Customized Guitar for Charity

Sam Bass, the first officially licensed artist of NASCAR, has kindly agreed to design a NASCAR Unites – An American Salute guitar. The NASCAR Unites – An American Salute campaign was launched to honor our U.S. military members and their families. This guitar is a part of the NASCAR Unites – An American Salute military summer.

American pop band, Train, is scheduled to perform a pre-race concert at Daytona International Speedway prior to the Coke Zero 400. Train will autograph this guitar prior to performing in the pre-race concert. In addition to Train, this guitar will be autographed by the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers and by the artist, Sam Bass.

A very special thank you to Sam Bass for donating this guitar. Sam Bass supports The NASCAR Foundation through his original art and graphic design. Bass has also hosted the NASCAR Day Telethon at his gallery three times. For more information on NASCAR Unites – An American Salute please visit NASCAR.COM/Unites

Janet Bolin

Busy Weekend at MIS

I had a great time in Michigan last weekend.  We filmed a bundle of segments for Sprint Vision to showcase Officially Licensed NASCAR products for teams and drivers. 

My husband and I also had a chance to enjoy a couple of our favorite restaurants – Frickers and The Real Seafood Company.

Thank you to the volunteers I met working The NASCAR Foundation display at Michigan International Speedway.  It’s always fun to work with you all.  And, a super big thank you to our charity auction recipients, Bill and Kate from Delaware, who had the winning bid for the VIP Experience at MIS. 

Janet Bolin

Memorial Day Weekend

My Memorial Day Weekend included spending the day at Charlotte Motor Speedway with four Army Rangers from Fort Benning.  We had a full day planned for them, but like most adventures there can always be some surprises.

The first question I asked our Rangers was, "Who is your favorite driver?"  SGT Roberts liked Dale Jr., Specialist Baxter liked Carl Edwards and then Specialist Potter and PFC Toll both shared they didn't know much about the sport.  I love when there are newbies!  Our Rangers are highly skilled men who adapt and relate to all environments, so taking them behind the scenes at their first NASCAR race would be very exciting for them.

After taking a pace car ride, touring pit road, the infield Goodyear Tire Center, the Winner’s Circle, being introduced to the NASCAR Officials and each tech inspection station, I then introduced them to a very special man, my husband, Chip Bolin.  Chip gave them the behind the scenes tour of the #17 race hauler, opening their eyes to the side of the sport very few get a chance to experience.  Our Rangers kept looking at me with big smiles and a thumbs up, stating they had no idea all that went into being a competitor in NASCAR. 

So, my newbies, Specialist Potter and PFC Toll, were pretty geeked at this point.  Our next adventure was the mandatory NASCAR Driver and Crew Chief meeting.  For those who know, this is the one location, during each race weekend, where all of the competitors are in the same room, at the same time.  If you are a fan, it’s a lot to wrap your head around.  If you are new the sport, it really doesn’t hit you until later. 

We had a few Driver meet-n-greets lined up for the Rangers, but being in the same room with ALL of the Driver’s allowed them to also meet their favorites and get tons of autographs and photographs.  While this was all going on, SGT Roberts turned to me and asked if I’d take a photo of the group with the dignitaries seated at the front of the room.  So, I turned to see who they were talking about and I’m instantly greeted by three of the most decorated military hero’s we’ve ever had attend a race!  What an honor – for me!

What happened next was truly the most memorable event of the whole weekend.  I walked over to our military hero’s to thank them for their service and invite them to meet our Rangers.  These heroic gentlemen were so excited!  They couldn’t wait to talk with the Rangers!  To be witness to all of this was so heartwarming.  Each of them idolized the other.  What a delightful surprise.  (It was also fun to see the reactions of the Drivers and Crew Chief’s who were around us.)

After the Driver’s meeting we ventured to the start/finish line to see Darius Rucker, aka “Hootie” for those of you from my era.  Then, we took part in one of the most patriotic pre-race ceremonies of the entire race schedule complete with a military band, B-52 flyover, 21-gun salute and over 5,000 guests from each branch of our United States Armed Forces.

