Fundraising Summer Success Provides Momentum for Classroom Donations! (#nascar)

The NASCAR Foundation had a full summer of fundraising, from a Camping World SuperCenter retail campaign to our annual Pocono Celebrity Charity Poker Showdown to much more. As they wrapped up their fundraisers earlier in August, they jumped into funding classroom projects! Donations include reading tablets, iPads, projectors and several other innovative technological resources to schools in race markets across the country.

Aiding in their recent classroom donations was the support by Camping World SuperCenters, employees and their customers! At the register, between June 1 and August 3, employees collected donations through our collectible pins and pin ups! 

The campaign at over 100 SuperCenters nationwide raised almost $5,000 to help turn kids into winners. Most of those donations came through $1 pin ups; this is heartwarming to recognize thousands of individuals and families support The NASCAR Foundation’s mission of helping children learn how to win, both inside and outside of the classroom, through a variety of educational opportunities.

Every Child Deserves a Champion

#NASCAR Kids Play Together On The Grass

The Harvicks and Kenseths families spend time together before driver intros before the "Great Clips 300 to benefit Feed The Children" Nationwide Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Harvick night was a smashing success, leading the final 159 laps to beat Joey Logano and win an unusually wreck-free NASCAR Nationwide Series race.  Harvick, who will start from the pole Sunday night in the NASCAR Sprint Cup race, took the lead on the 37th lap and ruled the 1.54-mile tri-oval for his third win of the season in 11 races.

 "Obviously, the car was flawless from start to finish," Harvick reported 

Matt Kenseth was quickest during happy hour for the Great Clips 300 with a speed of 177.738mph.  He qualified sixth and finished the race in eleventh - one lap down.

#NASCAR 's Jeff Gordon's 2014 Corvette Raffle

Wow is it that time already! #NASCAR Race Mom better hurry and buy her Raffle Ticket.

Enter now to win Jeff Gordon's personal 2014 Corvette Convertible Stingray with 3LT. And, if winning wasn't enough, all Federal taxes for the Corvette will be paid for as well! 

Proceeds benefit pediatric cancer research and access to treatment. Each raffle ticket is $100, only 7,500 tickets will be sold. 

The raffle will end on September 29, 2014 or when all tickets have been sold, which ever occurs first. Jeff Gordon will personally hand over the keys to the lucky winner. 

 Click here to buy your tickets

NASCAR Race Mom has her fingers crossed that she be the lucky winner to meet Superstar Gordon and drive home in his Corvette Convertible.  Nevertheless NRM is already a winner knowing that her $100 will help children in need!






Please read the Rules and Regulations before purchasing a ticket.

Chase Starts In Chicagoland!

For the fourth consecutive year, the Chase Starts In Chicagoland!

The first race in the 2014 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup begins with the MyAFibStory.com 400 on Sunday, September 14, 2014! This race at the Chicagoland Speedway is very Kid Friendly. 

 

Last year's race winner, Matt Kenseth, looks to defend his 2013 win and gain his second trip to Gatorade Victory Lane at Chicagoland Speedway. Who will win this year? Experience all of the action for yourself live and in person!

Kyle Larson: A Rookie on a Roll

Kyle Larson: A Rookie on a Roll

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series rookie Kyle Larson has had an exciting season. So far, the 22-year-old Asian-American, who is a graduate of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program, has earned his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series pole at Pocono Raceway, won his first NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Auto Club Speedway and is close to earning a coveted spot in the NASCAR Chase for the Sprint Cup. It’s also been in an exciting year in his personal life; shortly after purchasing his first home in North Carolina, Larson announced that he and his girlfriend are expecting a baby boy in December. ( https://twitter.com/KyleLarsonRacin/status/495357352171044864 ) In a recent interview with Fox Sports , the California-native showed optimism about making...Read More

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NASCAR inGEAR

NASCAR President Accepts ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

NASCAR President Accepts ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

"This goes to show that we work hard, but we play hard, too." Said Helton.

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NASCAR inGEAR

Dale Jr. Douses Girlfriend for ALS Ice Bucket...

Dale Jr. Douses Girlfriend for ALS Ice Bucket...

Earnhardt poured the ice bucket over his girlfriend, Amy Reimann. See who she called out next!

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NASCAR inGEAR

A New Playoff Format

A New Playoff Format

With just three races left in the regular season, NASCAR’s version of the playoffs – the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup – is right around the corner. With a new format unveiled at the start of the season, the 10 race Chase is fixing to be the most dramatic and exciting yet. As the Chase Grid (the 16 drivers eligible to compete for the Championship) is finalized in the next three weeks, it’s the perfect time for a refresher on the new format. Chase-locked drivers Jimmie Johnson, Kyle Busch, Kurt Busch and Carl Edwards help spread the word about the all new Chase in this video ( http://nas.cr/BXQ1 ) and on Twitter. As the start of the Chase looms, the questions continue – which drivers will be in the Chase Grid and who will be left on...Read More

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NASCAR inGEAR

A Battle On and Off the Track

A Battle On and Off the Track

Jimmie Johnson & Ryan Newman Have Heated Discussion in Garage After Race – trickles to ALS Ice Bucket Challenge call outs!

