RACING CHARITIES PAGE - ONGOING/NEWS

this is for On-Going Auctions by foundations, some on eBay or other sites, instead of trying to keep up with them, will post the link to their main site and auctions and folks can go find out more info there....

Jimmie Johnson Foundation - eBay Auction's

Tony Stewart Foundation - eBay Auction's

Kasey Kahne Foundation - eBay Auction's

Jeff Gordon Foundation at GoMotorBids.com

Lyn St. James Foundation "Women in the Winner's Circle" eBay Charity Auction

The Dale Jr. Foundation

Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced the launch of The Dale Jr. Foundation at the eighth annual Dale Jr. Celebrity Sports Auction, held at Founders Hall in Charlotte, N.C. His newly-formed charitable organization is dedicated to giving underprivileged individuals, primarily youth, the resources to improve confidence, education and the opportunity to achieve extraordinary goals.

“My path in life made it a bit easier for me to reach my goals and get to where I am today, but I realize that not everyone is as fortunate,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “I’ve had the opportunity to meet some really cool kids through the Make-A-Wish Foundation® the last few years, and it’s made me appreciative of all that I have. I decided to start this foundation as a way to help those who haven’t had some of the opportunities I’ve had. We plan to help those in need who are trying to reach their goals and just need someone to give them a chance to succeed.”

The announcement came at the conclusion of a yearly event that benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and Western North Carolina. The Dale Jr. Foundation will continue to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation and will also aid the Victory Junction Gang Camp, with the Dale Jr. Celebrity Sports Auction serving as the annual fundraising event for the foundation.

The total amount raised at this year’s Dale Jr. Celebrity Sports Auction will be determined at the conclusion of an 88-day online auction for a custom chopper built by Orange County Choppers. Fans can place bids on the custom-built bike through Dec. 18 by visiting www.celebritysportsauction.com or www.nascar.com. The one-of-a-kind chopper was built exclusively for Earnhardt Jr. as part of the Sunoco/Orange County Choppers Custom Chopper Series and was designed to reflect the red, black and white paint scheme of Earnhardt Jr.’s #8 Chevrolet. It has been personally autographed by Earnhardt Jr. For information on the foundation and ways to contribute, visit thedalejrfoundation.org.

3rd Annual Chevy Geoff Bodine Bobsled Challenge
presented by Whelen Engineering

Dates: January, 3-5, 2008

Representatives of the Bo-Dyn Bobsled Project and the New York Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) in Lake Placid announced Monday that the third annual Geoff Bodine Bobsled Challenge, presented by Whelen Engineering, will return to the two-time Winter Olympic village January 3-5, 2008 at the Olympic Sports Complex.

The event will feature NASCAR, NHRA, and celebrity drivers piloting specially-made bobsleds down Lake Placid's icy chute in fun races geared to raise money for the Bo-Dyn Bobsled Project. The previous races were televised on ESPN2 in 2006 and SPEED in 2007.

This initiative, started in 1992 by NASCAR driver Geoff Bodine, has built American-made bobsleds for United States athletes competing in the World Cup, World Championships and Olympic Winter Games.

The concept paid dividends with gold, silver and bronze medals in the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Games, and scored again with silver in Torino, the first time that the USA Bobsled Team won Olympic medals since 1956. Currently, a new sled design is being created by Bodine and sled builder Bob Cuneo of Chassis Dynamics in Connecticut. It will be tested during national and international competitions leading up to the next Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver in 2010.

Current U.S. bobsled athletes Steve Holcomb and Shauna Rohbock have benefited immensely from this program. Holcomb is the 2007 two-man bobsled and combined bobsled World Cup Champion and finished second overall for the four-man bobsled World Cup. Rohbock, the 2006 Olympic silver medalist, finished the 2007 World Cup season in second place.

Boris Said swept the event last year winning both races and took a gold medal in the inaugural event as well. The only other driver to win a Bodine Bobsled Challenge race is Kevin Lepage of Shelburne, Vt., as he won the second race in 2006.

When the team was training over the summer at the Olympic Training Center in San Diego, Said invited them to his go-cart track. About 15-20 bobsled and skeleton racers came and raced "in (his) my world."

Whelen Engineering has officially entered the first sled in the 2008 competition. The drivers will negotiate the demanding Lake Placid course which emphasizes the skills of the driver as sleds serpentine their way down Mount Van Hoevenberg, which can be compared to an auto racing road course.

Fan packages, interactive offerings and event merchandise will be announced at a later date. The television shows of the 2006 and 2007 Bodine events are now available for purchase on DVD at www.bodynbobsled.com.[NOTE: the site has not been updated since the last event as of 10-18-2007]

Bodine wrecks in bobsled: former NASCAR Cup driver, Geoff Bodine was at Lake Pacid, NY on Sunday testing equipment. He crashed on his first trip, but changed runners and made it the next two runs down the course. Ironically, Bodine rolled it in the famous Trickle Turn (turn 18) where Dick was upended twice at the Bodine Bobsled Challenge in 2006.(PR)(10-18-2007)

AUCTION: The 3rd Annual Chevy Geoff Bodine Bobsled Challenge, presented by Whelen Engineering, is hosting a benefit auction and dinner on Friday night, January 4. Cocktails start a 7 pm, followed by dinner at 8 pm, and the auction at 9 pm at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Lake Placid. Price is $100 per person, and tickets may be purchased at the Olympic Center Box Office. Numerous items will also be auctioned on Saturday, January 5, between the two event races at the Olympic Sports Complex. Some of the items available for purchase include autographed hat, gloves and model cars from Kevin Harvick, an autographed Jeff Gordon poster, and a framed Richard Petty print. For more information, check out www.bodynbobsled.com.(12-29-2007)

SPONSOR and TV: Chevy has become the title sponsor of the Geoff Bodine Bobsled Challenge in Lake Placid, N.Y. The event will take place January 3-5, 2008 and is set to take place at the Olympic Sports Complex. The 3rd Annual Chevy Geoff Bodine Bobsled Challenge is presented by Whelen Engineering. Columbia Sportswear has signed on as the Official Clothing Supplier for the Chevy Geoff Bodine Bobsled Challenge, presented by Whelen Engineering. Sled sponsors for the event include Whelen Engineering, Lumber Liquidators, Lucas Oil and Columbia Sportswear. Additional event sponsors include PPG, Racing Electronics and Yamaha. The 3rd Annual Chevy Geoff Bodine Bobsled Challenge, presented by Whelen Engineering, will be broadcast on the SPEED channel on January 20 from 12 pm - 2 pm and January 27 at 2 pm - 4 pm. Each show is a separate two hour program featuring a different race.(12-29-2007)

DAY 1: A field of NASCAR champions traded the asphalt for the ice Thursday as the 3rd Annual Chevy Bodine Bobsled Challenge presented by Whelen Engineering kicked off with an afternoon of training runs. NASCAR Whelen All-American Series champion Steve Carlson was among the first ones down. Carlson is one of three NASCAR Developmental Series champions invited to participate by Whelen vice president of motorsports Phil Kurze. Carlson is joined by NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion Donny Lia and NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified champion L.W. Miller. Craftsman Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday is also participating, along with Craftsman Truck drivers Johnny Benson, NASCAR Camping World Series East champion Joey Logano, and Sprint Cup Series driver Boris Said. This year’s challenge also includes a full contingent of NHRA drivers. Friday, the drivers will take more practice runs and then a qualifying run. Saturday, they will take two final runs. The afternoon session will feature a face off between the NASCAR drivers and the NHRA drivers.(NASCAR)(1-4-2008)

DAY 2: Boris Said used a borrowed sled to prove he's still the man to beat at the 3rd Annual Chevy Bodine Bobsled Challenge presented by Whelen Engineering. Said topped the time charts for the two qualifying runs, which set the lineup for Saturday's championship runs. The field of NASCAR and NHRA drivers practiced Friday morning and then took a pair of qualifying runs Friday afternoon. The combined times of those two runs ranked the drivers, with Saturday's order going from slowest to fastest. It means Said will be the last one out of the gate. He was ninth-fastest in his own sled during the first qualifying run. He borrowed the sled of NHRA driver Morgan Lucas and posted the fastest time of the day at 53.23 seconds - beating Lucas' second-fastest time of 53.96. Said's time converts to 94.48 km/h. The friendly rivalry will continue with Saturday's afternoon session, which will match the NASCAR drivers against NHRA drivers. The Bodine Bobsled Challenge will be aired on SPEED Jan. 20 and 27.
Qualifying Runs; Friday, Lake Placid, N.Y.
Driver, 1st Run, 2nd Run, Total, Difference
1. Boris Said, 54.79, 53.23, 1:48.02,--
2. Morgan Lucas, 54.29, 53.96, 1:48.25, .23
3. Larry Gunselman, 54.37, 54.15, 1:48.52, .50
4. Johnny Benson, 54.55, 54.04, 1:48.59, .57
5. Joey Logano, 54.60, 54.66, 1:49.26, 1.24
6. J.R. Todd, 54.88, 54.54, 1:49.42, 1.40
7. Ron Hornaday Jr., 54.66, 54.79, 1:49.45, 1.43
8. Bob Vandergriff, 54.40, 55.25, 1:49.65, 1.63
9. Phil Burkhart, 54.56, 55.49, 1:50.05, 2.03
10. L.W. Miller, 55.88, 54.40, 1:50.28, 2.26
11. Donny Lia, 54.17, 56.37, 1:50.54, 2.52
12. Todd Bodine, 56.08, 55.06, 1:51.14, 3.12
13. Randy LaJoie, 57.33, 55.18, 1:52.51, 4.49
14. Jeg Coughlin, 56.34, 57.05, 1:53.39, 5.37
15. Steve Carlson, 58.11, 55.99, 1:54.10, 6.08
(NASCAR)(1-5-2008)