As the drivers headed to their cars, we headed to the top of the race haulers where our Rangers were able to get a bird’s eye view of the excitement.  SGT Roberts cheering for Dale Jr., Specialist Baxter cheering for Carl Edwards.  So who did Specialist Potter and PFC Toll root for?  They’re now fans of two-time Daytona 500 Winner, Matt Kenseth. 

Thank you to the Army Rangers for spending the day with us and enjoying the sport of NASCAR.  My husband and I thoroughly have enjoyed getting to know you all.  For all the Army Rangers, and all of our service men and women, thank you for fighting for our freedom.  God bless you all. 

Janet Bolin

Army Rangers Visit the Race Track

As part of our tribute to honor our military and their families, we had the chance to host some of our Army Rangers at Talladega SuperSpeedway and Darlington Speedway.  These talented and courageous men were able to go behind the scenes to enhance their knowledge of everything that goes into making the ‘show’ for a live televised NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.  I am always in awe of the bravery and dedication of our military, so it was heartwarming for Chip and I to give them a memorable day at the track.

Below are some of the great pictures we captured to remember their adventure.  While Mother Nature proved to challenge us with weather at Talladega, she certainly made up for it with a beautiful day at Darlington.   As you can see, we packed a lot into the Army Rangers visit to make it extra special.  A big thank you to Jordan Jiloty who manages the NASCAR Troops to the Track Program, all of the NASCAR Officials, Goodyear, the Roush Fenway Racing teams including my super awesome husband, Chip, and our great friends Bob Osborne, Jessica Smith, Matt Kenseth, Carl Edwards, Tire Todd, Shock Dave, Jimmy Fenning, Nancy Padula, Greg Biffle, Jeff Burton, Krista Voda, Mark Munn, Andy Slankard and especially to the Army Rangers and all of our military.  Thank you for everything. 

The NASCAR Unites, An American Salute, is a patriotic program designed to unite the NASCAR industry in honoring and supporting U.S. military members and their families.  During Memorial Day Weekend, I invite you to join in the celebration.  To learn more, please follow this link.  http://foundation.nascar.com/netcommunity/page.aspx?pid=1513

SSG Silverthorn with 2-time Daytona 500 Champion, Matt Kenseth, behind the pre-race stage for pre-race introductions at Talladega SuperSpeedway.

SSG Silverthorn with Jeff Burton, driver of the #31 Caterpillar Chevrolet in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

SSG Silverthorn inside the #17 Matt Kenseth race hauler with Chip and Janet Bolin.

SSG Silverthorn with Jack Roush, team owner of Roush Fenway Racing.

SSG Silverthorn learned about shocks from the expert – “Shock Dave” from the #17 Team.

SSG Silverthorn and Bob Osborne exchanged intel on their hobby of rebuilding and restoring old Jeeps.

SSG Cox and SFC Richards on pit road after a couple laps in the Official NASCAR Pace Car at Darlington Speedway.

RSMG Breen and SSG Cox with Jimmy Fenning, Crew Chief of the Matt Kenseth #17 NSCS Ford.

Chip Bolin, Chief Engineer for Roush Fenway Racing, providing insight on the engineering excellence of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race cars for SFC Benjamin and SFC Richards.

SFC Richards and SFC Benjamin thoroughly enjoying themselves in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series garage.

Chip Bolin shows the Army Rangers the “Tactical Operating Center” for a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team.

Chillin’ in the hauler before the next adventure.

RSMG Breen, SFC Benjamin and SFC Richards behind the pre-race stage for Driver Introductions.

The Army Rangers, on pit road, during pre-race, standing in the first pit box of the current points leader, Greg Biffle, with one of our favorite NASCAR Officials, Yvonne.

RSMG Breen with Jack Roush and Greg Biffle.

