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SPECIAL EVENT (CHARLOTTE, NC.) - NASCAR Day 2008 Celebrates Five Years Of Caring On May 16


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The NASCAR Foundation announced today that it will celebrate “Five Years of Caring” May 16 during the fifth anniversary of NASCAR Day.

Present for the announcement at Daytona International Speedway was country music superstar Garth Brooks. As part of his role, Brooks will appear in a print, radio and television advertising campaign that will debut during the 50th running of the Daytona 500 on Feb. 17, 2008 (FOX, 2 p.m. ET). Past celebrity supporters for NASCAR Day include Will Ferrell and Kelly Clarkson.

“It’s an honor to have Garth serve as the face of our 2008 NASCAR Day campaign,” said Mike Helton, NASCAR president and NASCAR Foundation board member. “We are thrilled to have someone of Garth Brooks’ magnitude. He will be a great ambassador for NASCAR Fans, NASCAR Day and the NASCAR Foundation.”

Over the past five years, nearly five million dollars has been raised to help those who need it most in a celebration as unique as the sport itself. NASCAR Day, celebrated annually on the third Friday in May, is an opportunity for fans, corporations, schools and organizations across the country to donate $5 to The NASCAR Foundation to raise funds for its Family of Charities in an effort to help thousands of children live better lives.

In 2007, The NASCAR Foundation donated $500,000 to Kyle and Pattie Petty’s Victory Junction Gang Camp from funds raised during NASCAR Day. As a result of NASCAR Day last year, The Home Depot was able to raise $400,000 for The NASCAR Foundation with a portion of those funds benefiting KaBOOM!, a national non-profit organization that envisions a great place to play within walking distance of every child in America. During that same year The Foundation also donated $250,000 to Speediatrics, motorsports-themed pediatric units at Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach, Fla., and Homestead Hospital in Homestead, Fla.

In the spirit of Five Years of Caring, here are five ways that people can get involved in this annual celebration:

1. Make a $5 donation for the “2008 5th Anniversary NASCAR Day” collectable lapel pin. 2. Register to become a NASCAR Day Crew Chief at your corporation, school or organization. 3. Tell a friend or co-worker about NASCAR Day. 4. Volunteer at a NASCAR Foundation booth, visit www.nascar.com/foundation to join the Volunteer Network and learn about opportunities. 5. Call in to the NASCAR Day Telethon on May 16 to make a donation and show your support.

To get your 2008 NASCAR Day collectable lapel pin or for more information about NASCAR Day visit www.nascar.com/nascarday.

Notes to Editors:

* The inaugural NASCAR Day was held on Friday, Aug. 20, 2004. * In 2005, NASCAR Day was moved to the third Friday in May, where it has been celebrated every year since. * 2005 marked the first year where NASCAR Day raised over $1 million. * In 2007, NASCAR Partner The Home Depot helped raise $400,000 through its involvement selling the collectable lapel pins. * The First Annual NASCAR Day Telethon was held on May 18, 2007 with more than 25 participating drivers and NASCAR celebrities. * In 2007, The NASCAR Foundation made its single largest donation to date from the funds raised during NASCAR Day with a $500,000 check to Victory Junction Gang.

About The NASCAR Foundation

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc., (NASCAR) launched The NASCAR Foundation in January 2006. The Foundation is a 501(c)(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.