A local Charlotte-area Girl Scout troop was one of several groups that received a once in a lifetime NASCAR Dreams experience at Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend. The NASCAR Foundation and Sam Bass Gallery hosted the experience to give the troop members an educational day they will never forget.

The Girl Scouts started their morning at Sam Bass Gallery with an art-themed scavenger hunt. Next they were given a tour of the gallery by Sam Bass, the First Officially Licensed Artist of NASCAR. Along the way, they visited Sam’s studio and were able to ask questions about his job. After wrapping up the tour, The NASCAR Foundation supplied each girl with a sack pack from the Office Depot Foundation and tickets to the Bank of America 500.

After leaving the gallery, the Girl Scout troop headed infield for an exciting behind the scenes tour of racing. The girls were able to watch the NASCAR inspection process up close and tour the number 17 Roush Fenway Racing team hauler. Before heading out to watch the race, the troop ran into Claire B. Lang who encouraged them to stay on the path to success.

"I had no idea there was so much to learn about NASCAR," said Jaquela a Girl Scout Cadette, "I had a great time"

The Girl Scouts pose in Victory Lane at Charlotte Motor Speedway

Claire B. Lang met with the Girl Scouts inside the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Garage at Charlotte Motor Speedway

2012 Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award Finalist Lorri Shealy Unumb inspired the Girl Scouts with her story.

NASCAR's first officially licensed artist Sam Bass signs official Sam Bass Gallery prints for the Girl Scouts

Project Exploration students with Danica Patrick at Chicagoland Speedway 

Through a partnership with The NASCAR Foundation and Project Exploration, students from the Chicago area spent a day at Chicagoland Speedway focusing on the use of science and technology in NASCAR. The NASCAR Dreams experience began on their bus ride to Chicagoland Speedway with a racing vocabulary session. Upon arrival, the students were surprised with sackpacks filled with school supplies courtesy of Office Depot Foundation, hats from The NASCAR Foundation and T-shirts from the track. All of the students were eager to get in the garage and to start asking questions.

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Driver Michael McDowell began the day’s at-track activities when he greeted the students upon their arrival to the infield and began answering technical questions about the cars. In particular, Michael explained the safety advancements that saved his life during a horrific crash car crash in 2008.

Next, NASCAR Official Jamie Dipietro shared how her experience and background with electrical engineering applies to her job duties as a NASCAR Official, while also explaining how her path through education got her where she is today. After a tour of the 21 hauler with Jamie, the students learned about the choices and adjustments a crew chief has to make throughout a race from Chris Heroy, crew chief of the #42 Earnhardt-Ganass Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team.

Scott Whitehead, team engineer for the #13 Germain Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team, engaged the students in a conversation about the different parts of a stock car and how they are built. The students were very curious about the differences in NASCAR Sprint Cup and NASCAR Nationwide series cars.

Danica Patrick ended the students’ tour through the garage by encouraging them to aim big and set high goals for themselves.

Afterwards the group headed to the stands to watch everything they had just learned be put into action during the NASCAR Nationwide Series race. As they were leaving the track one student declared, “Yup, just give me ten years and you’ll see me out here driving!”

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Driver Michael McDowell explained advancements in safety to students from Project Exploration

On the day of his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut, Juan Carlos Blum met with students from Project Exploration to tell them his inspiring story!

NASCAR Nationwide Series Driver Danica Patrick told the students from Project Exploration to aim big and set high goals in life!

This year’s Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway was a NASCAR Dreams packed weekend. Anna, Keishaun, and Jennifer all set out for the track ready for the race of a lifetime.  

Keishaun’s NASCAR Dream began on Friday when he was able to meet with his favorite driver, Jimmie Johnson. On Saturday morning Anna, Keishaun, and their families met with The NASCAR Foundation and Make-A-Wish representatives at the NASCAR garage for what was to be an action-packed day. The NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers had just finished practice and were debriefing with their teams. This was perfect timing for Anna and Keishaun to meet more drivers than they ever imagined. David Ragan and Clint Bowyer were the first to stop and greet the two, later to be followed by Carl Edwards, Roger Penske, and Miss Sprint Cup. Anna was particularly shy when the group ran into Carl Edwards and had to be coaxed out from behind her father to take a picture.

When it came time for Anna’s meet and greet with Danica Patrick she was more than prepared with a beautiful portrait that she could not wait to give Danica and to tell her hero how much of an inspiration she is. After the meeting, the two families continued on their tour with Anna and Keishaun collecting every hero card they passed along the way.

