Honorary Starter Up for Auction for VFW 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Race - All proceeds to benefit the VFW Foundation's Return the Favor Campaign

BROOKLYN, May 17, 2010: Michigan International Speedway and the VFW Foundation have announced that the “Honorary Starter” position for the June 12, 2010, VFW 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race is up for auction.

Along with the official VFW 200 Honorary Starter designation, the highest bidder will receive two (2) passes to the VFW Pit Road Suite and two (2) Cold Garage passes provided by MIS Cares. The auction started May 10 and runs through June 1. Fans can place bids by visiting auctions.nascar.com.

MIS Cares will donate all proceeds to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, to benefit its “Return the Favor” campaign which is designed to honor military personnel and their families who have often personally sacrificed so much for us all. Return the Favor programs and services provide assistance for troops abroad, deserving military families from all branches of the military back in the U.S. or America’s often forgotten veterans.

In conjunction with the VFW 200 race, the VFW Foundation will host over 250 military guests (many of whom are on leave from Iraq or Afghanistan) to special VIP track hospitality and a unique up-close NASCAR experience.

“Unfortunately, U.S. troops rarely have the luxury to attend sporting events or entertainment activities, so that’s where we step in. It’s our way of ‘saying thanks’ for all they do,” said John G. Lowe, VFW Foundation Deputy Director. “Our Return the Favor events not only boost troop morale but also draw attention to the urgent needs of U.S. military service personnel. It also allows us to get the word out about our other programs and services. These include free communication options for troops overseas so they can call home on a regular basis and financial assistance to their families for rent, mortgage, utilities, vehicle repair, food and medicine.”

To learn more, please visit: www.ReturnTheFavor.org or you can donate via your cell phone by texting “RETURN” to 90999 to make a $10 donation.