Giving Back: A Look At The NASCAR Foundation

We all know drivers and crews and members of NASCAR community all believe in giving back. In a time of year when giving should be better than receiving I am going to each week look at two  charity organizations within NASCAR that do just that; Give back.

The NASCAR foundation core statement is:

"The NASCAR Foundation embodies the compassion of the NASCAR Family and our commitment to serving communities. The Foundation supports a wide range of charitable initiatives that reflect the core values of the entire NASCAR Family. The NASCAR Foundation will use the strength of the sport and its people to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most."

This statement generally represents many of the drivers and crew foundations. Giving back to the community both in their own back yard and  ours. For the sanctioning body this has never been more true.

Throughout the season  the foundation holds track walks at places like Lowe's Motorspeedway and  Dover International Speedway. Where the public can come out and walk on the track that their  favorite drivers  race at all while raising money for great causes.

Many drivers like Kasey Kahne and Greg Biffle and others participate with the walkers signing autographs and being one on one with the fans.

Track walks happen early on Sunday or Saturday morning before race activities begin for the day. All money raised go to NASCAR charities to help people in need.

The NASCAR Foundation also works with driver charities and helps them raise money too. Drivers like Kasey Kahne and Jimmie Johnson all  work with the foundation to raise money for their specific causes. Which in turn helps all those involved with both groups. 

One of NASCAR major success is NASCAR Day.Held in early May with conjunction with the All-star Race at Lowe's. On Friday of race weekend hundreds come together to a phone bank and the fans get to call in and make a donation to your drivers charity or the foundation as a whole.

Throughout the day drivers and crew members also participate by answering phones and talking with the fans as they make donations. A great way for fans and drivers to interact away from pit road.

Fans get to dress up and where there drivers colors to work, school and represent the sport and promote giving back in your own community. This is  one of NASCAR's most successful programs and this year the foundation raised $1.6 million through donations by fans and corporate dollars.

This money goes to building parks,equipment for hospitals, and  funding for Victory Junction Gang Camps and much more. All giving back to the people who built this sport; the fans.

Throughout the year the  NASCAR foundation holds online auctions, and also has a blood  and marrow program. There are countless ways for the fans to get involved with their favorite drivers foundation and make a difference in their own community at the same time.

NASCAR also donates the money collected from any fines issued throughout the season those go to the foundation. So in turn your driver's mistakes end up being turned into  benefiting and helping out a charity in return.

Giving back isn't just about the holiday season and gifts it's about giving back to our communities and the NASCAR Foundation has found a way to incorporate your passion for the sport and the communities we represents.

For more information on the track walks, auctions and NASCAR Day and how you can give back even in the off season check out www.nascar.com for more information on ways you can give back. 

Next week: Victory Junction Gang and the Kasey Kahne Foundation.