On Sunday, Keishaun returned to the NASCAR garage along with Jennifer from the Dream Foundation. Jennifer is a 42 year old woman whose wish was to spend a special day with her family at the Brickyard 400, and hopefully run into Jeff Gordon along the way! Her day started with a tour of the cup garage, after which she sat in front of the 24 car hauler hoping to catch a glimpse of her favorite driver. Both the 24 team and Jeff Gordon took notice and made sure Jennifer got exactly what she came for! The day didn’t end there. Several more drivers such as David Ragan, Casey Mears, and Tony Stewart would also come over to meet Jennifer while she and her family stood on the grid, watching thousands of NASCAR fans pour into the stands.

John, Alex, Samantha and their families braved the heat of Daytona in July to have their NASCAR Dreams come true at the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway. After behind-the-scenes tours of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series garage, they had the chance to meet their favorite drivers: Marcos Ambrose, Matt Kenseth and Kasey Kahne!

On their behind-the-scenes tours, our NASCAR Dreams recipients had the chance to experience the sights and sounds of NASCAR, including getting up close and personal with the pace car, meeting with MRN on-air personality Steve Post, learning about fire safety at the track from NASCAR Officials and more!

A big thank you goes out to Make-A-Wish Foundation and Kasey Kahne Foundation for helping to make these NASCAR Dreams come true as well as International Speedway Corporation Director of Guest Services Dean Kurtz for facilitating the behind-the-scenes tours!

Each weekend The NASCAR Foundation enables kids to meet their heroes and experience NASCAR up close and personal through its NASCAR Dreams program, benefiting children with debilitating illnesses, underprivileged youth, kids of parents serving in the military, and others.

While most eyes were on Kasey Kahne at this year’s Coca-Cola 600, Valerie DeLong from Nova Scotia, Canada only had eyes for Carl Edwards. As a part of Starlight’s Wish Program, Valerie’s wish was to “watch Carl Edwards in a weekend of NASCAR races.”  Through its NASCAR Dreams program, The NASCAR Foundation partnered together with Starlight’s Wish Program to grant Valerie’s wish and give her entire family a weekend they will never forget.

Valerie’s VIP experience started in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series garage at Charlotte Motor Speedway for a behind-the-scenes tour, during which she quickly spotted Carl's No. 99 Roush Fenway Ford Fusion. Not only did Valerie and her family get pictures with the car, but they also had the opportunity to pose in front of the team’s hauler and even met some of Carl’s crew members. The highlight of the day was when Valerie and her family were able to finally meet Carl Edwards in person. Valerie was all smiles as her favorite driver presented her with a backpack full of gear, autographed everything that was inside, and invited everyone to the drivers’ meeting. At the meeting Valerie’s father, Kerwin, and sister, Melanie, were able to fill their autograph book with signatures to commemorate the weekend.

After the drivers’ meeting, the family headed to their seats in the stands to watch the race. Watching their first live NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race was the perfect way to end their weekend!

Students from a Richmond-area elementary school experienced what NASCAR Dreams are made of when they visited Richmond International Raceway at the end of April. The NASCAR Foundation united with Richmond International Raceway, SPEED Channel and Checkered Flag Sports to host the experience for 80 first grade students and 55 adults.

Their day started with a trip to the Richmond Science Center before making their way to the track. The children received a behind-the-scenes tour of the SPEED stage courtesy of the great folks who manage that experience each weekend at the track. They also got to make their own signs at the poster making station, which they displayed during a taping of Trackside Live. NASCAR President and The NASCAR Foundation board member Mike Helton and Richmond International Raceway President Dennis Bickmeier each also made special appearances to greet the track’s guests.

Checkered Flag, sponsor of the Dream, made all of this possible and provided t-shirts and hats to all that attended. Richmond International Raceway guaranteed a memorable experience by donating tickets to Cup practice for all of the attendees. For many of the students this was their first experience at a NASCAR race! They are sure to be fans for life now!

Since the day Peter first laid eyes on the #48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet while on a shopping trip to the improvement store, he has been Jimmie Johnson’s #1 fan. For years every time Peter saw Lowe’s or the #48 he would reminisce about his favorite driver.  This connection became even more special as  a miracle #48 bear stuck by his side all throughout his medical treatment. At age 5 Peter was diagnosed with a rare cancer that primarily affects children.  Now, at nine years old, Peter’s NASCAR Dream has come true.