Said wins Bobsled Challenge: Boris Said has been bobsledding longer than any of the other drivers at the 3rd Annual Chevy Bodine Bobsled Challenge presented by Whelen Engineering, but he's still learning new tricks. He utilized some of what he picked up Saturday morning to successfully defend his title. In his second championship run, Said shaved more than 1.5 seconds off his time to beat L.W. Miller and three other finalists. Said's two runs were 52.12 and 50.53 seconds, for a total time of 1:42.65. Miller, the 2007 NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour champion, posted the fastest first run time at 52.11 and finished second overall at 1:43.37. Three-time NHRA Powerade Pro Stock champion Jeg Coughlin was third with an overall time of 1:43.99, followed by former NASCAR driver Larry Gunselman at 1:44.90 and 2007 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion Donny Lia at 1:45.46.
"I changed my line a little bit," Said said, "and I made a lot fewer mistakes. Like in racing, I'm always learning - every turn, every lap." Each of the 15 NASCAR and NHRA drivers took one championship run. The top five times advanced to take a second championship run, and the finish was decided by the best aggregate time. "I didn't expect to win this year," said Said, who won three of the four races in the first two years. "I thought (NHRA driver) Morgan Lucas would. But he made a mistake and it cost him."
Lucas was consistently one of the fastest during Thursday and Friday, and was just .23 behind Said in Friday's qualifying. But a bobble during Saturday's first championship run left him 11th at 54.21 and out of the hunt. Ron Hornaday, the 2007 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion, finished sixth with an initial run of 53.06 - just .01 seconds out of qualifying for the second run. Said got a chance to faceoff against Lucas in the finals of the NASCAR-NHRA Challenge Saturday afternoon. Said recorded a time of 50.99 in the finals to best Lucas' 52.06.
In the Challenge, five NASCAR drivers (Said, Randy LaJoie, Todd Bodine, Hornaday and Johnny Benson) and NHRA drivers (Phil Burkhart, Lucas, Todd, Bob Vandergriff and Coughlin) competed against each other in elimination rounds, to determine the finalist from the two sides. Said beat Bodine in the NASCAR finals, while Lucas defeated Coughlin in the NHRA finals. Many of the drivers like Miller were experiencing bobsledding for the first time this week.
"The first couple practice runs, I learned everything not to do," said Miller, who was optimistic after running fifth quickest in the final run Friday. He was the sixth sled down the hill in Saturday morning's first championship run and posted a top time which held up through the remainder of the runs. When I got down there, it was the first run since I got here where I felt I did everything right and I just had one bobble," Miller said. "I knew I had a shot at a podium finish, but I needed Boris to really mess up to have a shot to win it."
Instead, Said put together a nearly flawless run. "I wish I knew how I did it, but I'm not the smartest guy in the world," Said joked. "To me, it's just a blast. This sport is just so awesome. It's like when you were a kid on your flexible flyer - times ten."
Notes: A special auction was held Friday night to raise money for the Bo-Dyn Bobsled Project and Phil Kurze called it the most successful event to date. Kurze, the vice president of motorsports for Whelen Engineering, is the president of the Bo-Dyn Bobsled Project. "It's grown ever year," Kurze said. "The main thing is we're gettting exposure for the sport of bobsledding. What can be better than meeting your goals and having fun doing it?" The Bo-Dyn Bobsled Project was the brainchild of former NASCAR driver and 1986 Daytona 500 winner Geoff Bodine. After watching the 1984 United States Olympic Bobsled team finish well outside of medal contention, Bodine decided to get involved and help bring the sled technology up to par with the world's top programs. Bodine proceeded to partner with Chassis Dynamics and Whelen Engineering to build a bobsled for the U.S. athletes. It was an idea that led to the creation of the Bo-Dyn Bobsled Project that has since put the U.S. Bobsled team back into Olympic medal contention. The Geoff Bodine Bobsled Challenge was started three years ago as an avenue for the project to raise funds, as well as awareness. New York Army National Guard members served as brakemen on the two-man sleds for the entire weekend. They were also responsible for the loading, unloading and maintenance of the sleds.
The Bodine Bobsled Challenge will be aired on SPEED Jan. 20 and 27. Fans can go to www.bodynbobsled.com to learn more about the project and make contributions.
Bodine Bobsled Challenge, Championship Runs, Saturday, Lake Placid, N.Y.
Driver 1st Run 2nd Run Total Difference
1. Boris Said 52.12, 50.53, 1:42.65, --
2. L.W. Miller 52.11, 51.26, 1:43.37, .72
3. Jeg Coughlin 52.21, 51.78, 1:43.99, 1.34
4. Larry Gunselman 52.99, 51.91, 1:44.90, 2.25
5. Donny Lia 53.01, 52.45, 1:45.46, 2.81
6. Ron Hornaday Jr. 53.06
7. Todd Bodine 53.61
8. Joey Logano 53.65
9. Bob Vandergriff 53.74
10. Steve Carlson 53.90
11. J.R. Todd 53.94
12. Morgan Lucas 54.21
13. Phil Burkhart 54.29
14. Randy LaJoie 55.39
15. Johnny Benson 55.54
NASCAR vs. NHRA Challenge
First Round
NASCAR - 1. Boris Said, 51.12 seconds; 2. Todd Bodine, 51.79; 3. Ron Hornaday Jr., 51.82; 4. Randy LaJoie, 52.71; 5. Johnny Benson, 52.77. NHRA - 1. Morgan Lucas, 51.85; 2. Jeg Coughlin, 52.22; 3. Bob Vandergriff, 52.53; 4. Phil Burkhart, 52.68; 5. J.R. Todd, 53.74.
Second Round
NASCAR - Bodine def. Hornaday, 51.94-52.12. NHRA - Vandergriff def. Coughlin, 52.69-52.82.
Third Round
NASCAR Finals - Said def. Bodine, 51.53-51.64. NHRA - Lucas def. Coughlin, 51.76-52.03.
Championship
Said def. Lucas, 50.99-52.06.(NASCAR PR)(1-6-2008)

Official U.S. Bobsled Coin
benefits Geoff Bodine Bobsled Project

Date: ongoing

Geoffrey Bodine has developed the sleds for the team for over 10 years. Since then the team has won various medals with the sleds. In 2006 the team hopes to bring home the GOLD! These coins are being manufactured with the help of SportCoins, Inc. Their coins are sold on Race-Depot.com and throughout many other sites and Hobby stores accross the Country.

These are a great collectible item that is sure to be worth a lot in the future. Not only is this a great collectible but it is helping the USA Bobsled Team get their sleds! These sleds are made of Kavlar as they need to be strong. This manufacturing process is very expensive. A two person sled costs around $40,000 each. The four person sleds cost around $80,000 each. Not only do they have to build them but they have to constantly do research which costs money. The competitions that the Team compete in change their rules yearly. They have to always be researching and testing to stay above their competition, the rest of the World! With the money raised from these coins, you are directly helping these teams and helping to pay for these sleds.

There are three phases of the coins to choose from, depending on the level that you want to donate. There is also a complete box set. You can be a Bronze, Silver, or Gold level Contributor. These coins are serial numbered. We are only going to make a limited number of these coins. The collectibility of having a Gold coin will be priceless in the future! These are going to be the sought after coins. All coins will be sequentially numbered. They will all come in professional packaging with a protective acrylic case surrounding the coin to keep it protected. All coins are Glossy. There is a 4-6 week shipping turn around once you have placed your order.

We are going to have the theme "Made in the USA" on the back. It will also make reference to the USA Bobsled Team at the top of the coin and Made in the USA on the bottom with a waving colorful flag in the middle of the coin. These coins are glossy and they are brilliant with color. The pictures below show how the coin will look.

By purchasing this product you are directly helping the USA Bobsled Team. Geoffrey Bodine is a NASCAR Racing Legend that wanted to help out his country by building an American made Bobsled.

For more info or to purchase, go to: race-depot.com or Geoff Bodine Bobsled Project site.
Bodine to add another venue to his Bobsled Challenge: Geoff Bodine. who last year persuaded 10 race car drivers to get behind the cowls of specially made bobsleds and race to raise money for the U.S. bobsled team, is taking his project to Utah Olympic Park. "We're going to have two," Bodine said Tuesday from Park City, Utah. "They saw our event and asked us to come out. This is going to be a good venue." The new event will be staged in December after a World Cup event at the Park City track. The Geoff Bodine Bobsled Challenge, which relies on Whelen Engineering for substantial sponsorship, made its debut in Lake Placid in January 2006 and was staged again the first weekend of this year. Boris Said, a road-racing expert whose father competed on two U.S. Olympic bobsled teams, has won three of the four races. He was in Park City on Tuesday to test a bobsled that was modified for the new event. Drivers who have raced on the difficult Lake Placid track drove a shortened course on the 20-turn chute and recorded speeds of just over 50 miles per hour. Said drove the entire track at Utah Olympic Park and was clocked around 73 mph, according to John Morgan, a TV commentator for the sport and co-organizer of the Bobsled Challenge. Because of hectic schedules, Bodine so far has been unable to attract a current Nextel Cup star, such as Tony Stewart or Jeff Gordon, to either of the first two runnings of his fundraiser, which will return to Lake Placid the first weekend in January. Still, the races so far have been successful at raising money for increased research and development for the U.S. bobsled team, which excelled in the 2006-07 World Cup season. Steve Holcomb, a native of Park City, won the two-man and overall titles, and Shauna Rohbock, of Orem, Utah, finished second to German women's champion Sandra Kiriasis. Over the past 15 years, Bodine has raised more than $1 million to help build American-made bobsleds through his Bo-Dyn Bobsled Project.(ESPN.com/AP)(3-28-2007)