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NASCAR inGEAR

My ALS Ice Bucket Challenge #icebucketchallenge #nascar

As of Sunday, August 17, 2014, The ALS Association has received $13.3 million in donations compared to $1.7 million during the same time period last year (July 29 to August 17). These donations have come from existing donors and 259,505 new donors to The Association.

The ALS Association’s mission includes providing care services to assist people with ALS and their families through a network of chapters working in communities across the nation and a global research program focused on the discovery of treatments and eventually a cure for the disease. In addition, The Association’s public policy efforts empower people to advance public policies in our nation’s Capital that respond to the needs of people with ALS.

NASCAR Race Mom was challenged to the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge by my ex-friend Richard. . . . 

So here I am to nominate my four soon-to-be ex-friends to accept this worthwhile challenge. In keeping with my NASCAR Mommy blog themes, my four nominees are Jen Kwasniewski (Dylan's Mom); Heidi Pursley (Taylor and Tyler’s Mom), my buddy Cindi Peace (Kelsy’s Mom) and I would not want to forget our dads so I also nominate Butch Gilliland (Amanda, Lisa, & David’s Dad) 

Dylan Kwasniewski's Special Guest

Dylan Kwasniewski and the No. 42 team had a special guest with them this weekend at Mid-Ohio. Nationwide Children’s Hospital Patient Champion Reid Zupanc will serve as an honorary crewmember on the up & up team at Mid-Ohio.

In July 2011, Reid was diagnosed with a rare cancer called Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma. Following the diagnosis, Reid had multiple surgeries, six months of chemotherapy treatment, many labs drawn, multiple scans, a skin graft, lung fungus, and countless doctors appointments.

He will also have tissue expanders put in the top of his head so that in the future, he can have a full head of hair. Currently, Reid is free from treatment, but regularly visits Nationwide Children’s Hospital for preventative scans.

Kwasniewski started the race in twelfth and finished eighth.

Photo Credit:  2014 Action Sports Photography, Inc.

Driving Force for Nationwide Children's Hospital

The NASCAR Nationwide SeriesTM returns to the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, OH, for the Nationwide Children’s Hospital 200 Aug. 16, 2014.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital is title sponsor of the race with proceeds benefiting the hospital.

NASCAR Nationwide Series race salutes brave kids

The race will feature the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Patient Champion Program, which honors and celebrates the hospital’s brave young patients.

In a show of support, Nationwide Series teams, drivers and sponsors have donated portions of their race car’s paint schemes to feature designs by each of the children. Ten Patient Champions have been paired with these teams/drivers and given the opportunity to contribute to car design elements.

Kids earn VIP status

In addition to this on-car presence, the children’s names and paired team numbers will be featured in large grass logos around the Mid-Ohio racecourse.

And on race day, they’ll become honorary members of their respective teams and treated as VIPs.

Mid-Ohio a premier race venue

The Mid-Ohio racecourse is considered one of the most competitive in the U.S. It features a permanent road-racing circuit with two primary configurations: a 2.4-mile, 15-turn circuit, and a 2.25-mile, 13-turn circuit.

The complex in a park-like setting is located in Lexington, OH, 60 miles north of Columbus and 75 miles south of Cleveland.

Charitable and racing history

Since 2008, Nationwide has been the title sponsor of the NASCAR Nationwide Series and has been involved in the sport for more than 14 years.

The Nationwide Children’s Hospital 200 is part of our effort to raise awareness and more than $3 million for Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

For more than 50 years, Nationwide has partnered with Nationwide Children’s Hospital to provide lifesaving care to children and their families in our community and beyond.

They are committed to keeping our promise that no child need ever leave central Ohio for world-class medical care.

Summer In The Hospital, Battling A Life Threatening Illness Or Major Injury. . .

Can you imagine… It’s summer! A child’s most anticipated time of the year.

Now imagine being that child spending the summer in the hospital, battling a life threatening illness or major injury. Instead of enjoying the sunshine, you’re taking medicine, receiving painful injections, being carted around for medical tests or recovering from surgeries.

That’s the summer that some children in our racing communities are facing, like those in our Speediatrics units - unless you help! Your gift today - $15, $25, $50 or more - will help us continue to provide medical services to more than 27,000 children!

Speediatrics helps kids in underserved communities to a speedy recovery by providing a unique combination of caring, commitment and kindness, amid a racing- themed décor. Z., each year, the number of children who need medical care continues to grow.

