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)

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.

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)(1-21-2008)

The Hot Rods & Reels charity fishing tournaments are unforgettable events that allow you to spend quality one-on-one time with your favorite NASCAR drivers. Participants spend approximately two hours with the likes of Tony Stewart, Kyle Petty, Ryan Newman, Martin Truex, Jr., and Ken Schrader on the infield lake at Daytona International Speedway.

All proceeds generated from each tournament go to benefit the Darrell Gwynn Foundation to Cure Paralysis and the Betty Jane France Pediatric Center, Speediatrics.

Scheduled Date:
Friday, February 12, 2010: Daytona International Speedway

More info at darrellgwynnfoundation.org

Monday, February 8, 2010 starts things off with sign-up for the beach parade at the museum, located at the Sunshine Mall in South Daytona, FL. Members will be on hand to sign in your vintage race car, race car replica, or flying mile car. Legend drivers wishing to participate in the parade also need to stop by at the museum from 11AM to 4PM.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010 begins with our annual Beach Parade. Participants will meet at the Drive-in Church, 3140 S. Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach Shores. The participants will then head on to the beach. More info on the times will be announced later.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010 beginning at 6Pm, The Living LLOAR Charity Auction , Book signing and autograph session will be held at Indigo Golf Club, 312 Indigo Blvd. in Daytona Beach, FL. This event benefits the Victory Junction Gang. Tickets are $20.00 in advance, $25.00 at the door. Many of our Legends will be on hand to talk with our guests, and sign autographs . The evening’s events will include an auction of race memorabilia.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010, marks the Living Legends of Auto Racing’s 18th Annual Awards Banquet. The banquet will be held at 6PM The Plaza Resort and Spa, 600 N. Atlantic Ave. in Daytona Beach. The Banquet will begin at 6PM with a cocktail hour (cash bar). Dinner will be served at 7PM.

Friday February 12, 2010 marks the car show and autograph session at the Lighthouse in Ponce Inlet. More info later

This year the LLOAR will present the following honors:
Pioneer of Racing Award - Ralph Ligouri
Distinguished Driver Award - Darrell Waltrip
Dedicated Service Award - Jack Roush
Russ Moyer Media Award - Ernie Saxton
Racing Woman of the Year - Dot Gladis
Allison Family Achievement Award - France Family
Tribute to the Early Days - Earl Sappenfield
Saturday Night Hero Award - Dave Dion

Reservations are required.
Tickets for the banquet are $45.00per person.
Corporate tables (preferred seating) are available at $500.00.
For further information or to make your reservations, please either contact Joan Maxwell at (386) 255-7428

More info at livinglegendsofautoracing.com

Jamie McMurray, driver of the #1 Bass Pro Shops / Tracker Boats Chevy in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, has joined the Haiti Earthquake Relief efforts by donating 10 driver firesuits and two leather jackets worn and autographed by McMurray for an online charity auction hosted by The NASCAR Foundation on NASCAR.com. The Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates driver joins a growing NASCAR community sending relief to victims of last month's devastating Haiti earthquake through the American Red Cross. "My heart goes out to all the people of Haiti," said McMurray, who served as a co-host on NASCAR's Haiti Earthquake Relief Special on Speed TV. "The outpouring of support by the NASCAR community has been tremendous so far and we hope this auction continues to keep our hearts and minds on Haiti as they start to rebuild from the rubble." Jamie McMurray Auction Items (click on links for suits for more info and to bid):

1. 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup firesuit by Simpson, Roush-Fenway Racing, Crown Royal primary sponsor, autographed by Jamie McMurray

2. 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup firesuit by Simpson, Roush-Fenway Racing, Irwin Tools primary sponsor, autographed by Jamie McMurray

3. NASCAR Nextel Cup firesuit by Sparco, Roush Racing, Irwin Tools primary sponsor, autographed by Jamie McMurray

4. NASCAR Nextel Cup firesuit by Sparco, Chip Ganassi Racing, Texaco Havoline primary sponsor, autographed by Jamie McMurray