Ongoing Events or News
Victory Junction NASCARnival Night: On Tuesday, the Richard Childress Racing's Sprint Cup Series over-the-wall crews made a special visit to the Victory Junction Gang Camp in Randleman, N.C. While at the camp, the crews ate dinner with the campers and demonstrated real-time pit stops. Additionally, RCR's over-the-wall teams took hot air balloon rides, played carnival games and made snow cones with the campers. All the campers this week suffer from Chron's disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects an estimated 500,000 people in the United States.(RCR)(6-11-2008)
Ragan added to Horsepower Series UPDATE 2: Elliott and Hermie Sadler, and J.J. Yeley will join a cast of eight stock car personalities [five to be named later] as they will team with Power Golf Professionals Sean Fister, Brooks Baldwin, Danny Luirette, Kevin Bullard, Vince Howell, Scott Ionno, JD Murkerson, and Carl Wolter in the 2008 HorsePower Tee Shot Tour. The Horsepower Tee Shot Tour (HTST) will include six events being played under the lights during race weeks next season. The scoring format will not only reward length off the tee, but accuracy as well. SPEED TV will be airing all the HTST events during the summer and early fall of 2008. Jeff Hammond is the spokesman for the HTST and NASCAR on FOX broadcaster. In addition to the “Power Golf” competition, each stop on the Tour also will include a golf trick-shot exhibition, fan participation and a charity event to benefit the Petty’s Victory Junction Gang Camp.(HTST PR)(12-30-2007)
UPDATE: HorsePower Sports Marketing (HSM), the sanctioning body of the 2008 Horsepower Tee Shot Tour (HTST), proudly welcomes Brian Vickers, its fifth stock car personality, to the upcoming 2008 HTST season. The six "Power Golf" events constituting the HTST take place during Sprint Cup race weeks at select venues in close proximity to the race tracks between May and October.(3-11-2008)
UPDATE 2: HorsePower Sports Marketing (HSM) announcesd the addition of David Ragan to the list of NASCAR personalities slated to compete in the 2008 HorsePower Tee Shot Tour (HTST). The HTST is a series of six Power Golf events featuring NASCAR personalities teaming with eight of the most prolific drivers of the golf ball in the world. The scoring format rewards both distance and accuracy. The season opens 5/14 in Concord, NC, at the beautiful Cabarrus Country Club. Ragan and seven of his NASCAR colleagues - Marcos Ambrose, Stephen Leicht, Kyle Petty, Hermie Sadler, Elliott Sadler, Brian Vickers and J.J. Yeley - will step up to the tee along with their respective Power Golf counterparts to see who can drive the ball the furthest, yet keep it in the fairway. All events are scheduled to air on SPEED.(SPEED PR)(5-14-2008), for the tour schedule and more info, see hpteeshottour.com.
Bridge-Logos Publishers & The Jamie McMurray Foundation Team Up to Fight Autism Bridge-Logos Publishers has partnered with Brad Henry, author of Destination—The Winner’s Circle, and NASCAR driver Jamie McMurray to raise money and awareness of autism. Brad Henry and Jamie McMurray have at least two things in common—autism and NASCAR. Brad‘s eight-year-old son, Chase, and Jamie‘s niece are both autistic. This is why a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each book are being donated to the Jamie McMurray Foundation. Destination—The Winner’s Circle is a series of devotions for anyone who is searching for the meaning of life, pain, trials, and success. More info at bridgelogos.com.(5-4-2008)
Hamlin Announces Foundation at Richmond: #11-Denny Hamlin will launch his new charitable foundation with the running of the Denny Hamlin 175 at Southside Speedway, the track where he cut his teeth in Late Model racing, in Midlothian, Va. on Thursday, May 1. The Denny Hamlin Foundation will focus primarily on raising awareness and funding for the specific needs of individuals afflicted with Cystic Fibrosis and will donate all proceeds from the charity event to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF). Moving forward, in addition to CFF, the foundation also will support chronically ill children with other debilitating illnesses.(PR)(5-1-2008)
Executive to lead Petty Kansas camp for ill children: Mike Lepore, a former executive with Wells Fargo Financial, was introduced on Friday as the president of the new Victory Junction Gang Camp for children scheduled to open in Wyandotte County [KS]. The original Victory Junction camp in North Carolina, founded by NASCAR driver Kyle Petty and his wife Pattie, in honor of their late son, Adam, provides free, year-round, activities for chronically ill children. The Pettys announced earlier this year they would open a camp in Wyandotte County, and on Friday, Lepore said the search has been narrowed to one of three sites in Wyandotte County. A final decision could be announced as soon as the July 5 Sprint Cup race at Daytona International Speedway, home of International Speedway Corp., owner of Kansas’ Speedway. A ground-breaking is scheduled for the weekend of Sept. 27-28, when NASCAR Sprint Cup stages the Kansas 400 at Kansas Speedway. The hope is the $40 million facility, funded totally by donations, will open in 2010 or 2011 at the latest. Lepore already has set up office space at Kansas Speedway. ‘”We see 26 disease groups in North Carolina, and I foresee seeing that many at the camp here, maybe many more,” Pattie Petty said of the original Victory Junction Camp, opened in 2004 on 72 acres outside Randleman, N.C., that were generously donated by NASCAR legend Richard “The King” Petty. ”Maybe we’ll build it bigger, better, faster stronger. With all the people who have come on board, I can’t imagine we won’t. “I’ve never been to an area where the people are so community oriented as they are in this Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska … Midwest area.”(Kansas City Star)(4-27-2008) Comment here
Stewart wins Prelude to the Dream: the fourth annual Old Spice Prelude to the Dream at Eldora Speedway was won by Tony Stewart, just beating Robby Gordon. The rest of the results of the race held June 4th at Eldora Speedway: 3) Clint Bowyer, 4) Kenny Wallace, 5) Denny Hamlin, 6) Matt Kenseth, 7) Kevin Harvick, 8) Jimmie Johnson, 9) Ken Schrader, 10) Kyle Busch, 11) David Reutimann, 12) Ryan Newman, 13) Red Farmer, 14) Jeff Gordon, 15) Cruz Pedregon, 16) Ray Evernham, 17) Ron Capps, 18) Carl Edwards, 19) Aric Almirola, 20) Dave Blaney, 21) JJ Yeley, 22) Kasey Kahne, 23) Bobby Labonte, 24) Mark Martin [DNS], 25) Bill Elliott [DNS].
Winner's average speed: 32.494 mph
Time of race: 27:41.858
Margin of victory: 1.502 seconds
Cautions: 7 (Lap 2: Yeley spin T3; Lap 6: Yeley spin T3; Lap 8: Labonte spin T2; Lap 9: Yeley spin T4, Newman, Farmer contact T2; Lap 11: Blaney, Stalled T2: Lap 16: Almirola, Stalled Frontstretch; Lap 19: Evernham, Spin T2)
Lead changes: No Lead Changes
Lap leaders: Stewart 1-30
Attendance: More than 23,000
Broadcast: HBO Pay-Per-View
Following victory lane, Tony Stewart presented Kyle Petty with a check for $1,000,000 for the Victory Junction Gang Camp! Much more on the way in the coming hours at eldoraspeedway.com.(6-5-2008) Comment here
Race Fever 2008 Raises over $171,000 thanks to Drivers and Fans: More than 1,300 race fans, from 30 states and Canada, helped raise over $171,000 to benefit the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) Foundation at the 23rd Annual Race Fever. Race Fever was held Friday evening, April 25, in the Speed Channel Dome at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame. The event was hosted by racing legend Darrell Waltrip, former Auburn basketball coach Sonny Smith, and media personality Mike "The Bagman" Bagley. A total of 16 Sprint Cup and Nationwide drivers made appearances at Race Fever-many repeat attendees including Kyle Petty, Bobby Labonte, Kurt Busch, David Ragan, Joe Nemechek, Marcos Ambrose, A.J. Allmendinger, Brian Vickers, Paul Menard, Kevin Lepage, Travis Kvapil, David Gilliland, Scott Wimmer, Kelly Bires, Brad Coleman and Cale Gale. Race Fever is the largest source of unrestricted funds for the AIDB Foundation, the private fundraising arm of AIDB. Through five campuses in Talladega and nine regional centers throughout Alabama, AIDB serves more than 13,500 children and adults who are deaf, blind and multidisabled each year.(PR)(5-1-2008)
Victory Junction Gang Camp Coming to Kansas: Kyle and Pattie Petty announced that they have decided to open a second Victory Junction Gang Camp in Wyandotte County (Kansas). The Pettys have been meeting with business and civic leaders over the last few months and have been studying the sustainability of a camp in the area. Today's announcement included Pattie Petty, and NASCAR driver and Kansas native Clint Bowyer. "We're excited to be able to make this announcement today because this is such a special place for our family," said Pattie Petty, co-founder of the Camp. "I'd like to thank all of the communities who opened up their arms to welcome us; it has been a difficult decision. I want to thank Clint Bowyer for being here today. Clint has been extremely interested and supportive of building a Victory Junction Gang Camp here in his home state of Kansas. I'd also like to thank the Kansas City Area Development Council, Wyandotte Development Inc., the Unified Government and Board of Public Utilities for all of their hard work and support since we started thinking about building a second Camp in this area."
"I'm excited about today's announcement because it not only means a great deal to Wyandotte County, but also to Kansas Speedway," said Kansas Speedway President Jeff Boerger. "For Kyle and Pattie Petty to choose to build a second Camp in Wyandotte County is a huge boost for our area. I look forward to working with the Pettys as they continue to work to make the Victory Junction Gang Camp a reality in our community."
"The Pettys' decision to open the second Victory Junction Gang Camp in Kansas City is an example of our region's sprit," said Bob Marcusse, president and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council. "Kansas City showed the Pettys it wanted this camp." The Pettys envision that this Victory Junction Gang Camp will not only continue the NASCAR-theme but will also include sports themes that are prevalent in the Midwest.(Kansas Speedway PR)(2-22-2008) Comment here.
Fans Race to be Part of Permanent Tribute, Benefit The Dale Earnhardt Foundation; Just like the legend they so admire, Dale Earnhardt fans have moved fast to be part of history, joining with The Hershey Company to help raise funds for The Dale Earnhardt Foundation. Hershey has debuted a series of collectible bars honoring the racing legend and given fans the opportunity to personally join a permanent tribute to "The Intimidator" while raising funds for charity. By logging on to www.hersheys.com/dale, fans can upload a photo for inclusion in a picture mosaic - a replica of which will be unveiled on April 29, during Dale Earnhardt Day in Mooresville, N.C. Already, nearly 1,000 fans have posted their name, photo and/or message to the site. Fans also can make a donation to The Dale Earnhardt Foundation.
Dale Earnhardt fans from across the country have been joined by actress Carmen Electra and Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI) drivers Mark Martin and Martin Truex Jr., who recently posted their images and messages to the site. With less than one month until Dale Earnhardt Day, fans still have time to join these stars and show their support.
Available in four varieties, including two Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar designs, one Hershey's Milk Chocolate with Almonds Bar design and one Kit Kat Wafer Bar design, the specially moulded Collector Edition Dale Earnhardt bars feature a distinctive on-bar design. The designs include three individual portraits spanning Earnhardt's distinguished career and one image of the Richard Childress Racing #3 GM Goodwrench car that is most synonymous with Earnhardt's nickname, "The Intimidator." Packaging features interesting facts about the racing legend's life on and off the race track and are redeemable for unique Dale Earnhardt merchandise such as a #3 soft-sided cooler or a Dale Earnhardt tribute poster designed by renowned motorsports artist, Sam Bass. The Collector Edition bars are available now through May 2008 at retail outlets nationwide.
The mission of The Dale Earnhardt Foundation is to "Continue the Legend"TM through charitable programs that sustain Dale's lifelong commitment to education, children and environment/wildlife preservation. More information on The Dale Earnhardt Foundation can be found at www.thedaleearnhardtfoundation.org
The King Hands Over Keys of 'Cat Chopper': Jeff Green [not the NASCAR driver] compared his winning bid on the customized Cat Chopper motorcycle to enjoying a dish of Neapolitan ice cream. "I got the Cat Chopper, I met a true racing legend, Richard Petty, and I got to help a worthy cause like Victory Junction Gang," said Green, a resident of Peoria, Ill. The winning bid was $100,000. Petty handed Green the keys to the Cat Chopper during a Caterpillar Inc. customer event at Caesar's Palace. The event was part of ConExpo-Con/Agg, one of the largest construction trade shows in the world. Green, whose family owns 11 vehicle dealerships in Illinois, plans to exhibit the Cat Chopper at Green Chevrolet Hummer and Finish Line Ford, both in Peoria, and at various community events. The Cat Chopper was constructed for Caterpillar in 2005 during two episodes of cable TV's American Chopper. The 150-horsepower, six-speed show bike toured 32 states and up into Canada before Caterpillar donated it to Victory Junction Gang last May. In February, Victory Junction Gang auctioned the Cat Chopper on eBay. All proceeds are going to the organization's 72-acre camp in North Carolina. The camp, founded by the Petty family, caters to children with chronic medical conditions and serious illnesses. The Cat Chopper was constructed by Orange County Choppers (OCC) in New York and customized to reflect Caterpillar and its industry, including the signature yellow color, a bulldozer-like exhaust pipe and bolted front and rear wheels.(MCG Sports PR)(3-16-2008)
Kessel Leaving Sprint's NASCAR Account For Victory Junction Gang: Dean Kessel, Sprint's Director of NASCAR marketing for the past two-plus seasons, is leaving to become president of the Victory Junction Gang, a camp for special-needs children. With Kessel's departure effective April 4, Sprint Dir of Sports Marketing Steve Gaffney will assume an increased role in overseeing the NASCAR sponsorship. Gaffney and Kessel were previously peers at the director level. Sprint will hire a GM for its eight-person office in Huntersville, NC. The GM will report to Gaffney, who will continue to operate out of Sprint's K.C. HQs for the near future. Gaffney will continue to direct Sprint's other sports sponsorships including the NFL, Sprint Center and the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Association.(Sports Business Daily)(3-6-2008)
Kevin Harvick & RoadLoans: A Million Thanks.org: RoadLoans and Kevin Harvick, 2007 Daytona 500 champion, launched a letter writing campaign February 23 at California Speedway raising awareness and support of the troops around the world. RoadLoans, a leader in online auto financing, and Harvick, co-driver and co-owner of the #33 RoadLoans Chevrolet, have partnered with A Million Thanks Foundation for this season-long patriotic campaign. Motorsports fans are encouraged to join Harvick and show their support at select Nationwide Series races, race festival events and other locations of the #33 RoadLoans show car by writing a letter of support. The campaign kicked off February 23 and will continue through November 15, 2008. Fans can visit www.RoadLoansracing.com for a complete listing of the #33 RoadLoans Chevrolet show car program.
A Million Thanks Foundation is a letter and email campaign founded by Shauna Fleming of Orange, California. The 18-year-old, college student began the campaign in March 2004 as a freshman in high school. The initial goal of the campaign was to collect and distribute one million letters of thank you to the troops serving in the U.S. Armed Forces around the world. In October 2004 Fleming reached her goal and presented President George Bush with the one-millionth letter. To learn more about how you can support military personnel please visit AmericaSupportsYou.mil.(2-28-2008)
Stewart getting waxed: During last night’s SIRIUS radio show Tony Stewart Live with Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick mentioned “Operation Wax Smoke,” and the fact that the fans had met the goal [of $100,000]. In response, Tony said he would like to have Kevin host the show while he was getting “the procedure.” Now, we are just waiting on Tony to set the date! The fans raised a total of $39,611.00 and Harvick has pitched in the rest, which totaled $60,389.00 just to make the goal. Details as things become more final.(Kevin Harvick site)(2-13-2008)
Johnson's Skins Golf Tournament raises over $400k: Multi-platinum recording artist Nick Lachey and two-time reigning Sprint Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson teed-off in their first annual Super Skins Celebrity Golf Classic at the SunRidge Canyon Golf Club in Fountain Hills, Arizona on February 2nd. Proceeds from the event totaling over $400,000 will benefit multiple charities including the Nick Lachey Foundation and the Jimmie Johnson Foundation, which support various organizations that help those in need. The Annual Super Skins Celebrity Golf Classic will continue on to Tampa in 2009 and Miami in 2010. Lachey and Johnson each pledged $125,000 to the Super Skins purse, which brings the amount pledged to charity to over $400,000.(GMR Marketing)(2-8-2008)
Newman Foundation events raise $100,000 for conservation and animal welfare: #12-Ryan Newman and pro bass fisherman Kevin Van Dam shared big fish stories with over 300 fisherman at the second annual Ryan Newman Foundation Charity Fishing Tournament at Queen's Landing in Mooresville, NC on Saturday, December 8, 2007. #1-Martin Truex, Jr. and #01-Regan Smith also fished in the tournament with Newman, as well as Two Foot Fred of the MusikMafia and Fred Contaoi of American Choppers. Prior to the fishing tournament, the Ryan Newman Foundation hosted its third annual Charity Dinner and Auction on Friday, December 7 at the Charles Mack Citizen Center ballroom in Mooresville, NC. The weekend events raised over $100,000 for the Ryan Newman Foundation Endowment, which will be a source for grants to nonprofit organizations that fulfill the foundation's mission-to educate and encourage people to spay/neuter their pets and to adopt dogs and cats from animal shelters; to educate children and adults about the importance of conservation so the beauty of the great outdoors can be appreciated by future generations; and to provide college scholarship funding through the Rich Vogler Scholarship program to students interested in auto racing careers. More info at the Ryan Newman Foundation site.(12-25-2007)
NASCAR Fine Payments Going to NASCAR Foundation: NASCAR announced that starting this season, all money collected from fines issued to drivers will go to the NASCAR Foundation for its charitable initiatives. “Now that the NASCAR Foundation is well established and supporting dozens of charitable organizations it is the logical place for fine money to be distributed,” said NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France. “We are excited to be able to work with our charities and help them develop a program that will maximize the impact they can have with their organizations,” said Sandy Marshall, executive director of the NASCAR Foundation.(NASCAR PR)(1-21-2008)
