thank the drivers enough. With the rainout in June, it really means a lot that they were able to rearrange their schedules and come out and help us do this tonight. We’re proud to do this. Thanks to Gillette and HBO, we’ve been able to do more than we ever thought here at the Prelude. The fans keep making it bigger and better every year. As long as the fans keep coming and I can keep getting drivers to come out, we’re going to keep doing this every year.”(True Speed Communication)(9-10-2009)

Gillette Young Guns Prelude to the Dream Results:
Results Wednesday of the Gillette Young Guns Prelude to the Dream Dirt Late Model event September 9 at the half-mile Eldora Speedway, with order of finish, starting position in parentheses, driver, laps completed and reason out (if any):
1. (6) Tony Stewart, 30
2. (1) Clint Bowyer, 30
3. (3) Kyle Busch, 30
4. (4) Ryan Newman, 30
5. (11) Matt Kenseth, 30
6. (15) Cruz Pedregon, 30
7. (18) David Reutimann, 30
8. (9) Aric Almirola, 30
9. (8) Kasey Kahne, 30
10. (10) Jimmie Johnson, 30
11. (17) Kevin Harvick, 30
12. (12) Brian Vickers, 30
13. (23) Ron Capps, 30
14. (19) Marcos Ambrose, 30
15. (20) Casey Mears, 29
16. (22) Red Farmer, 27
17. (2) Kenny Wallace, 20, Mechanical
18. (7) Robby Gordon, 12, Accident T3
19. (14) Ken Schrader, 12, Accident T3
20. (13) Joey Logano, 12, Accident T3
21. (21) Ray Evernham, 2, Accident T1
22. (16) A.J. Allmendinger, 0, Accident T3
23. (5) Denny Hamlin, DNS, Mechanical
Race Statistics
Winner's average speed: 38.978 mph
Time of race: 23:05.405
Margin of victory: 3.358 seconds
Cautions: 4 (Lap 1: Allmendinger, Accident T3; Lap 3: Evernham, Accident T1; Lap 13: Schrader, Gordon, Mears, Logano and Ambrose, Accident T3; Lap 20: Mears, Spin T2)
Lead changes: 2 among 2 drivers
Lap leaders: Wallace 1-12, Stewart 13-30
Attendance: More than 23,000
Broadcast: HBO Pay-Per-View
All race information from the fifth annual Gillette Young Guns Prelude to the Dream, from starting lineups to qualifying and finishing results, can be found at www.TrueSpeedMedia.com by simply clicking on the event logo.