5. NASCAR Nextel Cup firesuit by Impact, Chip Ganassi Racing, Texaco Havoline primary sponsor, autographed by Jamie McMurray

6. NASCAR Busch Series firesuit by Impact, Rusty Wallace Inc. Racing, Duraflame primary sponsor, autographed by Jamie McMurray

7. NASCAR Busch Series firesuit by Impact, Rusty Wallace Inc. Racing, Top Flight primary sponsor, autographed by Jamie McMurray

8. NASCAR Busch Series firesuit by Impact, Rusty Wallace Inc. Racing, Top Flight primary sponsor, autographed by Jamie McMurray

9. Grand-Am Rolex Series firesuit by Impact, Chip Ganassi Racing, New Century primary sponsor, autographed by Jamie McMurray

10. Karting firesuit by Simpson, Jamie McMurray Karting, Jamie McMurray Foundation primary sponsor, autographed by Jamie McMurray

11. Leather jacket by JH Designs, size large, Williams Travel Centers Racing logos front/back, autographed by Jamie McMurray

12. Leather jacket by Chase Authentics, size medium, NASCAR Winston Cup Series logos front/back, autographed by Jamie McMurray

Auction reserves will range from $150 to $750 per item, and will be auctioned online at www.nascar.com/foundation beginning, Feb. 4, 2010 at 8:00am/et and ending February 18, 2010. All proceeds from the auction will go to the American Red Cross through The NASCAR Foundation to be earmarked specifically for disaster relief efforts in Haiti. McMurray has been equally as active off the track as he has been on with the Jamie McMurray Foundation (JMF). Created in 2006, the foundation was formed to promote awareness of, and raise funding for, research, education and support for individuals and families affected by autism. The JMF is dedicated to bringing the financial backing and support of the NASCAR community, together with the passion and commitment of the autism community to promote better understanding of this challenging disability.

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

Las Vegas - Live - February 25 at Sam's Town Hotel & Casino - Ride date is Feb 28

Atlanta - Online - Auction runs Feb 14-28 - Ride date is March 7

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

NASCAR young gun David Ragan will participate in the third annual Speedway Children’s Charities Clay Shoot preceding Atlanta Motor Speedway’s Kobalt Tools 500 race weekend on Thursday, March 4.

The SCC Clay Shoot gives racing fans the opportunity to competitively shoot clays with NASCAR notables at the Cherokee Rose Sporting Resort in Griffin, a state-of-the-art clay range set amid towering pines and hardwoods just south of Atlanta Motor Speedway. The event also includes instruction, a NASCAR raffle, and a complimentary BBQ meal provided by Huckleberry’s.

Individual fans can participate in the SCC Clay Shot for $150 or a foursome can compete for just $500, and entry includes complimentary 12- or 20-gauge ammunition. For more information on the SCC Clay Shoot or to register, please visit www.speedwaycharities.org or email or call Shaun Birindelli, Atlanta SCC chapter director, at shaunb@atlantamotorspeedway.com or (770) 946-3980.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway will host the annual Speedway Children’s Charities Track Walk on Sunday, Feb. 28, at 8:00am as part of the 2010 NASCAR Weekend. Shelby American NASCAR Sprint Cup race ticket holders will have the opportunity to walk the 1.5-mile superspeedway to raise money for the Las Vegas Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities.

Pre-registration for the Track Walk will begin Jan. 8 online or by mail. Fans are encouraged to register in advance to save $10. Cost for pre-registration will be $25 per person and the day-of-event entry fee will be $35 per person.

For more information, please visit the Speedway Children’s Charities website at www.speedwaycharities.org or e-mail trackwalk@lvms.com.

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. Last December, the Las Vegas Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities granted $275,000 to 78 local children's causes during its annual grant distribution ceremony.

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!

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)(1-24-2010)

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

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.