In March 2012 at Auto Club Speedway, Peter had the chance to meet his favorite NASCAR Driver, Jimmie Johnson, and touch the race car he had always loved.  The day was full of excitement with a behind-the-scenes garage tour, chasing after drivers for their autographs, and of course spending some special time with Jimmie Johnson. He also got a gift pack of autographed items to keep as a reminder of his experience, which not many fans can say they have had.

In addition to his planned meet-and-greet with Jimmie Johnson, Peter had the opportunity to rub elbows with many other drivers!  Pete’s autograph collection now also includes Kasey Kahne, Austin Dillon, Trevor Bayne, Juan Montoya, Ryan Newman and Mike Wallace!

You can help more kids like Peter have their NASCAR Dreams come true by placing a bid in one of our online auctions! Click here to learn more!

On the Thursday leading into Daytona 500 weekend at Daytona International Speedway, NASCAR Nationwide Series Driver Jason Bowles took some time to sneak away from the track to meet some special young patients at the Speediatrics unit at Halifax Health Medical Center. Along with The NASCAR Foundation Board Member Harold Goodemote and NASCAR Foundation donor Billy Nash, Jason delivered teddy bears to patients throughout the unit.

While touring through the unit, Jason met with several patients who were lucky enough to be going home that day, as well as some patients whose journey to getting better was just beginning.

"It's amazing how something as simple as delivering a teddy bear can bring such big smiles to these kids," Jason said. "What a humbling experience."

It wouldn't have been a complete visit to Speediatrics without Jason, Billy and Harold signing the Speediatrics wall. This wall was designed to help remind the doctors, nurses and patients at Speediatrics of all of the NASCAR personalities who come through each year to pay a visit. We hope to have this wall filled with signatures very soon!

Despite the rainy weather we encountered for the 2012 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway, some very special children had their NASCAR Dreams fulfilled by getting the chance to experience first-hand the thrills and excitement of Daytona 500 weekend in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Garage.

Philip, a 10-year-old Kyle Busch fan from Millsboro, DE, was revved up and ready to go before the tour event started. Donned in his Kyle Busch yellow fleece to protect himself from the chilly Saturday-morning air, Philip confidently made his way through the garage listening intently to our NASCAR Dreams Tour Guide Dean Kurtz and all the inside knowledge he has about all that happens each weekend for a NASCAR Race.

While learning about the founding principles of NASCAR, the process each team must take its car through in order to be approved to race, and even seeing some of the teams work on the car, Philip encountered some of NASCAR celebrities along the way.

SPEED reporter Wendy Venturini, who was in the garage reporting on Philip's favorite driver, took time out to say hello and have her picture taken with him.

Philip also had a chance encounter with Miss Sprint Cup and even got a first-hand glimpse into what takes place during final inspection from NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Official Yvonne Pittman.

"Wow! It was the most amazing, unforgettable experience!"

That was how 11 year-old Bryor described his special day at the Daytona 500 earlier this year.  Bryor is a bright boy with curly brown hair  who suffers from Behcet’s Disease, a rare disorder that causes chronic inflammation in blood vessels throughout the body.

There was one thing that Bryor wished for more than anything – to meet Sprint Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin.  And thanks to the generosity of people with a giving heart, The NASCAR Foundation was able to help make that dream come true.  

Bryor’s special day started with him and his family being led through the pit area by one of our expert staff, taking photos of race cars, a few drivers, and of themselves in front of Denny’s pit box.  Next, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet Denny Hamlin was arranged for the entire family.  The day would continue with grandstand seats at the track and the opportunity to celebrate in victory lane with the winning driver after the race!

Bryor’s excitement and enthusiasm were contagious that day.  And when the experience was over and they were finished with an unforgettable day, Mom and Dad’s eyes welled up with tears.  Tears of joy.   And gratitude. 

Bryor is one of over 35,000 children whose lives are touched through projects supported by The Foundation that are aimed at helping children live happier and healthier lives.  The NASCAR Foundation supports over 100 charities annually that serve children and families.

Bryor’s mother said; “It was unbelievable what this experience did for Bryor and our family. We are so thankful for it.”

