State Senate Honors Charitable Spirit Of NASCAR Community

Albany, N.Y.-- The New York State Senateis honoring the charitable spirit of NASCAR fans by adopting a Legislative Resolution sponsored by Senator George H. Winner, Jr. (R-C, Elmira) calling for May 19, 2006 to be declared "NASCAR Day" in New York State.

NASCAR Day has become the signature charitable event of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) Foundation and draws generous support among the sport’s millions of fans nationwide. Twenty-five states, including New York, officially declared NASCAR Day celebrations in 2005.

"I’m proud to wave the green flag, so to speak, and start NASCAR Day 2006 in New York State," said Winner, whose legislative district in the Southern Tier-Finger Lakes region includes Watkins Glen International, home of NASCAR’s NEXTEL Cup racing at the Glen in August. "It’s an opportunity for us to draw the attention of NASCAR fans across New York to a worthwhile cause and a worthy opportunity to express their spirit and sense of community. We’re extremely proud to welcome the NASCAR community to Watkins Glen in August, and we know that their enthusiasm, loyalty and spirit are unmatched."

NASCAR Day is the organization’s largest annual charity event and an annual celebration of the spirit of the NASCAR community, which is proud of its distinction as the No. 1 spectator sport in America and boasts 75 million fans from coast-to-coast.

The resolutionadopted by the Senatereads, in part, "In 2004, NASCAR began an annual charity event called NASCAR Day, which unites NASCAR fans across the country by enabling them to participate in a common humanitarian event. . . Through the NASCAR Foundation, the general public is afforded opportunities to become involved with the community service projects NASCAR supports."

The cornerstone of the NASCAR Day event is the distribution of NASCAR Day collectible lapel pins, which fans can obtain for a $5 donation online. All NASCAR Day proceeds benefit the NASCAR Foundation and its wide range of charitable initiatives including enriching the lives of chronically ill children, expanding literacy, encouraging bone marrow donations and fighting cancer.

Winner noted that Watkins Glen celebrates 20 years of NASCAR NEXTEL Cup racing at the Glen this year. Opening Day festivities at the Glen are set for this Sunday, April 30 -- a kickoff celebration for the 2006 racing season with proceeds helping to support the NASCAR Foundation and its charitable endeavors. Click here for more information on this weekend's activities.

"This region is noted as the home of Watkins Glen International, which over the course of more than five decades has become a national institution -- the premiere road racing facility in America. Watkins Glen is a great source of pride to our region, an economic mainstay and a landmark that annually attracts visitors from around the world," said Winner.

Craig Rust, president of Watkins Glen International, added, "We appreciate the support that we continue to receive from the New York State Senate as well as Senator Winner, and know they understand the impact of NASCAR to the region and on a state level. We are thrilled, not only about the resolution, but are looking forward to helping the NASCAR Foundation this Sunday, when we will open our doors to an exciting 2006 racing season in New York State."

"NASCAR is committed to helping improve the lives of people and those in need and we are excited about the opportunities for community service through our NASCAR Foundation," said NASCAR President Mike Helton.