Pettys considering another camp for for seriously ill kids in Kansas UPDATE confirmed: #45-Kyle Petty said Tuesday afternoon that he and his wife, Pattie, are determined to build a camp that would help seriously ill children in the Midwest and that the Kansas City area is the preferred site for the facility. “We told some people that it’s not if we build, it’s a matter of when we build here,” Petty said. In 2004, the Pettys founded the Victory Junction Gang Camp in Randleman, N.C. The intent was to build a facility that would bring happiness into the lives of chronically ill children by providing them, free of charge, with a camp that features everything from horseback riding to bowling. The Pettys’ impetus for founding the race-themed camp was the death of their son, Adam, during a NASCAR test session [at New Hampshire in 2000]. Richard Petty handed 75 acres of wooded land to Kyle and Pattie, and private donors stepped up with financial help. The camp, which features 42 modern wheelchair accessible buildings and a seven-acre lake, plays host to up to 125 children in each of its weeklong summer sessions. It also is host to family weekends. Pattie Petty said that the North Carolina camp is now operating at capacity. She said that prompted a look into a second camp. Petty was scheduled to meet with civic and corporate representatives Tuesday night for another presentation on the project. He said that before anything becomes definite, all involved must be confident of the “long-term sustainability” of the project. Petty said if details are worked out, the camp could open in 2009 or 2010.(Kansas City Star), Kyle and Pattie were also recently named WebMD Health Heroes.(11-28-2007)
UPDATE: Ryan Cooper, the Lake Mary [FL] firefighter who ran into two burning homes last July after a plane belonging to NASCAR crashed into a Sanford neighborhood. Cooper helped to rescue several victims including a 10 year old boy. He also provided first aid to victims until the first fire units arrived. It was a tragedy that changed his life forever. Now that tragedy will help Cooper change the lives of thousands of deserving children every year. Cooper has been asked by NASCAR driver Kyle Petty to head a new branch of the Victory Junction Gang Camp set to open near Kansas City by 2010.(MyFoxOrlando)(11-29-2007)
$1.6 Million Raised Through NASCAR Day: Thousands of NASCAR fans and companies participated in NASCAR Day on May 18th in an effort to raise money for the charitable causes supported by The NASCAR Foundation. A grand total of over $1.6 million was raised through donations made by fans, corporate partners and the NASCAR Day Telethon. The money raised from NASCAR Day goes to support The NASCAR Foundation and its Family of Charities which helps children's causes, animal welfare and wildlife conservation. As a result of this overwhelming support of NASCAR Day, a $500,000 check was presented at Kansas Speedway to Kyle and Pattie Petty for the Victory Junction Gang Camp. The funds raised this year from NASCAR Day will also help open the doors to a brand new racing-themed Speediatrics Children's Emergency Room at Homestead Hospital in Homestead, Fla.(NASCAR PR)(10-13-2007)
Prelude to the Dream Raises $800,000 after Ground-Breaking Telecast on HBO Pay-Per-View: The third annual Nextel Prelude to the Dream presented by Old Spice, held June 6 and broadcast live on HBO Pay-Per-View, raised $800,000 for charity. The 30-lap dirt late model event at the famed Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio, featured some of racing’s biggest stars, and in a thrilling race won by NASCAR Nextel Cup Series driver Carl Edwards, it allowed the Tony Stewart Foundation to make significant contributions to charity. The chief benefactor of the Nextel Prelude to the Dream presented by Old Spice was the Victory Junction Gang Camp. The Randleman, N.C.-based organization that serves as a year-round camp for children ages seven to 15 with an assortment of life-threatening illnesses will receive $600,000 from the Tony Stewart Foundation. Also receiving support from the proceeds generated by the Nextel Prelude to the Dream presented by Old Spice was the Autism Society of Delaware and Motor Racing Outreach, with each entity receiving $25,000. The remaining $150,000 stayed with the Tony Stewart Foundation, allowing the Foundation to continue its support of groups caring for chronically ill children, drivers injured in motorsports activities and charitable outfits specializing in the protection of various animal species. Charities actively supported by the Foundation include, but are not limited to, the Ronald McDonald House, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Indiana Special Olympics, Greyrescue (Greyhound Rescue Organization) and the Victory Junction Gang Camp.(True Speed Communication PR)(8-9-2007)
NASCAR Specialty License Plate Now Available To Florida Residents: The NASCAR Foundation, in partnership with the Florida Sports Foundation (FSF), has announced a new NASCAR-themed, official Florida license plate that will be available to fans for purchase at this weekend's Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Net proceeds from the sale of the specialty plate will benefit The NASCAR Foundation and the Florida Sports Foundation. The FSF will distribute proceeds to support the marketing of motorsports-related tourism in the state and 50% to support The NASCAR Foundation's charitable organizations. Last year alone, The NASCAR Foundation donated $250,000 to Speediatrics, a racing-themed pediatrics unit in Daytona Beach and Homestead, Fla. This weekend, Florida residents traveling to Homestead-Miami Speedway can pick up their plate at a mobile FLOW (Florida Licensing On Wheels) unit stationed at the track. The units are equipped with the technology and ability to bring valuable DHSMV services right to the customers, including the ability to issue specialty plates on the spot. The units will be parked near Gate 11 at Homestead-Miami Speedway from Friday, Nov. 16 through Sunday, Nov. 18. To purchase a NASCAR specialty plate, fans must prove that they have a vehicle registered in the state of Florida, a valid Florida driver’s license and proof of insurance. The annual specialty license plate is $27. Residents not traveling to the track this weekend may still purchase a NASCAR specialty plate at their local Department of Motor Vehicles. For more information, please visit www.hsmv.state.fl.us.(NASCAR PR)(11-16-2007)
Some NASCAR related help to victims of Calif wild fires AND: Truck drivers Gary Alred and Howard Austin are accustomed to being on the road - traveling as members of the UAW-Dodge NASCAR Motorsports Exhibit, but a different opportunity presented itself a few weeks ago - one that the UAW-Dodge members felt honored to accomplish. Gary Alred and Howard Austin with a dozen others from Chrysler LLC and Chrysler Financial took part in the California relief mission for residents who were victimized by the devastating wild fires. Alred and Austin were en route to Detroit from a Dodge NASCAR Motorsports dealership event in Atlanta, when Alred received a call asking if they would like to join in with the effort. They arrived in the San Diego area on October 29 - meeting up with other volunteers from Chrysler and Chrysler Financial. They immediately put their truck to good use, hauling two loads of food and water to a restaurant near Barrett Lake that had been converted to a temporary Red Cross Shelter. Besides providing their rig, Alred and Austin pitched in with other Chrysler volunteers to unload each trailer, while also helping distribute relief supplies delivered in Dodge vans to local neighborhoods and fire departments affected by the fires. The donation included food, water, juice, toiletries and cleaning supplies to tents, sleeping bags, flashlights and dog food. They even loaded hay for horses and other livestock displaced by the blazes. The Chrysler Foundation and Chrysler Financial joined forces with the California-based Rescue Task Force to donate $200,000 to aid fire victims, affected communities and rural fire departments that have been affected by the recent blazes. Among the beneficiaries was an elementary school that had burned during the fires - a $25,000 check was presented to help with the rebuilding effort. The UAW-Dodge traveling NASCAR Motorsports Exhibit has been a fun destination for fans on the NASCAR circuit for the past four years, which included 12 NASCAR race weekends in 2007 - one being the UAW-Dodge 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March.(PR)(11-13-2007)
AND Motorsports Authentics has teamed up with California Speedway and UPS to make a major apparel donation to benefit the victims of last month's deadly firestorms in Southern California. Motorsports Authentics, known by most motorsports fans for its Action Racing Collectables die-cast and Chase Authentics line of apparel, has donated roughly 65,000 items of apparel to the victims of last month's wildfires in Southern California. UPS, the official express delivery company of NASCAR and California Speedway, has donated their services and is transporting the items from MA's headquarters in Concord, N.C., to the Human Services Warehouse in San Bernardino, Calif., and the Navy & Marine Corps Relief Society in San Diego.(PR)(11-14-2007)
Finalists for the inaugural NASCAR Home Depot Humanitarian Award announced: Home Depot and NASCAR announced the finalists for the first-ever NASCAR Home Depot Humanitarian Award. The award is the first of its kind open to any member of the NASCAR community who has shown extraordinary dedication to serving others and improving communities through meaningful service efforts. The three finalists are:
Spencer Lueders, project creator, director and team member of 24 Hours of Booty;
Don Miller, project creator and director of Stocks-for-Tots Charity Event; and
Kyle Petty, driver for Petty Enterprises and co-founder of Victory Junction Gang Camp.
The recipient of the NASCAR Home Depot Humanitarian Award will be announced at the NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Awards luncheon in New York City on Nov. 29, 2007. The award recipient will receive a specially designed crystal award, a $100,000 donation made by The Home Depot to the recipient’s charity of choice and a playground in the city of their choice built by volunteers from NASCAR, The Home Depot and KaBOOM!, the company’s national nonprofit partner which envisions a great place to play within walking distance of every child in America. The other two finalists will receive a $25,000 donation each to their non-profit charity. All active employees within the NASCAR industry – drivers, owners, team and track employees, licensees, media partners, sponsors, and motorsports media – were eligible to receive the NASCAR Home Depot Humanitarian Award. Nominees were assessed based on their community commitment and dedication; impact on the community; and charitable giving of their time and talents. A blue-ribbon committee comprised of representatives from NASCAR, The Home Depot and motorsports media selected the three finalists.(NASCAR PR)(11-13-2007)
Martin Truex Jr. Announces Foundation: #1-Martin Truex Jr. announced he has started a foundation that will benefit children in need. Martin donated a check in the amount of $100,000 to the foundation in making the announcement. "I have been fortunate enough to be surrounded by a loving family and supportive friends," said Truex. "They have helped me get to where I am today. When I joined Dale Earnhardt Inc. I made a promise to myself to give back to those less fortunate than me. The Martin Truex Jr. Foundation is the realization of that promise. The foundation is dedicated to providing funds to non-profit, charitable organizations that will properly impact the lives of children. It will benefit children in my hometown in New Jersey, as well as the town of Mooresville, North Carolina, and the surrounding area. There are so many kids who could accomplish things in their lives if only given the right tools. My goal is to help these kids any way I can. Our first project, "Little Bears for Little Kids", is a stuffed animal drive for children who have been served by the Dove House in Statesville, North Carolina. We have collected several thousand stuffed animals for the children in need. I need to thank everyone with all of these corporations who have helped to make this a success." The Dale Earnhardt Foundation also donated $5,000 to the fund. The Earnhardt Foundation will donate $3,000 for each victory Truex Jr. earns for the rest of 2007 and in 2008. Bass Pro Shops will also donate 1,000 stuffed bears to the Little Bears for Little Kids program. Eight hundred and twenty-seven of the bears were donated today to the Dove House in Statesville, which benefits victims of child abuse.(Lowes Motor Speedway PR)(10-15-2007)
#40 Coors Light Dodge to feature St. Jude Paint Scheme at Atlanta: Coors Light, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) announced the #40 Coors Light Dodge driven by David Stremme will be wrapped with a special St. Jude paint scheme for this weekend's Pep Boys Auto 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The purpose of the paint scheme is to increase awareness of the hospital and its work as well as to support Coors Light's yearly pumpkin-themed "Halloween Pinups" fundraiser. During the month-long "Halloween Pinups" promotion, Coors and its distributors will focus on raising money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. In the Atlanta area, employees at participating retail locations will ask patrons to make a $1 donation to St. Jude's to join in the fight against catastrophic childhood diseases. In return for the contribution, the donors will have the opportunity to write their names on pumpkin-themed pinups which will be displayed in each location through Halloween. In addition to its annual "Halloween Pinup" promotion, Coors Light will make a $10,000 base donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital on race weekend, with an incremental donation for every lap Stremme completes in the race. Since 1997, Chip Ganassi Racing Teams, Inc. has raised more than $440,000 for St. Jude Hospital and Target House by donating $5,000 for each victory, $1,000 for each pole position and $25 for each lap led.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(10-23-2007)
Belmont Peanuts is running a special this month. David Peck is working with The Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation on the development of wildlife education programs by contributing a portion of the sales to the Foundation. Belmont Peanuts are available year round for you enjoyment. Please visit this link belmontpeanuts.com or go to www.wardburton.com and click on the SHOP button.(WBE/WBWF)(10-18-2007)
Kahne Donates $500,000 to Ronald McDonald House: On Monday, Oct 15th, #9-Kasey Kahne, NASCAR driver and founder of the Kasey Kahne Foundation donated $500,000 to the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte to support the construction of a new Ronald McDonald House in Charlotte. "We are thrilled to partner with Kasey Kahne on this important initiative to support critically ill children in the Charlotte area," said Joanne Charnetski, executive director of the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte. "The Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte relies heavily on the generous support of individuals like Kasey Kahne and his foundation, as well as our dedicated volunteers." The new facility will serve as a "home away from home" for the families of children who are receiving care at two state-of-the-art children's medical facilities - Presbyterian Hemby Children's Hospital and Levine Children's Hospital at Carolinas Medical Center (CMC). Upon completion of the new Ronald McDonald House in Charlotte, there will be a Ronald McDonald House located in every major city across the United States. The Ronald McDonald House program has provided a "home-away-from-home" for millions of families of children being treated at nearby hospitals since its inception in 1974. There are 270 Ronald McDonald Houses open in 30 countries worldwide.(PR)(10-17-2007)
Pettys consider Kansas City for children’s camp: Kyle Petty and his wife, Pattie, founded the renowned Victory Junction Gang Camp in North Carolina to help children with chronic and terminal illnesses. Now they want to bring a similar camp to the Kansas City area. The Pettys laid the groundwork for a Midwest version of their camp at a meeting with top officials of Sprint, NASCAR, Kansas Speedway, Children's Mercy Hospital and other business and community leaders Thursday night at Sprint headquarters in Overland Park. "[Victory Junction] was built for children in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and parts of east Tennessee," Kyle Petty said. "All of a sudden, we've seen kids from 44 different states, and during the last two years the percentage of kids from west of the Mississippi is growing. That's created a quandary for us. When we see a kid from Phoenix or California, we pay for the transportation to fly the child from there. This way, they don't have to fly all the way to North Carolina. It makes the cost per child more economical." That's why Petty - who has a soft spot in his heart for Kansas City and for Sprint, which previously sponsored his Nextel Cup car as well as Adam Petty's car - convened some of the biggest movers and shakers in the sport. he meeting Thursday included NASCAR chairman Brian France, vice chairman James France, vice president Lesa France Kennedy and president Mike Helton; [Kansas Speedway president Jeff] Boerger; Sprint vice president Tom Murphy; Dean Kessel, director of NASCAR Nextel Cup Series marketing for Sprint; and officials from Children's Mercy Hospital.(Kansas City Star)(9-30-2007)
NASCAR Foundation to Donate $500,000 to Victory Junction: This Sunday, The NASCAR Foundation will present a $500,000 check to the Victory Junction Gang Camp during pre-race activities at the LifeLock 400 at Kansas Speedway. Sprint Vice President of Experiential Marketing and NASCAR Foundation Board Member Tom Murphy will present the donation, which is made possible by funds raised mainly through NASCAR Day, The NASCAR Foundation’s largest fundraiser of the year. Victory Junction Gang Camp is part of The NASCAR Foundation Family of Charities. The camp enriches the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun, and empowering, in a safe and medically sound environment. NASCAR Day is a one-day celebration of the NASCAR spirit and its fans. In exchange for a $5 donation, participants including NASCAR fans, corporations, schools and organizations across the country received a commemorative 2007 NASCAR Day lapel pin. Kansas Speedway was one of more than 2,000 organizations across the country to participate in the fourth-annual celebration of NASCAR Day on Friday, May 18. As a result of their outstanding efforts, Kansas Speedway is one of the top three fundraising tracks for NASCAR Day. To learn more about NASCAR Day and The NASCAR Foundation visit www.nascar.com/foundation.(NASCAR PR)(9-29-2007)
Cheerios Race For Books Kicks Into High Gear: The Cheerios Race For Books program, which has already raised more than 300,000 books for children in need this season, is kicking into high gear for the last 10 races of the season. Cheerios and nonprofit partner First Book have already donated 43 books for every lap that Bobby Labonte and the #43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge team have completed this season. And beginning this weekend at the New Hampshire International Speedway, Cheerios and First Book will double the number of books they donate for every Top 10 finish the team achieves from now through the last race at the Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 18.(Petty Racing PR)(9-14-2007)
