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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (July 14,
2006) – The NASCAR Foundation will host a Track Walk at New
Hampshire International Speedway on September 16 to raise awareness and funds
for two special causes. The Track Walk will benefit the charitable
initiatives supported by the Victory Junction Gang Camp and the Kenny Irwin Jr.
Foundation.
The Victory Junction Gang Camp, located in
Randleman, NC, was established by Kyle and Pattie Petty, and the Dare to Dream
Camp, located in New Castle, IN, was founded by Kenny and Reva Irwin Sr.
The Track Walk celebrates the memory of Adam Petty and Kenny Irwin Jr. To honor
the drivers, the families established the two very special camps for children
who suffer from chronic and serious medical conditions or who are less
fortunate, respectively.
The Victory Junction Gang Camp, a member of the
Association of Hole in the Wall Camps, is a year-round camp that serves twenty
one different disease groups. The camp provides a retreat from the reality
of coping with an illness, and allows children to have a life changing camping
experience.
“We created the Victory Junction Gang Camp in
loving memory of Adam, and the outpouring of support from fans and the NASCAR
family has been truly overwhelming,” said Kyle Petty, co-founder of the Victory
Junction Gang Camp. “The On Track for Charity Walk is a great tribute to
Adam, and the camp’s commitment to providing a haven for some very special
children.”
The Dare to Dream Camp opened in 2004, and provides the
opportunity for kids to discover their true potential and the pursuance of
dreams in a fun and spiritual atmosphere. The camp teaches self
determination and that nothing is impossible if you believe in yourself, a
mantra that Kenny firmly believed in.
“Kenny’s passion for
kids lives on through his “Dare to Dream Camp” and this walk goes a long
way to fulfilling the dreams of disadvantaged and at-risk children,” said Kenny
Irwin Sr., father of Kenny Irwin Jr, Cup Rookie of the Year 1998. “Please,
bring your family and friends. Enjoy your walk around the track and know
that your contribution makes a difference.”
The NASCAR
Foundation Track Walk is scheduled for September 16, immediately following the
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race, at the New Hampshire International
Speedway. Fans can register online to participate in the NASCAR
Foundation’s Track Walk by visiting www.nascar.com/foundation.
Registration fees are $25 for each individual, and children under the age of 14
must be accompanied by a paying adult, and can participate for free. New
to this year’s walks, participants can also recruit family and friends to walk
with them and form teams, and fans can also choose to create their own webpage
and encourage family and friends to support them in their fundraising
efforts.
Proceeds from this Track Walk will benefit Victory Junction Gang
Camp, The Kenny Irwin Jr. Foundation, and The NASCAR Foundation.
About The NASCAR Foundation
The National Association for Stock
Car Auto Racing, Inc., (NASCAR) launched the NASCAR Foundation in January
2006. The Foundation is a 501 © (3) non-profit entity that embodies the
compassion of the NASCAR Family and its 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
strength of the sport and its people to make a difference in the lives of those
who need it most. For more information on the NASCAR Foundation, please
visit the website: www.nascar.com/foundation.
About Victory Junction Gang Camp
The mission of the Victory
Junction Gang Camp is to enrich the lives of children with chronic medical
conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences
that are exciting, fun, and empowering, in a safe and medically sound
environment. Founded by NASCAR driver Kyle Petty and his wife Pattie in
honor of their late son Adam, the Victory Junction Gang Camp is a year-round
facility serving children, age 7 to 15. Each summer, children suffering
from similar medical conditions including heart, lung and kidney disease, spina
bifida, HIV, cancer, burn survivors, neurological disorders, and a host of
others, gather to kick back, relax and have some fun. The camp offers
traditional activities, including horseback riding, boating and fishing, arts
and crafts and others, as well as NASCAR related program areas.
The
Victory Junction Gang Camp is a member of the Association of Hole in the Wall
Gang Camps and is free to children and their families. The camp
operates solely on the generous donations of individuals, corporations and
foundation. For more information, visit www.victoryjunction.org.
About the Kenny Irwin Jr. Foundation
The Dare to Dream
Camp enriches the lives of underprivileged and at-risk children, providing
leadership and team building skills that assist these kids in becoming positive
contributors in their community. The one-of-a-kind camp is designed to
provide an unforgettable and empowering experience that these children may never
otherwise have an opportunity for.
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