Sanctioning Bodies - NASCAR Foundation Launches Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award

CHARLOTTE, June 2, 2011: The NASCAR Foundation will recognize the outstanding charitable and volunteer efforts of NASCAR fans by awarding the first annual Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award, which includes a $100,000 donation from The NASCAR Foundation to the children’s charity of the recipient’s choice.

The award will honor the passionate commitment Betty Jane France has demonstrated with her charitable works and community efforts. France has been a pioneer of charitable works in the NASCAR community and serves as Chairwoman and founder of The NASCAR Foundation. France also created the Speediatrics concept, a pediatric unit with a racing theme at both the Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach, Fla. and at the Betty Jane France Children's Emergency Center at Homestead Hospital in Homestead, Fla.

“Since 2006, The NASCAR Foundation has been inspired by the selfless dedication of our NASCAR fans to improve the lives of the children,” said Betty Jane France. “We have champions in every community and we are thrilled to recognize them with this Humanitarian Award.”

The four finalists chosen will receive a $25,000 donation to a children’s charity of their choice, a trip to a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race in 2011 and be part of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week in Las Vegas, where the winner will be announced and presented the award from Betty Jane France.

The winner receives the $100,000 donation from The NASCAR Foundation to their children’s charity and a 2012 Ford Explorer.

The award winner will be based on nominations where individuals submit a short story about the community work and focus on supporting children’s charities done by the nominee. The three criteria that will determine the winner, which is chosen by The NASCAR Foundation Board of Directors, include the long term commitment to children’s causes, impact on the local community and dedication for their efforts and passion for the sport of NASCAR.

Nominations will be accepted online at NASCAR.COM/Unites and through U.S. mail to: Betty Jane Humanitarian Award; The NASCAR Foundation; 550 South Caldwell Street, Suite 2000, Charlotte, N.C. 28202. The deadline for nominations is July 18.