Please help us reach out to these children by making your secure,
tax-deductible online gift today!

Speedway Children's Charities Auction Event

Ultimate Experiences Online Auction
Monday, August 4 - Monday, August 18, 2014

Ride of a Lifetime: 

Bid on your chance to ride with one of NASCAR’s superstars during driver introductions for the IRWIN Tools Night Race. Winning bidders (1 person) will climb into a FORD truck with their driver and make one lap around the famed oval. Some participating drivers include: Carl Edwards, Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick, Clint Bowyer, Kasey Kahne, Jeff Gordon and many more. 

You and your guest will also receive Cold Pit and pre-race passes for prior to the IRWIN Tools Night Race. Bidders must be 18. Only one person may ride with driver.

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Bristol Motor Speedway All Access Package:

This package Includes:

• 2 pre-race passes for the Food City 300 and IRWIN Tools Night Race. (Be on track for NASCAR’s most spectacular pre-race!)
• 2 Hot Pit Passes for use during the IRWIN Tools Night Race
• 2 Passes for the “Roof at Turn 4” located on the roof of the meida center inside the track.

Ability to park where full-time BMS employees park. Pass is valid for Friday and Saturday.

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PRN Spotter Package:

"Spot" with PRN radio broadcaster Rob Albright from the panoramic Bristol Motor Speedway rooftop, more than 10 stories, above turn 3 for the first 100 laps of the IRWIN Tools Night Race. Receive 2 tickets to the Skybox Lounge Suite, and enjoy a behind the scenes tour of the PRN command center. Meet the PRN team and tour the pits.

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IRWIN TOOLS NIGHT RACE – Celebration Package:

You and one guest will see the winner of the IRWIN Tools Night Race up close and personal from Victory Lane at Bristol Motor Speedway. Watch the last 50 laps from Victory Lane and experience the winner and team right after the race. You will also receive two tickets to the winner's toast promptly after.

Click Here to Bid Online

Brandon Jones, 17 Wins K&N Pro Series Showdown

#KNEast beats #KNWest Iowa Speedway (#nascar) 

The K&N Pro Series East vs. West rivalry drew a sizable car count of forty-four. Representing the East, Brandon Jones from Atlanta, GA started the battle from eighth yet emerged as another first-time winner in the Autolite Iridium XP 150. The 17-year-old is the eleventh different winner in eleven meetings at Iowa between the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and West. 

Brandon Jones celebrates in Victory Lane Friday at Iowa Speedway after winning the Autolite
Iridium XP 150, his first NASCAR K&N Pro Series win. (Getty Images for NASCAR)

It was Jones' twentieth career K&N Pro start. His 2014 already included a third-place run in the K&N Pro East opener at New Smyrna (Florida) Speedway and a runner-up at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida. He was also in contention for the win at New Hampshire Motor Speedway when his last-lap attempt to pass for the lead also collected Nick Drake and opened the door for Jesse Little to grab the victory.

Kenzie Ruston also an East driver finished in second place and eclipsed her own mark of third-place -- which she did twice -- as the highest finishing female in series history.

Greg Pursley finished ninth. As the highest finished West driver, he was credited with a victory for the K&N Pro West.

The Autolite Iridium XP 150 will air on FOX Sports 1 on Friday, Aug. 8 at 11 a.m.

Top Ten

1. Brandon Jones (E)
2. Kenzie Ruston (E)
3. Cole Custer (E)
4. Sergio Peña (E)
5. Scott Heckert (E)
6. Eddie MacDonald (E)
7. Ben Rhodes (E)
8. Kaz Grala (E)
9. Greg Pursley (W)
10. David Mayhew (W)

RACE STATISTICS

Fastest Qualifier: Jesse Little, Time: 23.883 Seconds, Speed: 131.893 mph

Failed to Qualify: (1) Chad Finley * (#29).

Time of Race: 1 hrs., 27 mins, 56 secs

Average Speed: 89.556 mph

Margin of Victory: .338 Seconds

Caution Flags: Laps 19-23; 61-66; 72-75; 130-138. 4 for 24 laps.

Lap Leaders: Jesse Little 1-24, Brodie Kostecki * 25-49, Ben Rhodes * 50-74, Sergio Peña 75, Cole Custer 76-140, Sergio Peña 141, Brandon Jones 142-150.

Total Laps Led: Cole Custer 65, Brodie Kostecki * 25, Ben Rhodes * 25, Jesse Little 24, Brandon Jones 9, Sergio Peña 2. 6 changes involving 6 drivers.

The NASCAR K&N Pro Series East will hit the road course next week with the Bully Hill Vineyards 125 at Watkins Glen International in New York on Friday, Aug. 8.

The next event for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West will be the NAPA Auto Parts/Toyota 150 at Evegreen Speedway in Monroe, Washington, on Saturday, Aug. 16.