Janet Bolin

Become a Crew Chief

We are less than a month away from a very special celebration – NASCAR Day!  What is NASCAR Day?  Established in 2006, NASCAR Day was created to celebrate bringing together a number of charitable organizations and initiatives within the NASCAR Family. While these organizations all serve a number of different initiatives –children’s causes, animal welfare and rescue, nature conservancy and more – they are all united by the common thread of NASCAR.

How can you be part of it?  Become a Crew Chief!  Sign up to be a NASCAR Day 2012 Crew Chief. When you sign up to be a Crew Chief, you will receive a NASCAR Day kit and all the information you need to jump start your fundraising campaign.  Click here to learn more, or to get your own limited edition, collectible 2012 NASCAR Day pin. 

http://foundation.nascar.com/netcommunity/mrsinternational2011

Janet Bolin

Upcoming Appearances

Many exciting events are coming up for me.  As we head into the month of May, I’m lined up for a charity fundraiser hosted by one of my sponsors, Fink’s Jewelry.   Then, I’ll be attending the Greater Charlotte Go Red For Women Luncheon, followed by a weekend of filming segments for Sprint Vision at Darlington Speedway and then a big celebration on Friday, May 20th to support NASCAR Day! 

Looking further ahead is the patriotic celebration at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the Coca-Cola 600 followed by the annual Walmart Shareholders meeting in Arkansas, a weekend of volunteering at the Special Olympics and then a trip to Michigan.  To all the contestants who are gearing up to compete at Nationals, don’t give up.  You are just 12 weeks away from the experience of a lifetime.  And, once you earn that crown, life isn’t going to slow down. 

Janet Bolin

Kansas Speedway

I am heading to Kansas City, Kansas this weekend and wanted to share a very special announcement with you all.  On Friday, April 20, Kansas Speedway is offering free admission to the grandstands on for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series practice sessions. In lieu of admission, Kansas Speedway is hopful fans will be able to make an on-site donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Parking lots will open at 9 a.m. and gates will open at 11 a.m. with the first on track activity scheduled for 11:20 a.m. with the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. The Truck Series will practice again at 2 p.m.  The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will hold practice sessions from 12:30-1:50 p.m. and 3:30-5 p.m.  And, as a special note, parking is always free at Kansas Speedway.

About the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS): Since its inception in 1949, LLS has invested more than $814 million in research.  These dollars have funded programs that have led or contributed to such advances as chemotherapy, bone marrow and stem cell transplantation and new, targeted oral therapies such as Gleevec®. Locally, LLS is partnering with The University of Kansas Medical Center to develop life changing therapies.  More than $1.5 million has been committed to the Therapy Acceleration Program which is currently testing six existing drugs in hopes they can be used as effective cancer treatments. One of the most promising is an existing arthritis drug, auranofin, which will be tested using clinical trials to see if it’s effective as a treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

I love visiting Kansas and am thrilled to be able to support this effort.  To learn more, visit KansasSpeedway.com.  Be sure to share this with friends and family who may be headed to the races this weekend. 

Janet Bolin

NASCAR Unites - An American Salute

NASCAR announced this week the launch of “NASCAR Unites – An American Salute,” a patriotic initiative uniting the NASCAR industry and fans this summer to celebrate America and support U.S. military families.

NASCAR Nation will be covered from head to toe – and from splitter to spoiler – in red, white and blue to highlight the summer season, starting and ending at two traditionally patriotic summer NASCAR events held at Charlotte Motor Speedway (Memorial Day Weekend, May 26-27) and Daytona International Speedway (Independence Day Weekend, July 5-7). Additional activities related to the six-week initiative will take place between these “tent-pole” events, including retail programs and other sponsor promotions. 

Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s No. 88 National Guard Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet was revealed in the nation’s capital for more than 30,000 children and their guests attending the 134th Annual Easter Egg Roll event at the White House to launch the NASCAR Unites – An American Salute.

