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NASCAR: NASCAR Rigs to Lead Hayride 500 III for Hurricane Relief

25 September 1999

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

HARRISBURG, N.C.-- Passing NASCAR haulers on the highway is common in North Carolina, but Wednesday, things are going to be a little different.

Hendrick Motorsports, Richard Childress Racing and Mattei Motorsports rigs will lead a convoy of tractor trailers from Lowe's Motor Speedway at Charlotte to flood sites in eastern North Carolina at approximately 8:30 a.m.

Hayride 500 III is a relief effort to aid people left homeless or stranded in the aftermath of Hurricane Floyd. Thirteen years ago, Hayride 500 I & II brought hay and other resources to farmers in North Carolina and Ohio, helping them through crippling droughts.

The rigs will be loaded with items collected at sites across North Carolina, including bottled water, baby supplies, non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies and tools needed for the major cleanup. Fans are welcome and last-minute donations will be accepted.

"This will be a major show of force for the world to see the power of motor sports fans," says Tom Cotter, CEO of Cotter Group, the motor sports marketing and public relations firm organizing the relief effort.

"We are getting calls from a thousand miles away from people wanting to help people they don't even know, and their only link is a love of racing."

To offer financial support, mail checks to: Hurricane Floyd Relief Fund, Office of the Governor, 20301 Mail Services Center, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-0301. For more information, call (704) 455-3500.

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