Ryan Newman announced an exciting new conservation program during a press conference at Michigan International Speedway i August 2007: Racing For Wildlife. Racing for Wildlife will work to build an American land legacy for generations of race fans who share Newman's love of the outdoors. Newman teamed up with The Conservation Fund to launch the program in an effort to help preserve America's great outdoors and educate children about the importance of taking care of our nation's land and waterways. Racing For Wildlife unites the NASCAR community with passionate land and water conservationists across the country. The Conservation Fund and the Ryan Newman Foundation, through this partnership, are leading the effort to create an American land legacy for generations of race fans who love the outdoors. Each year, Racing For Wildlife will pursue a new conservation project that offers recreational opportunities near urban areas so families can easily enjoy the outdoors in protected places. In selecting conservation projects, Racing For Wildlife will work with local land conservation groups and wildlife management agencies to find opportunities that fulfill state-recognized conservation priorities while inviting a new generation to experience the outdoors. To find out more about Racing For Wildlife or to make a donation, visit www.racingforwildlife.org.(10-12-2007)
NASCAR Foundation Blood And Marrow Drive Has Potential To Save 11,000 Lives: The results are in, and NASCAR fans rolled up their sleeves in record numbers. The Second Annual NASCAR Foundation Blood and Marrow Drive has had a record-breaking year, collecting 3,410 pints of blood and adding over 1,000 volunteers to the National Marrow Donor Program Registry. The donations from this year’s drive have the potential to save over 11,000 lives. Out of the 23 tracks that have already held their drives, the top three participating tracks are Michigan International Speedway (MIS), Pocono Raceway and Talladega Superspeedway. MIS collected 962 pints of blood and added 80 volunteers to the registry; Pocono Raceway collected 541 pints of blood and added 109 volunteers to the registry; and Talladega Superspeedway collected 229 pints of blood and added 125 volunteers to the registry. Last year, the inaugural drive collected over 2,500 pints of blood and added 650 volunteers to the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) Registry at 14 participating tracks. The NASCAR Foundation, Jimmie Johnson Foundation and Hendrick Marrow Program partner on the Annual Blood and Marrow Drive, which seeks to provide unique experiences at many different tracks that bring out the goodwill and community pride in all race fans. The drive helps serve a desperate need for blood and marrow donations – more than 38,000 blood donations are needed per day and over 6,000 people are searching for a marrow match on any given day. To round out the national drive, New Hampshire International Speedway will hold its blood and marrow drive on Nov. 27. For more information or to learn more about The NASCAR Foundation, Jimmie Johnson Foundation and Hendrick Marrow Program visit www.nascar.com/foundation.(NASCAR PR)(9-26-2007)
Richmond International Raceway announces Charitable Program to increase community Assistance: In an effort to increase its already prevalent community involvement in Henrico County and the Greater Richmond Metropolitan Area, track officials at Richmond International Raceway announced that they are working through The NASCAR Foundation-a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization-to operate a charitable program that will provide even more support to nonprofit organizations throughout the community. Richmond International Raceway Cares, through The NASCAR Foundation, was developed to help better the Greater Richmond Metropolitan Area and the surrounding communities. To kick off the announcement, Richmond International Raceway Cares presented a check last weekend for $4,500 to Special Olympics Virginia for their support of NASCAR Day at Richmond International Raceway May 4-6. Special Olympics Virginia representatives came out to the track and collected donations in exchange for the commemorative 2007 NASCAR Day lapel pins. For their efforts, Special Olympics Virginia received half the proceeds raised throughout the weekend.(RIR PR)(9-13-2007)
Recycle for Victory: Sprint Nextel will recycle old cell phones to benefit the Victory Junction Gang Camp, a camp in North Carolina for children with chronic medical conditions. The telecommunications company will accept old cell phones and recycle parts off those phones. Money made from the parts will be donated to the camp. Sprint Nextel said it would accept any model cell phone, regardless of manufacturer or carrier. Envelopes are available at all Nextel booths at Nextel Cup Series races. People also can print a postage label at sprintenterprise.com/speed/. Since 2001, Sprint has collected more than seven million phones. More than $4 million has been donated to charities. And more info about Victory Junction at victoryjunction.org (6-29-2007)
SCC Commits $350,000 to Levine Children's Hospital: Levine Children's Hospital has received a $350,000 commitment from Speedway Children's Charities to support the new 234-bed facility that will open in October. Speedway Children's Charities is the charitable arm of Speedway Motorsports, Inc. headquartered in Concord. Its philanthropy is directed toward a variety of children's causes. Amanda Hollingsworth, Director of the Charlotte Chapter, noted that the Levine gift is "special because it reflects the generous support of our corporate donors, Speedway Motorsports Inc., Sonic Automotive, O. Bruton Smith and loyal race fans." In recognition of the gift from Speedway Children's Charities, a family lounge on the 8th level of Levine Children's Hospital will be designated in the organization's honor. Levine Children's Hospital, located on the main campus of Carolinas Medical Center, is currently undergoing its final construction phases, with opening anticipated in late October.(PR)(8-12-2007)
NSSN hooks up with CARA: National Speed Sport News has chosen to link with CARA Charities for its 2007 charity initiative program. This benevolent program is new to NSSN as of this year, but NSSN's relationship with CARA has been longstanding. While most charity programs rely solely on monetary contributions or auctions to raise funds, NSSN will be combining both. NSSN has teamed up with GoMotorBids.com to maintain an exclusive online charity auction starting July 12 and running until Dec. 16. The auction's central item will be a racing helmet, autographed by multiple motorsports personalities, such as Chris Economaki, Richard Petty, David Gilliland, Jeff Green and many more. In addition to the helmet, National Speed Sport News will furnish several items throughout the year designated for the auction. NSSN will also accept monetary donations at any of its 2007 Grassroots Tour events. With every donation, fans will receive a CARA Charities checkered-flag armband. Fans will also have the chance to observe the helmet at these events. CARA Charities supports many worthy causes, including children's hospitals, scholarships, research groups, injured drivers, the Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund and CARA's "Buckle Up Baby" children's car-seat program. The "Buckle Up Baby" program has impacted the safety of thousands of children with monetary donations, as well as infant car seats, to children's hospitals around the country. National Speed Sport News has not only been providing race coverage that is timely, accurate and colorful but also contributions towards the betterment of the community since 1934. NSSN has become the voice of motorsports, covering every series, every track, every week. For more information on NSSN, CARA Charities or the auction, please visit www.nationalspeedsportnews.com.(7-25-2007)
Race for Books sucessful at Chicago: Thanks to the silver tongues of readers in Naperville, Ill., Chicago-area children in need will receive 10,000 new books from First Book and Cheerios. The readers participated in a First Book Speed Read on Saturday, held at the Jewel-Osco in Naperville, and hosted by Donna Labonte, wife of #43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge driver Bobby Labonte. The speed readers read a total of 1,423 words during the event. First Book and Cheerios will make an extra donation of new books for local children for a total of 10,000 books. The First Book Speed Read, created by First Book, a nonprofit organization that provides brand new books to children from low-income families, is an interactive and entertaining event that helps raise awareness about the importance of books and reading in children's lives. Participants "speed read" as many words as possible aloud from a children's book in just 15 seconds. During Saturday's event, the winning 'speed reader', Jaleesa Parks, from Chicago (Ill.), read an astonishing 83 words from the children's book Wiggle by Doreen Cronin. While Donna Labonte helped raise books for kids off the track, her husband Bobby helped raise books for kids on the track through the Race for Books. Cheerios Spoonfuls of Stories and First Book are donating 43 books to disadvantaged children for every lap completed by Bobby Labonte in the #43 Cheerios Dodge during the 2007 racing season. Labonte completed 266 laps on Sunday, generating an additional donation of more than 11,000 books for children in the region. So far this season, Labonte's efforts on the track have resulted in more than 228,000 books for children in need nationwide.(Petty Racing/Cheerios PR)(7-18-2007)
Race Fans allow Bud to donate to military foundation: Thanks to the generosity of NASCAR fans, Budweiser was able to donate $100,000 to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF) to help provide college educations to the children of fallen Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps special operations personnel. Dale Earnhardt Jr. presented the check during special ceremonies on Saturday [July 7] between the NASCAR Busch and Cup races at Daytona International Speedway. Budweiser and Earnhardt Jr. raced two military-themed paint schemes in 2007. Budweiser’s brown and beige “Desert Camo” car raced Memorial Day weekend during the Coca-Cola 600 in honor of fallen soldiers, while the red, white and blue “Stars & Stripes” car ran this evening at Daytona to salute all those who currently serve. The proceeds from the sale of collectible diecasts of the two special cars were ear-marked for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which provides full-ride college scholarships to surviving children of special operations personnel killed in combat or training missions, and immediate financial assistance to special operations personnel severely wounded in the global war on terror. More than 700 children currently benefit from the efforts of the SOWF.(fingerprint inc. PR)(7-10-2007)
NASCAR fans bolster young theft victim: NASCAR fans around the United States want to help Cody Copas. The Otterbein [Indiana] boy's collection of Jeff Gordon memorabilia, including pieces given to him by the NASCAR driver during a Make-A-Wish Foundation trip, was stolen last week from his father's home in West Lafayette. Offers to replace the items have come from NASCAR fans as far away as Maine, New Jersey and North Carolina.(for the full story and more info see the Journal and Courier)(6-21-2007)
Johnson to be Featured on ESPN SportsCenter My Wish Series June 24-29 --- 25th: After a successful debut last year, ESPN SportsCenter’s “My Wish” series, which chronicles sports-themed wishes granted to children with life-threatening medical conditions, will be aired Sunday, June 24, through Friday, June 29. The five “My Wish” episodes will feature 2006 Nextel Cup champion Jimmie Johnson, all-pro quarterback Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints, a past NBA Finals most valuable player, a popular World Series slugger and an athlete TBD. Emmy Award-winning reporter Chris Connelly will again host. “My Wish” is presented by ESPN, in cooperation with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and The Walt Disney Company. As part of the series, ESPN will help grant sports-related wishes with leading sports stars to five children referred by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Each wish will then be the subject of one SportsCenter feature segment. The SportsCenter segment will feature the reason for the wish, interviews with the kids and their families, and a behind-the-scenes look at the wish fulfilled, including the interaction between the youngster and the athlete. Several ESPN multimedia platforms such as ESPN.com, ESPN The Magazine, and ESPN360.com will offer additional and complementary content related to the five wish-granting experiences. Team ESPN encompasses ESPN’s multi-faceted corporate outreach initiatives, including volunteerism, corporate giving and cause marketing, while utilizing its diverse media assets. Through Team ESPN, ESPN, its employees and its fans work together to make a difference more info at www.teamespn.com. The Disney VoluntEARS program provides opportunities for Disney employees to contribute their time and expertise towards making a positive impact in the communities they serve while furthering the traditions and ideals of The Walt Disney Company. For more information on Disney’s outreach efforts, please visit www.disneyhand.com.(ESPN PR)(6-21-2007)
AND The 2007 edition of ESPN’s critically acclaimed and award-winning SportsCenter “My Wish” series will debut at 10:30am/et Sunday, June 24. Johnson’s segment will air during SportsCenter at 6:00pm/et Monday, June 25 [interestingly the same time as ESPN2's NASCAR Now starts]. Johnson’s segment will be featuring 16-year-old Jennifer Walters of Colesburg, Iowa.(ESPN PR)(6-21-2007)
Kyle Busch forms charitable foundation: #5-Kyle Busch, president of Kyle Busch Motorsports, announced his newly formed charitable effort called the Kyle Busch Foundation. "I have been very blessed in my life,” Busch said. “I’m fortunate enough to be able to race and do what I love. Not everyone is as fortunate. So I wanted to give something back and I decided I wanted to help kids." The Kyle Busch Foundation is dedicated to providing essential tools and supplies for institutionalized children across the country. The foundation will provide support to organizations that create and foster a safe, protective environment for children. “There are a lot of children in need out there,” Busch continued. “Times are tough enough for young people these days, and if there is anything I can do, I’m more than willing.” KBF is in the process of collecting items crucial to these respective homes. For designated drop off points and wish lists please visit please visit www.kylebuschfoundation.org.(Kyle Busch Motorsports PR)(5-21-2007)
NASCAR and Home Depot Team Up For New Award: officials from NASCAR and Home Depot announced the first annual NASCAR/Home Depot Humanitarian Award. The award will be presented at the National Motorsports Press Association luncheon during Champions Week at the end of the season in New York City. The award will be given to any active member of the NASCAR community including driver, car owner, crew member, media member, track employee or sponsor that contributes to helping others, giving of their time, and to his or her community. The winner will receive a crystal award and a $100,000 donation made by The Home Depot to the recipients' charity of choice. The two runners-up will each receive a $25,000 donation to their charity of choice. To nominate an individual for the award log onto www.nascar.com/humanitarian to download an application through September 8.(LMS Pit Notes)(5-20-2007)
Ribbon Cutting for Johnson's Victory Lanes Bowling Alley at Victory Junction: Jimmie and Chandra Johnson unveiled Jimmie Johnson's Victory Lanes at the Victory Junction Gang Camp on Thursday, the first major initiative for the Jimmie Johnson Foundation. Just a year after announcing the formation of the foundation, the Johnson's joined Pattie and Kyle Petty, Lynda and Richard Petty, and the campers of Victory Junction to bowl the inaugural frames at the 5,100 square foot bowling alley. The colorfully decorated bowling alley is complete with four lanes, a shoe counter, an arcade area, and a one-of-a-kind light show that enables campers to go "retro" bowling at night. The QubicaAMF lanes have space themed-masking and a cutting-edge string pin setting design. The building is complete with a replica of Johnson's #48 Lowe's Chevy on the roof. During the Grand Opening, Jimmie, Chandra, Kyle, and Pattie were paired with a Victory Junction camper that created an impromptu "bowl off" between the Johnsons and the Pettys.(PR)(3-31-2007)
Kyle Busch helping raise money for Conservation Fund: The makers of Garden Safe brand products, which include a natural and organic lawn and garden care line, are planning a pair of promotions to benefit the non-profit SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. On March 15, Garden Safe brand products, the official lawn and garden partner of Busch Gardens, will kick off an in-store promotion at Lowe's locations nationwide. For each Garden Safe brand product purchased at Lowe's between March 15 and April 30, 2007, the makers of Garden Safe brand products will donate 50 cents to the Conservation Fund. The promotion coincides with the debut of a section at Lowe's stores dedicated to organic and alternative products, demonstrating the retailer's commitment to the environment. While consumers can affect the donation level in Lowe's stores, Kyle Busch, driver of the #5 Garden Safe/SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund Chevy, will have the opportunity to raise the charitable contribution on the race track. For every lap Busch completes on the lead lap in Saturday's Busch Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, the makers of Garden Safe brand products will donate $100 to the Conservation Fund. If he and the #5 team win, they will double the $19,500 donation to $39,000. The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund will be showcased on the #5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevy throughout Busch Series competition this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Featuring various endangered wildlife, the car demonstrates the fund's commitment to species research, animal rescue and rehabilitation, and conservation education. Garden Safe products are not sponsored or endorsed by the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. As with all consumer products, it is important to follow all product guidelines and usage instructions.
ABOUT THE SEAWORLD & BUSCH GARDENS CONSERVATION FUND: The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, created in 2003 by the Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks, is a registered non-profit charitable foundation dedicated to supporting environmental and wildlife conservation initiatives around the world. Its primary areas of focus are habitat and species conservation, animal rescue and rehabilitation, and environmental education. Of donations made to the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, 100 percent benefit individuals and groups active in conservation or education. Administrative costs, including fund development, staff salaries, equipment and facilities, are borne by Busch Entertainment Corp. (BEC), the theme park division of Anheuser-Busch Companies Inc. For additional information on the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, go to www.SWBG-ConservationFund.org.(3-15-2007)