Teams in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, along with their partners and sponsors, will showcase support for the program in their own individual ways, from displaying the customized logo on their cars and trucks to developing red, white and blue paint schemes. In addition, NASCAR has provided teams with the option of running a specially designed, patriotic-themed package that would incorporate the spoiler as well as other areas of the car. Additional activities related to the platform will include retail programs and other sponsor promotions to be announced in the weeks leading into the Charlotte event weekend.  

Among those NASCAR drivers already committed to “NASCAR Unites – An American Salute” paint schemes are Earnhardt, 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart, NASCAR Sprint Cup points leader Greg Biffle, Danica Patrick, Brad Keselowski and Carl Edwards. 

As part of the program, NASCAR and The NASCAR Foundation will work with charities to fund initiatives that support military families. A social media promotion utilizing a #NASCARUnites hashtag will highlight track activations as well as patriotic activities from teams, broadcast partners and sponsors.

Janet Bolin

Family Track Walks

On Sunday, March 25, fans attending the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Auto Club Speedway will have a chance to walk on the track before the race!  Starting at 9:00 a.m., in Turn 4, you can walk alongside Coca-Cola Racing Family members, Ryan Newman and Bobby Labonte! 

Bring your family and friends to Turn 4 and walk on the same track where your favorite NASCAR drivers will reach speeds of more than 200 mph!  The whole morning will be filled with fun activities and is free to all Auto Club 400 ticket holders.  You’ll enjoy a group warm up before the walk, some of your favorite Coke products at the hydration stations located along the walk route, and a 15-minute question-and-answer session with members of the Coca-Cola Racing Family Drivers –  truly an unforgettable experience for the whole family!  So head on over to Turn 4 on race morning to get up close and personal with some of your favorite drivers while enjoying some active family fun. 

Race fans can visit www.MyCokeRewards throughout the year for more information on upcoming events and tips, sweepstakes and exclusive content featuring their favorite Coca-Cola Racing Family

drivers. 

Janet Bolin

Auto Club Speedway

I’ll be heading to Fontana, California this weekend.  There is a lot of excitement planned for everyone attending this weekend’s NASCAR Sprint Cup and NASCAR Nationwide Series event.  The multi-platinum-selling rock band, All American Rejects, will be playing a pre-race concert this Sunday.   And, Jo Jo, the youngest artist to ever reach No. 1 at the Top 40 Radio Format (and the youngest solo artist to have a No. 1 song on the Billboard charts) is singing the National Anthem prior to Sunday’s, Auto Club 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

All American Rejects scheduled to perform a pre-race concert on Sunday, March 25 prior to the Auto Club 400 at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif.

: JoJo scheduled to sing the National Anthem before the green flag on Sunday, March 25 for the Auto Club 400.

One new event added to this weekend is a celebrity FundRacing qualifying event called the DRIVE4COPD Pro-Am Celebrity Racing Challenge which will feature well known faces in entertainment, music and business who will take the wheel of a NASCAR stock car to support awareness, screenings and research for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The star-studded race is created in partnership with COPD Foundation in support of DRIVE4COPD, the Official Health Initiative of NASCAR®.

On Friday, March 23, celebrities will compete in the Drive4COPD Celebrity Racing Challenge at Auto Club Speedway.

Pro-Am participants will attend Rusty Wallace Racing School and then tackle 4 laps around Southern California’s premier motorsports oval behind the wheel of a stock car. The celebrity race will be held at 6 p.m. PST on Friday, March 23, following the DRIVE4COPD NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Qualifying.

Auto Club Speedway will make a donation to COPD Foundation on behalf of the participants. Fans will be encouraged to text donations from the track.  All donations for the event and COPD Foundation are tax deductible as allowed by law.

Janet Bolin

NASCAR Foundation Spotlight

The NASCAR Foundation is happy to announce, alongside the 2011 Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award Finalist, Jake Bernstein, that Volunteen Nation has launched their website!   Volunteen Nation was dreamed up by youngsters including Jake whose mission is to “Spread the spirit of volunteerism for youth and families throughout the nation.” Check out this new website and find ways you can get involved in your community! The NASCAR Foundation is excited to see the way’s Jake has continued his passion for helping others! 

http://www.volunteennation.org/blog/categories/latest-news/74-volunteen-nation-launches

www.volunteennation.org

Berstein, Finalist for the 2011 Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award.

