If you don't know by now, this weekend NASCAR and Autism Speaks are joining to raise awareness of Autism. Here is a copy of the Press Release for this weekend's event, put out by Gary Camp, Director of Public Relations, Dover International Speedway.
"May 22, 2009
NASCAR teams in all three series to sport Autism Speaks logo during May 29-31 race weekend at Dover International Speedway
DOVER, Del. – Since the title of the Sunday, May 31, 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway was announced, the NASCAR community has come together to offer their support for a great cause. Drivers and teams in all three of NASCAR’s national series have answered the call to sport the Autism Speaks blue puzzle piece logo on their vehicles as a sign of support for the nation’s leading autism science and advocacy organization.
Race fans at the track and watching at home will see a variety of NASCAR cars and trucks with the very recognizable logo on their vehicles. 15 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams entered in the “Autism Speaks 400, presented by Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips & Cheese” on May 31, six NASCAR Nationwide Series teams entered in the “Heluva Good! 200” on May 30, and nine teams entered in the “AAA Insurance 200” on May 29 have volunteered to carry the logo throughout the race weekend.
Participating drivers and teams include:
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Casey Mears, No. 07 Jack Daniel’s Chevrolet Impala SS
Kasey Kahne, No. 9 Budweiser Dodge Charger
Max Papis, No. 13 GEICO Toyota Camry
Tony Stewart, No. 14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevrolet Impala SS
Elliott Sadler, No. 19 Stanley Dodge Charger
Jamie McMurray, No. 26 Crown Royal Ford Fusion
Kevin Harvick, No. 29 Shell/Pennzoil Chevrolet Impala SS
Jeff Burton, No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet Impala SS
Clint Bowyer, No. 33 Cheerios/Hamburger Helper Chevrolet Impala SS
Ryan Newman, No. 39 U.S. Army/Haas Automation Chevrolet Impala SS
Reed Sorenson, No. 43 Air Force Dodge Charger
A.J. Allmendinger, No. 44 Valvoline Dodge Charger
Regan Smith, No. 78 Furniture Row Racing Chevrolet Impala SS
Bobby Labonte, No. 96 Ask.com Ford Fusion
Paul Menard, No. 98 Menards Ford Fusion
NASCAR Nationwide Series
Michael Annett, No. 15 Pilot Travel Centers Toyota Camry
Eric McClure, No. 24 Hefty Odor Block Ford Fusion
Kenny Wallace, No. 28 U.S. Border Patrol Monte Carlo SS
Clint Bowyer, No. 29 Holiday Inn Chevrolet Impala SS
Kertus Davis, No. 49 Get More Vacations.com Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS
Morgan Shepherd, No. 89 Eldora Speedway/Prelude to the Dream Chevrolet Impala SS
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
Johnny Benson, No. 1 Toyota Tundra
Max Papis, No. 9 GEICO Toyota Tundra
TJ Bell, No. 11 VisitPIT.com Toyota Tundra
James Buescher, No. 10 International MaxxForce Diesel Ford F-150
Rick Crawford, No. 14 International Truck & Engines Ford F-150
Brian Scott, No. 16 Albertsons Toyota Tundra
David Starr, No. 24 Autism Speaks/ HT Motorsports Toyota Tundra
Terry Cook, No. 25 Cajun Industries Toyota Tundra
Todd Bodine, No. 30 Copart Toyota Tundra
Bobby Labonte, driver of the No. 96 Ask.com Ford in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, and David Starr, driver of the No. 24 Autism Speaks/ HT Motorsports Toyota in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, have taken their support to the next level. Both Labonte’s Ford Fusion and Starr’s Toyota Tundra will sport Autism Speaks’ signature puzzle piece logo, “It’s time to listen,” phrase and website address AutismSpeaks.org on their quarter panels. Starr will also feature the same messaging proudly on his hood.
Fans wanting to support Autism Speaks and wear the colors of the organization are encouraged to purchase a limited-edition Autism Speaks 400 collectible pin. Pins will be available at Dover International Speedway souvenir locations at the track on race weekend. The pin retails for $7 and a portion of all sales will benefit Autism Speaks.
Great seats still remain for the May 29-31, 2009 race weekend at the Monster Mile. To purchase tickets, or for more information, call 800-441-RACE or visit DoverSpeedway.com.
About Autism
Autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 150 children in the United States, affecting four times as many boys as girls. The prevalence of autism has increased tenfold in the last decade. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.
About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is the nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks funds more than $30 million each year in new autism research, in addition to supporting the Autism Treatment Network, Autism Genetic Resource Exchange, Autism Clinical Trials Network, Autism Tissue Program and a range of other scientific and medical programs. Notable awareness initiatives include the establishment of the annual United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 and an award-winning, multi-year national public service advertising campaign with the Ad Council. Autism Speaks’ family services efforts include the Autism Video Glossary, a 100 Day Kit for newly-diagnosed families, a School Community Tool Kit and the distribution of community grants to local service providers. Its government relations department, through its Autism Votes initiative, has played a critical role in securing federal legislation to advance the federal government’s response to autism, and has successfully advocated for insurance reform to require insurers to cover medically-necessary autism therapies. Each year, Autism Speaks Walk Now for Autism fundraising events are held in more than 70 cities across the country, as well as Canada and the United Kingdom. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. To learn more about Autism Speaks, visit www.AutismSpeaks.org.
About Dover International Speedway
Dover International Speedway is owned by Dover Motorsports, Inc. (NYSE: DVD), a leading promoter of motorsports events in the United States. DVD subsidiaries operate four tracks in three states, and present more than 400 motorsports events each year. This includes 14 major, national events which include races sanctioned by NASCAR and NHRA. Dover Motorsports, Inc. also owns and operates Gateway International Raceway near St. Louis, Mo., Memphis Motorsports Park in Memphis, Tenn., and Nashville Superspeedway near Nashville, Tenn. For further information log on to www.DoverMotorsports.com."
1 comments:
That is awesome that NASCAR teamed up for a good cause. I am not a mommy, but I can only imagine how difficult it is to have a special needs child. I know that they are such a blessing, but that it is also such a challenge! You're doing a great thing raising awareness!
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