South Carloina License Plates: Fans of NASCAR Winston Cup Series racing now have a new way of showing their support for their favorite drivers with the unveiling of the new NASCAR Special License Plates. The official “first look” at this custom automobile tag took place in a ceremony on the south steps of the State House on October 31. Darlington Raceway president Andrew Gurtis, along with state Rep. Denny Neilson, unveiled the plates. Neilson originally introduced the legislation which made the tags a reality, and which was approved last year. The first series of license plates features five drivers – Dale Earnhardt, Sr.; Dale Earnhardt, Jr.; Rusty Wallace; Jeff Gordon; and Jeff Burton – along with a plate devoted wholly to NASCAR. They are available now at SC DMV offices. In addition to giving race fans an opportunity to demonstrate their loyalty to their favorite sport and its drivers, the plates will also provide financial assistance to three special projects. Part of the proceeds from the sale of the plates will go to the Department of Social Services’ South Carolina Children’s Emergency Shelter Fund. In addition, part of the revenue will be used to promote highway safety through a NASCAR License Plate Highway Safety Fund, administered by the Department of Public Safety in conjunction with the Department of Transportation. Finally, part of the net revenue will be used by the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism to promote the activities of the agency’s Sports Development Office.(Darlington Raceway PR)(11-3-2002)