Applications for the 2012 Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award are now available. From the pool of applicants, four (4) finalists will be selected. The mobile and online vote campaign will narrow the pool to a single award-winner. Prizes are as follows: 

Three (3) Finalists will receive: A $25,000 donation from The NASCAR Foundation to a children’s charity of their choice (must be a registered, public, 501c3 tax-exempt organization in the United States). An all-expense-paid trip* to a NASCAR race weekend (TBD) in 2012 as part of the award recognition process and in recognition of the person as a finalist for the award. An all-expense-paid trip* to NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion's Week in Las Vegas in December 2012 (finalists may each bring one guest), as well as a child (and child’s parent/guardian) that benefit from the finalist’s designated charity. 

One (1) Winner will receive: An all-expense-paid trip* to a NASCAR race weekend (TBD) in 2012 as part of the award recognition process and in recognition of the person as a finalist for the award. A $100,000 donation from The NASCAR Foundation to a children’s charity of their choice (must be a registered, public, 501c3 tax-exempt organization in the United States). An all-expense-paid trip* to NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion's Week in Las Vegas in December 2012 for the Winner and one guest to receive the award, as well as a child (and child’s parent/guardian) that benefit from the Winner’s designated charity. Winner and child from the designated charity will be presented a trophy and an acknowledgment of a $100,000 donation to be made to their designated charity. 

Follow this link to learn more and to nominate someone today. The deadline for entries is THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2012. Thank you in advance for your support.

www.nascar.com/unites

Janet Bolin

NASCAR Unites 2012

At NASCAR Acceleration 2012 presented by Sprint event in Charlotte, attendees were able to snag the 2012 edition NASCAR Unites arm band.   This annual program, offers fans and supporters around the world the ability to declare their dedication to helping those in need.  These arm bands are available online and at-track throughout the race season.

NASCAR Unites is an industry initiative led by The NASCAR Foundation that creates an opportunity for NASCAR fans, drivers, teams, tracks, sponsors and more to unite to improve the lives of children across the nation. NASCAR Unites engages the sport in a collaborative effort to support children’s causes through volunteering, fundraising, sharing inspirational stories and unifying to make a difference.  Are you interested in volunteering at a race track?  Email us today at unites@nascarfoundation.com.

Janet Bolin

NASCAR Goes Red

If you are a multi-tasker, like myself, you don’t ever find yourself at a loss for ways to help. As many know, the Super Bowl and 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will start in just a month. This is also the time of year for NASCAR Sprint Media Tour Week where journalists from around the world visit Charlotte, North Carolina for all the big announcements prior to the start of the race season. But, while the world is mesmerized by planning their Super Bowl gatherings, and watch parties for the Daytona 500, please remember February is also National Heart Month.  

As Mrs. International, being a volunteer and advocate for the American Heart Association has been a wonderful opportunity. I am honored to have been selected as the emcee for the Go Red for Women event in NYC for National Wear Red Day on Friday, February 3rd. Countless hours have been invested behind the scenes to make sure this event is a success along with other local market activation.  

I am very appreciative of the support from NASCAR. In the month of February, the NASCAR logo on the NASCAR Plaza building in Uptown Charlotte will be illuminated bright red in support of National Heart Month. Visitors to the NASCAR Plaza and NASCAR Hall of Fame, which is connected to the NASCAR Plaza, will also be able to view the Survivor Gallery in the lobby, cut-out red dress posters and messaging throughout the building and in the elevators.  

I encourage you to contact your local AHA office, or visit their website. There are many ways you can raise awareness for National Wear Red Day on Friday, February 3rd and National Heart Month this February.  

Janet Bolin