SOME ONGOING EVENTS/PROJECTS

Sprint Project Connect
Date: On-going
Sprint Project Connect is a wireless phone donation and recycling program that raises charitable funds while providing an environmentally friendly way to dispose of used wireless phones. Through Sprint Project Connect, donated wireless phones are either recycled or refurbished and resold. Net proceeds from resale benefit K-12 education programs through the Sprint Foundation. Sprint Project Connect accepts all makes and models of phones at Sprint stores nationwide. You can donate your used wireless devices at Sprint Nextel retail stores or download a free shipping label at www.sprint.com/projectconnect.

Women's Auxiliary of Motorsports teams up with Operation DVD
Date: Ongoing
The Women's Auxiliary of Motorsports announced that it has joined forces with Operation DVD to help collect DVD's in order to provide safe entertainment to our troops stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. When not on duty, there is not much to do (even baseball and softball games are no longer possible because of snipers, mines, bombs and other terrorist activities). Watching DVDs provides a safe wonderful diversion and good memories of home. DVD's can be new or gently used and all types of films are welcome with the exception of adult films - motivational, inspirational and especially films that inspire a sense of family and moral values. "Children Titles" donated will be distributed to Servicemen's families (Stateside) through the Family Readiness Group of the National Guard with the assistance of AMVETS. Music CD's are also appreciated. The goal is to collect a minimum of 1,000,000 new and used DVDs. Once the DVD's are received overseas, at least 250 films will be in rotation at each base in Iraq and Afghanistan. With a constant rotation of soldiers and new films being donated, it will be almost impossible to run out of films.

