Lined up in front of a pace car for the 36th annual Daytona 500 NASCAR/Celebrity Charity Golf Classic, race car drivers mingled with football, baseball and golf pros to raise money for children's health needs and other local charities.
Several of the drivers on Friday talked about volunteering, which is part of a NASCAR tradition especially helping children, said NASCAR truck series driver Rick Crawford. Funds raised for the event hosted by Betty Jane France and the Checkered Flag committee go to local charities and the Betty Jane France Center for Excellence for Women and Children at Halifax Health Medical Center, including the Speediatrics unit for children.
Crawford also talked about his love for Daytona Beach. He said when he raced on short tracks across the country he would wonder "will I ever make it to Daytona." He made it in 1999 and then in 2003 when he drove into Victory Lane, he said, it was a "special moment."
Drivers Juan Pablo Montoya and Boris Said shared why they like to volunteer. Montoya also has his own foundation that helps children in his home country of Columbia.
When he's not racing, Montoya said, he likes golfing, snowboarding, wind surfing and climbing.
NASCAR driver Mike Skinner visits children throughout the year at Halifax since he's a Daytona Beach resident. He said "your heart just absolutely drops to your feet" when visiting the children in the hospital.
In a phone interview, Greg Biffle talked about his fundraiser Partners for Paws auction and benefit Wednesday with Ryan Newman and the NASCAR Foundation to benefit their foundations and the Halifax Humane Society.
Biffle, who has two boxers and a mix that he rescued, said "pets are like your kids. I care a lot about them."
His foundation also is selling its annual calendar with race car drivers and their pets. Go to the Greg Biffle Foundation web site.
When he's not racing, he enjoys going to his mountain property in North Carolina with his wife. He also likes off-road motorcycle riding.
The NASCAR foundation also recently announced Kevin Costner as NASCAR Day spokesperson. NASCAR Day kicks off at the 500 with a commercial with Costner and Sprint Cup Series Driver Kyle Petty. The event runs through May and raises money for charities, including Speediatrics.To read more about race car drivers helping local charities, check out Wednesday's article at www.news-journalonline.com.
Leave a comment