| Most non-racing fans don't associate the rowdy men | | | | comfortable as possible during a hospital stay. The |
| of NASCAR with the giving spirit that it takes to be | | | | goal of the unit is to allow children to heal in a place |
| involved with charities. Real racing fans know the | | | | that is fun and inviting. The unit's waiting room, |
| truth that NASCAR is one of the most giving of all | | | | nurse's station, walls, patient rooms and playroom are |
| professional sports. The NASCAR Foundation was | | | | decorated with a NASCAR theme that includes race |
| started in 2006 as a link between the sport and all of | | | | cars, checkered flags, and cartoon characters named |
| the charitable causes supported by its different | | | | Traxx, Curves, Six-Speed, and Clutch. |
| elements. They support over 30 assorted charities | | | | The NASCAR Foundation raises money in many |
| and foundations many of which are run by the | | | | different ways and virtually every one of the people |
| drivers, their wives, teams and team owners. Two of | | | | associated with the sport contribute. There is an |
| the many charities that benefit from its largess are | | | | online auction conducted routinely, last year a |
| the Victory Junction Gang Camp and Speediatrics. | | | | motorcycle was auctioned off, this year Dodge has |
| Victory Junction Gang Camp was founded by Kyle | | | | donated a 2008 Dodge Challenger painted Petty blue. |
| and Pattie Petty in memory of their son, Adam | | | | NASCAR Day is another huge moneymaker, donate |
| Petty, who was killed in an accident during practice at | | | | $5, you get a pin and participating employers allow |
| New Hampshire International Speedway. The idea for | | | | you to wear your NASCAR gear to work. There are |
| the camp was Adam's and it's purpose is to provide | | | | many more fundraisers including track walks, races, |
| a place for terminally ill, and chronically ill children to | | | | motorcycle rides and sporting events. Beginning in |
| have a camp experience that otherwise wouldn't be | | | | 2008, NASCAR has taken it one step further in an |
| an option due to their illness. The camp has received | | | | unprecedented move. All drivers fines will go to The |
| support from many NASCAR drivers, teams, and | | | | NASCAR Foundation, where before the fines went |
| sponsors, including Tony Stewart, one of the | | | | into NASCAR's pocket. Some may say this will |
| rowdiest drivers in NASCAR. Tony Stewart has | | | | encourage drivers to behave badly, but at least |
| donated well over 2 million dollars to the camp. | | | | someone worthy will benefit. |
| Speediatrics was founded by Betty Jane France, wife | | | | NASCAR owners, drivers and teams are making a |
| of the late co-founder, chairman and CEO of | | | | bundle of money nowadays. The NASCAR |
| NASCAR, Bill France. Speediatrics is a pediatric unit | | | | Foundation, driver foundations and individual NASCAR |
| located at Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach, | | | | charities are a way for them to give back to the |
| FL and Homestead Hospital in Miami, FL. Its cheerful | | | | communities and help out those in need. |
| decor is designed to make children feel as | | | | |