If you would like to donate DVD's you can send them to:
WAM, Inc.,
41 Odell School Rd., Ste. K,
Concord, NC 28027

WAM will then send the DVD's to the central Operation DVD collection site in Ohio. For more information on Operation DVD, visit their website at www.OperationDVD.us

and more at waminc.org

2006 PAST NEWS
Dodson Scholarships at over $40k: Friends and colleagues of Barry Dodson, a Mooresville resident and a familiar figure in NASCAR, have given more than $40,000 to establish athletic scholarships at Wake Forest University in honor of his children, Trey and Tia, who were killed in 1994. "Losing a son and daughter is like a free fall; you never get settled back," Dodson said. "I donít think you ever learn to deal with it. But this has made it easier when I thought nothing ever would. It has put life back into the entire family." Trey, Tia and one of their high school friends were killed in a car accident near Darlington, S.C., where they lived with their mother, Jan. Trey was 17 and Tia was 16. Dodson has supported Wake Forest's athletic program for years and attended many events with his children. The scholarship named for Trey, a former high school pitcher, is designated for baseball or menís basketball. The scholarship honoring Tia is the first cheerleading scholarship ever established at Wake Forest. Tia was a high school cheerleader.
Contributions toward the scholarships came from various racetrack owners, drivers, crew members, race car owners and others who know Dodson, a former mechanic and crew chief for drivers such as Richard and Kyle Petty, Darrell Waltrip and Rusty Wallace. Dodson is now a crew chief in NASCARís Craftsman Truck Series with Team ASE/Ultra Wheels, Inc. Companies contributing to the scholarships include Ford Motor Company, Team ASE, Ultra Wheels, Valvoline and Wagner Brakes. "I never knew how many people cared about the children and the family until this," Dodson said about the donations. "It tops anything thatís ever happened to me. Itís been an unexpected blessing."
For more information about the scholarship fund, contact Sheila Massey in University Relations via e-mail or at 910-759-4834. Checks should be made payable to Wake Forest University. Desigate the "Trey Dodson" or "Tia Dodson" scholarship. Any donations should be mailed to Sheila at P.O. Box 7227, Reynolds Station, Winston-Salem, N.C. 27109-7227.
Amateur fishermen win Newman Charity Fishing Tournament: #12-Ryan Newman and #20-Tony Stewart shared big fish stories with over 300 fisherman at the inaugural Ryan Newman Foundation Celebrity Charity Fishing Tournament at Blythe Landing in Huntersville, NC on Saturday, December 16, 2006. The charity bass tournament-sponsored by Ranger Boats and facilitated by FLW Outdoors-and VIP Reception-sponsored by Huckleberry's BBQ-raised over $40,000 for the Ryan Newman Foundation Endowment, which will be a source for grants to nonprofit organizations that fulfill the foundation's mission. Tony Stewart fished on Lake Norman during the tournament and signed autographs during the VIP Reception to support his fellow driver's charity. Newman fished Lake Norman with FLW Angler of the Year Anthony Gagliardi in his Alltel-wrapped Ranger Boat. Newman and Stewart were joined on the FLW Outdoors stage by Ranger Boats Founder Forrest Wood during the Awards Ceremony, sponsored by Alltel. Fisherman Brian Morgan and Michael Fox of Newton, NC won the grand prize, a 519VX Ranger Boat with a VZ200TLR HPDI Yamaha motor, valued at $35,000.(Ryan Newman Foundation PR)(12-24-2006)
800 runners run in Victory Junction 1/2 marathon: Michael Waltrip and about 800 other runners got together for the Victory Junction Run, a 13-mile half marathon. Kyle Petty, who founded Victory Junction Gang Camp with his wife Pattie, said he got the idea for the race from Waltrip. “Michael did a thing a couple of years ago called Operation Marathon,” said Petty. “He ran Vegas and I ran with him, and we raised substantial funds." “I just came to help,” said Waltrip, “so don't watch because I'm going to be going real slow." Waltrip finished the race in two hours, 26 minutes and 11 seconds, good enough for 355th place. Sunday’s race raised $85,000 for Victory Junction Gang Camp. The Petty’s said they hope to make the mini-marathon an annual event.(MyFox WGHP)(12-4-2006)
Jimmie Johnson Foundation Hats Available: By popular demand, the Jimmie Johnson Foundation is making its apparel available to the public. Here is your chance to own a Jimmie Johnson Foundation hat just like the one Jimmie wears. It is a great way to show your support. These hats are available only through the foundation website, and the proceeds benefit the foundation. Visit www.jimmiejohnsonfoundation.org and click on the apparel button to place your order. First run quantities are limited, so place your order now. Additional apparel will be unveiled in 2007.(11-28-2006)
Trust fund set up for #55 jackman's family: A trust fund has been established for the children of the late Steve Spahr, a longtime Bill Davis Racing employee, who died last Friday. Spahr has been working as a jackman on the #55 Waltrip-Jasper Racing team that has an affiliation with BDR this season. Fans can contribute to the Trust Fund for Jenna and Hailey Spahr, BB&T, 2835 Randleman Road, Greensboro, N.C., 27406. Spahr, 48, had recently undergone surgery for a tear of the aorta and was recovering at home when he died.(SceneDaily.com)(11-2-2006)
OUR "DREAM" is to give sick or handicapped kids, ages 5 -15 a fun filled night at a local racetrack. The families get free admission into the track, the child gets an on track interview, (if they don't want to be interviewed that's fine), a victory lap with the checkered flag, a trophy, a CHECKERED DREAMS hat and T shirt, and a real race helmet to get autographed! (When available) We also supply the families with a buffet to feast on throughout the night. If you know a child that qualifies and would like to receive an event from us please feel free to contact us! More info and events/fund raisers at jackie88racing.com
President Bush visits Victory Junction Gang Camp: President Bush paid a very special visit to the Victory Junction Gang Camp today. The President's visit was prompted by his interest in the great humanitarian work that takes place at Victory Junction. Upon the Presidents' arrival he was greeted by Victory Junction co-founders, Kyle Petty and his wife Pattie, as well as Richard "The King" Petty. "This visit enabled the President to see how the camp provides a life changing experience to the children and their families free of charge. I can't thank the President enough for taking the time to come visit Victory Junction. I hope this makes every child and parent that has visited the camp very proud," said Pattie Petty, CEO of the Victory Junction Gang Camp. The Presidential visit consisted of a tour of Victory Junction and participated in some of the camps program areas. Fishing took place at the Bass Pro Shop, Catch Kiss & Release Marina where the President was met by Victory Junction campers Maddie Lee, and Hank Grissom. "Pattie and I are honored to have President Bush come visit the camp.This is exciting for all of us and we are truly humbled. So many NASCAR drivers, officials and fans have poured their hearts and souls into helping the camp grow," said Kyle Petty. "President Bush visiting the camp is a great reward for everyone's dedication and an incredible opportunity for him to bring awareness to the plight of a chronically ill child." The second stop was Adams Race Shop, a 9,000 square foot building that looks like a race car. Inside Adams Race Shop President Bush was greeted by Victory Junction campers Paul Rader, Will "Cheese" Kwapil, Morgan Sagerman as well as NASCAR drivers Michael Waltrip, and Jimmie Johnson. The campers challenged the President to test his skills on one of the NASCAR simulators. The final stop was at the Fuel Stop (dining hall) where the President greeted and took a photo with the entire staff and also took a photo with the staff. For more information, visit www.victoryjunction.org. Also many of Jayski's readers/friends/family have helped raise most of the $75,000 goal for the computer lab, the total is just over $58,000....Thanks.(10-17-2006)
Helmet to be signed by Indy 500 winners..then auctioned off: By its journey's end, a race driver's helmet will have crisscrossed continents, met every living winner of the Indianapolis 500 and helped a camp for seriously ill children. At least that's Al Pearce's plan for the unused, full-face helmet that has been autographed by 13 of the 25 surviving Indy 500 winners so far. Once all the signatures are gathered, the helmet will be auctioned on eBay and the sale price will benefit the Victory Junction Gang Camp, a camp for children with chronic medical conditions and serious illnesses. The camp, near Greensboro, N.C., was founded by NASCAR driver Kyle Petty and his wife, Pattie. It will be the third helmet that Pearce, a retired motorsports reporter for the Daily Press in Newport News, has had autographed to help the camp. Starting in 2004, Pearce used his connections in the sport to get the first helmet signed by every living NASCAR season champion. That helmet, which had a total of 23 signatures, sold for about $6,500. In 2005, Pearce collected the autographs of every surviving Daytona 500 winner. That helmet sold for about $4,000. Pearce speculates that the Indy 500 helmet could fetch twice as much as the other two. It will also be more of a challenge for Pearce, who has had less contact with Indy drivers than with those in NASCAR. Collecting the signatures has meant carrying the helmet to racetracks and getting it to drivers' hometowns by mail or through acquaintances. The current helmet will need to be shipped to Sweden and Brazil to get in the hands of Kenny Brack and Emerson Fittipaldi. "It will take awhile," Pearce said. "It will be extensive. But it's a worthwhile cause by every measure." Pearce, who lives in Newport News, managed to get 10 signatures during an Indy Racing League event in Richmond last June. A.J. Foyt was the first to sign it. A friend carried the helmet to another event in Indianapolis the next weekend and caught up with three more Indy 500 winners. During this weekend's NASCAR events in Richmond, Pearce handed the helmet off to a friend headed to Pennsylvania, where he will have it signed by Mario Andretti. Pearce promises the buyer of each helmet that he will secure the signatures of future winners. The project is one of several that Pearce and about 10 friends conduct to raise money for the Victory Junction Gang Camp. So far, they have given about $34,000 to the camp.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(9-13-2006)
"The King" and Stewart join ‘speedy tags’ program: NASCAR racers Richard Petty Tony Stewart are putting their likeness on dog tags, with the proceeds of these “Speedy Tags” benefiting the Paralyzed Veterans of America. “I feel very strongly that we must support our brave men and women returning from Iraq and Afghanistan injured,” Petty said. “That’s why I urge all NASCAR fans to get their Speedy Tags … This is one small way fans can join me in supporting our paralyzed vets.” Speedy Tags are imprinted with the names, signatures and in some cases, pictures of some of the biggest names in racing. About 75,000 will be distributed at the Bristol Motor Speedway on Aug. 26 for free. To get a Speedy Tag, log on to www.SpeedyTags.org. Those who purchase the tag will recieve a $5 discount on racing merchandise and will be eligible to win a trip to the season-ending Ford 400 championship race at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Paralyzed veterans’ spokesman Carl Blake said the not-for-profit organization provides veterans with spinal cord injury or disease benefits, employment, education, accommodations and sport activities.(Bristol Herald Courier)(8-24-2006)
Johnson Foundation to build 4-Lane Bowling Alley at Victory Junction: The Jimmie Johnson Foundation announced its commitment to raise $600,000 to build Victory Lanes, a four-lane bowling alley at Kyle and Pattie Petty's Victory Junction Gang Camp in Randleman, N.C. In support of its NASCAR Nextel Cup driver, Lowe's, through its Charitable and Educational Foundation, announced it would fund half of the project with a $300,000 donation. Fans may donate to the cause as well by visiting jimmiejohnsonfoundation.org, a limited edition Victory Lanes commemorative coin is available with a donation of $48 or more. Johnson said he hopes the coin and the worthy cause will appeal to NASCAR fans. The first 100 donors will have their coins autographed by Jimmie Johnson. The Victory Lanes coin is featured on a special #48 Jimmie Johnson Foundation/Lowe's Chevy unveiled at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The car features the Jimmie Johnson Foundation logo on the hood and is scheduled to run in the Busch Series race at California Speedway on Sept. 2. Johnson said his and Chandra's foundation is dedicated to assisting children, families and communities in need throughout the United States. The foundation strives to help everyone, particularly children, pursue their dreams. Lowe's said it supports the Johnson's commitment to community projects.(Jimmie Johnson Foundation PR)(8-5-2006)
Jamie McMurray Foundation Formed to Assist Autism Society: Jamie McMurray has formed the Jamie McMurray Foundation (JMF) to promote awareness of and raise funding for, research, education, and support for individuals and families affected with autism. McMurray, who drives for Roush Racing in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, is sponsored by Newell-Rubbermaid (Irwin Industrial Tools, Lenox Industrial Tools and Sharpie) and Diageo (Crown Royal and Smirnoff Ice). The JMF is dedicated to joining the financial backing and support of the NASCAR community with the passion and commitment of the autism community to promote better understanding of this challenging disability. The Jamie McMurray Foundation will also support other charitable organizations providing opportunities to disadvantaged youth. McMurray has been a viable advocate for the Autism Society of America (ASA), with a "Driving Autism Awareness Pledge" campaign in 2005, and has participated in many golf tournaments, auctions for charitable contributions and benefits throughout the year. The JMF board will consist of McMurray as President; with mother, Melanie Sue McMurray, Treasurer and sister, Trisha Montez as Vice President.(Roush Racing PR)(6-10-2006)
Man Loses Both Legs in Non-Racing Accident at LMS Dirt Track: A foundation has been set up for Chris James following an accident on Wednesday night at The Dirt Track @ Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Injuries stemming from the incident required the amputation of both of James’ legs. James is a regular driver with the Redneck Racing Series and CRASHCar division at the Lowe’s Motor Speedway. He pilots the #38 “Rimer Rocket.” The 40-year-old James is married to his wife Lori and has two children, Lynn (19) and Mandi (17). James was injured while volunteering to drive a “packer” car at The Dirt Track @ Lowe’s Motor Speedway on Wednesday night prior to the World of Outlaws event at the track. James has driven “packer” cars for several years and was helping to get the track in shape for the night’s racing. James got out of his car to allegedly remove a piece of debris from the track and was subsequently hit by another “packer” car, pinning him against his car and the wall. James was airlifted to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he has undergone several operations, including one that resulted in both of his legs being amputated below the knee. James will remain in the hospital for an unknown period of time. More info on how to donate and the wreck at 51sportsracing.com.(5-27-2006)
NASCAR Foundation established: NASCAR announced the establishment of the NASCAR Foundation, a 501 © (3) non-profit entity that will serve as the liaison between the sport and all of the charitable causes supported by its different constituents. The Foundation will review charity requests on a regular basis and over time, will expand its focus beyond the industry-related charities that NASCAR currently supports. Betty Jane France has been a leader of NASCAR charitable projects, most notably Speediatrics, a NASCAR themed pediatric unit at Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach and Homestead Hospital in Homestead, Fla. Mrs. France believes the NASCAR Foundation will be an effective tool in making a positive and lasting impact in the community. “NASCAR actively supports charities and is devoted to being a leader in the area of public service,” said Mrs. France, who will serve as chairman of the NASCAR Foundation Board. “We are fortunate to have a wonderful group of drivers, owners, teams, tracks and sponsors, along with more than 75 million fans that believe in providing opportunities for those in need. The NASCAR Foundation will link all of our charitable initiatives, and working together, we will make a difference.”
“NASCAR is committed to helping improve the lives of people and those in need and we are excited about the opportunities for community service through our NASCAR Foundation.” said Mike Helton, NASCAR president and NASCAR Foundation Board vice chairman.
Through the NASCAR Foundation, the general public will have opportunities to become involved with the community service projects NASCAR supports. The largest annual charity event supported by the NASCAR Foundation is NASCAR Day. For a $5 donation, participants receive an official NASCAR Day lapel pin and have the opportunity to wear their favorite NASCAR apparel to work. In just its second year, 240,000 pins were sold for NASCAR Day 2005, raising $1.2 million overall. More than 2,500 companies participated in NASCAR Day last year, with the initiative benefiting the three designated charities – Victory Junction Gang Camp, Speediatrics and Speedway Children’s Charities.
The NASCAR Foundation will also work with drivers and their foundations or favorite charity. Kyle Petty, who along with his wife, Pattie, founded the Victory Junction Gang Camp in honor of their late son, Adam, says the NASCAR Foundation will be a great asset to furthering the assistance the sport can provide to those in need.
“From the very beginning, NASCAR has been a tremendous help to the Victory Junction Gang Camp,” said Petty, driver of the #45 Dodge. “We received so much support from NASCAR when we first announced the camp and it wasn’t long after that, the camp became an official NASCAR charity. That really allowed the camp to move to a national level and reach an even greater number of young people. The Victory Junction Gang Camp is up and running today in large part because of NASCAR, its drivers, sponsors and all of the loyal fans who follow the sport. I believe the NASCAR Foundation is only going to continue to improve the Victory Junction Gang Camp and benefit all of the charitable efforts that NASCAR sponsors.”
The NASCAR Foundation Board will consist of Betty Jane France, chairman; Mike Helton, vice chairman; Jim Hunter, vice president; Todd Wilson, treasurer; and Jennifer F. Bates, vice chairman, secretary. Sandy Marshall, who has served as NASCAR’s senior manager for Community Relations for the past three years and is based in Charlotte, will be executive director of the NASCAR Foundation. For more information on the NASCAR Foundation, visit www.NASCAR.COM/foundation.
About the NASCAR Foundation: The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc., (NASCAR) launched the NASCAR Foundation in January 2006. The Foundation, headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is a 501 © (3) non-profit entity that embodies the compassion of the NASCAR Family and its commitment to serving communities. The Foundation supports a wide range of charitable initiatives that reflect the core values of the entire NASCAR Family. The NASCAR Foundation will use strength of the sport and its people to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. For more information on the NASCAR Foundation, please visit the website: www.nascar.com/foundation.(1-18-2006)
Dale Earnhardt Foundation rides with Andy Pilgrim into "The Driving Zone" The Dale Earnhardt Foundation has partnered with four-time road racing champion Andy Pilgrim in the release of "The Driving Zone" DVD for new drivers. The 30-minute presentation has an introduction by Teresa Earnhardt, President and CEO of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. and her daughter, Taylor. They are joined by Dale Earnhardt, Jr. as he assists Pilgrim in the instructional portions. Pilgrim discusses issues pertinent to new drivers throughout the DVD. He addresses everything from "internal distractions" to his "3-2-1-Go" method utilized before getting behind the wheel of a vehicle. The catalyst for Pilgrim to host and produce this presentation came from events he witnessed and heard of during his travels around the country. Pilgrim started to receive immediate feedback from students and parents. They said there was so much good information in his talks and they couldn't have said it better to their own children. As a champion race driver, Dale Earnhardt knew daily the risks we all face behind the wheel. As a father, he made sure his children exercised good judgment and had proper training before getting behind the wheel - whether it be a race car or personal vehicle.
The Dale Earnhardt Foundation is proud to help make this video possible, both as a valuable teaching and training aid for today's young driver; but also in the hope that the lessons taught will reduce highway accidents involving young drivers and ultimately save lives. The Foundation supports charitable causes regarding children and their education. A portion of the proceeds will directly fund the continuation of those efforts through the Foundation. During an upcoming appearance on QVC Friday, Aug. 19 at 10:00pm/et, Earnhardt, Jr. will talk a little more about "The Driving Zone" during a segment of the show. It will be available for purchase ($14.95 plus shipping) through TheDaleEarnhardtFoundation.org, the E Store Online at DaleEarnhardtInc.com , DaleJr.com, and AndyPilgrim.com. You can also order one by calling 1-800-220-5711 beginning on Friday, August 19. This is NOT the toll free number for the Retail Store at Dale Earnhardt, Inc. in Mooresville, NC.(DEI PR)(8-19-2005)

Victory Junction Gang Camp Posters
NASCAR licensed artist Jane Gilltrap Bready has released a poster benefiting the Victory Junction Gang Camp. The poster is licensed by NASCAR, The Victory Junction Gang Camp and is sponsored by Goody's Headache Powders. The poster features portraits of Adam and Kyle Petty, scenes from the Victory Junction Gang Camp Ride across America, as well as racing scenes and a vision of the Camp. " I hope that people really enjoy this poster," says Bready, " and it's a wonderful way of supporting the Camp."

The posters are available for $20 at www.autosportsart.com or 1-800-584-9180 with 100% of the proceeds going to the Victory Junction Gang Camp. " If we can sell all of the posters we can raise $200,000 for the Camp, and that's our goal", said Bready.

ALSO: NASCAR licensed artist Jane Gilltrap Bready has released a poster licensed by the Victory Junction Gang Camp, NASCAR, and is sponsored by Goody's Headache Powders. 100 percent of the proceeds of the sale of these posters go to benefit the Camp. The artist will be attending the Gibbs Racing Fall Fan Fest on October 10th, 2003 from 8am to 2 pm and will have a number of these posters on hand for fans to purchase. The poster features portraits of Adam and Kyle Petty, scenes from the Victory Junction Gang Camp Ride across America, as well as racing scenes and a vision of the Camp. " I hope that people really enjoy this poster," says Bready, " and it's a wonderful way of supporting the Camp".

more info at the Victory Junction Gang Camp site.
Victory Junction Gang Camp Opens: I attended the grand opening of the Victory Junction Gang Camp on Tuesday [June 15th] and was blown away by the camp and all it's beautiful buildings. The event was well organized, enjoyable and quite emotional [yes I shed a few tears]. I got to see the computer lab funded by readers of Jayski.com an was shocked to see a huge Jayski banner adorning the wall of the Silver Theatre where the lab is located, the home page for all the computers is Jayski.com, I was quite humbled. If nothing else becomes of this site, knowing that I and the readers were in some small part able to help the Petty's and kids, all the hard work is worth it and really motivates me to continue and keep working at it. The folks attending the event were quite impressive, all the Petty's were there, Paul Newman, Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Brian Vickers, Robbie Loomis, Benny Parsons, Ned Jarrett, Gov. Mike Easley, Rep. Karen Ray and just so many people, some I knew, some I met. Brian and Heather [and Mechanzie?] Collier and their staff have done an awesome job, I was just in awe and shocked at the place. Even on-and-off showers couldn't dampen the night or the spirits of everyone there. I dropped off my check for Robby Gordon's double [$815 - for each mile he ran at Indy and LMS - plus I added a bonus of $185], so the computer lab fund is up over $12,000 now]. I took a bunch on pics and hope to post them soon, but FoxSports.com has a few images posted to get ya started at: PHOTOS: Victory Junction Gang Camp grand opening and see a good PR about the night at Catchfence.com and story at the Rocky Mount Telegram. I plan to come up sometime soon once things settle down and spend a day up there, updating from the Computer lab and seeing the staff and kids and helping in anyway I can. And thanks to Kyle and Pattie Petty for the kind words, it means alot to help out.(6-16-2004)

COOKBOOK for GOOD CAUSE
Burn Rubber, Not Dinner! Marlinites have united to create a unique collection of recipes for you to enjoy! From quick and simple dinner dishes to sinfully scrumptious desserts, there is sure to be a recipe to suit every taste!

The Inspiration "Burn Rubber, Not Dinner!" was inspired by Braden Koozer, a young fan of Sterling Marlin who proudly represents the March of Dimes and their fight against birth defects. His determination to succeed in everything he does prompted Marlinites to participate in a fundraising project for the March of Dimes.

Proceeds from "Burn Rubber, Not Dinner!" will be divided between The March of Dimes and The Neuroblastoma Childrens Cancer Society, the latter donation in memory of Eric Reding who fought valiantly against this disease but lost his battle. We hope with our contributions to these organizations we can offer hope of a cure to other children.

Ordering Information "Burn Rubber, Not Dinner!" is $7.50 per cookbook. (Please add $2.00 shipping and handling per book, $2.50 per book for shipments to Canada.) All proceeds benefit The March of Dimes Foundation and The Neuroblastoma Childrens Cancer Society.

Cookbooks make great gifts - order a few extra copies to have on hand for bridal showers, wedding gifts, birthdays or Christmas gifts!

Please send check or money order to Heather Rudlaff at:

Burn Rubber, Not Dinner!
4736 E. River Road
Buchanan, Michigan 49107

Please be sure to include your shipping address with your order.

Any questions, please contact them at: burn_rubber_not_dinner@yahoo.com

Burn Rubber, Not Dinner!

Race Day Cuisine
Wheelz.net, the official website for Wheelz Enterprises, is your exclusive online source for their book, Race Day Cuisine. More than just a cookbook, Race Day Cuisine features all of your favorite racers sharing their families treasured recipes.
Introducing the first cookbook exclusively written by race drivers.
Race Day Cuisine is the world's first cookbook with recipes provided by motorsports celebrities like Mario Andretti, Richard Petty, Dan Gurney, Butch Leitzinger, Hurley Haywood, Jack Baldwin, Derek Bell, Boris Said, Bill Elliot and many, many more
This unique collection features your favorite drivers from various racing series, from NASCAR to IMSA, and the number of books printed is strictly limited. This is a must for all motorsports fans and enthusiasts

A portion of the proceeds from RACEDAY CUISINE benefit Canine Companions for Independence and their work to train service dogs for children and adults with physical handicaps.

More info and to order the book, see Wheelz.net