For 5 year old Olivia, who’s career goal is to become a professional cage fighter, a little rain at Chicagoland Speedway couldn’t stop her from enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime experience at track. This little girl with flashy shoes and  a big heart was a special guest of The NASCAR Foundation and The Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation. As soon as you meet Olivia, you are greeted with a handshake and a warm hello. When you leave her, she is sure to send you off with a big hug.

Olivia, a cancer survivor from Riley Children’s hospital, had a great time learning about the sport, making new friends in the garage, and meeting her favorite driver, Jeff Gordon.  She even received a lug nut from the number 24 race car from some of Jeff’s teammates.

Along with Olivia for the day, mom Shannon and grandma Faye were on hand to enjoy this special time.

“I just wanted to thank you & the entire NASCAR Foundation for making Sunday a great experience for Olivia.  I cannot thank you enough for being so generous & hospitable.  And in spite of the rain, we all had a fantastic time at the Chicagoland Speedway.  Olivia has not stopped talking about all she got to see & do there!!"

On Tuesday, August 23rd, The NASCAR Foundation staff visited Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind while on a team building in Talladega, Alabama. The day started off with a bus tour of the Institute's campuses around the town of Talladega. Stops along the tour were Alabama School for the Deaf, the Alabama School for the Blind and the Helen Keller School of Alabama.

After the tour was over, The NASCAR Foundation staff were a part of an ice cream party for several pre-school students from the Alabama School for the Deaf and Alabama School for the blind. After enjoying their favorite flavors of ice cream and toppings, the kids also received The NASCAR Foundation teddy bears.  

  

 

Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind is the world's most comprehensive education, rehabilitation and service system serving children and adults who are deaf, blind and multidisabled.

Children ages 3 to 21 are served through the Alabama School for the Deaf, the Alabama School for the Blind and the Helen Keller School of Alabama. These day and residential campus programs are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and ASD is also accredited by the Council of Educational Administrators Serving the Deaf. 

The E.H. Gentry program offers job skills, college preparatory and independent living training for adults with vision or hearing loss.

Eight Regional Centers throughout Alabama serve people from birth all the way through life, helping them connect with the local resources they need to live a rich, full life.

Alabama Industries for the Blind provides employment opportunities for adults with vision and hearing loss through manufacturing and service jobs in Talladega, Birmingham and on various military bases in Alabama and Georgia.

Through the AIDB Foundation, a Chapel and the Marianna Greene Henry Special Equestrian Arena add special dimensions to the spiritual and physical development of our students. Our Health and Clinical Services division helps our students find the best in wellness issues, coordinates the Institute’s Admissions process and programs for seniors throughout Alabama with hearing and vision loss.

Hunter Rudd was selected by The Dream Factory to live out his NASCAR Dream to go to a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Kentucky Speedway with his family. The Rudd Family’s weekend started off with a very special garage tour on Friday, during which Hunter was able to meet more than 20 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series drivers.

A camera crew from SPEED followed Hunter’s experience at the track for a segment that will air during an upcoming episode of Race Hub (scheduled to air Monday, July 11). Hunter was also able to meet Darrell Waltrip, Krista Voda and Steve Byrnes and watch SPEED shows from backstage. Before each show, the personalities came out to give Hunter and the family a warm welcome. 

To top it all off, Hunter and his family were able to complete the ultimate race weekend by watching the first-ever NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Kentucky Speedway in the grandstands. This is sure to be a weekend that this special family will not soon forget!

 

   

Remember back to elementary school. Remember the field trips you went on. Maybe you went to the Aquarium, or maybe a Museum. That’s about as cool as field trips got back then. For some lucky Martinsville-area elementary school students, their field trip was much cooler! On Tuesday March 8th, students visited Martinsville Speedway, in Ridgeway, Virginia, to meet one of NASCAR’s best drivers. 

By 9:30 on that Tuesday morning Martinsville Speedway’s seats were occupied by 1,800 elementary school students. They were there to listen to the driver of the number 16 car, Greg Biffle, speak about some topics close to his heart. 

Greg Biffle held this event at Martinsville Speedway to educate their young minds on two subjects. The first - physical fitness. The other - proper treament of animals. Greg also brought along dogs from the Martinsville SPCA to help educate these students. After Greg spoke, the kids, dogs and Greg took 3 laps on foot around the .526 mile track. Once the laps were complete, the kids loaded the bus and went back to school. Greg stayed for lunch and answered questions from the media.

This weekend at the Shootout at Daytona International Speedway, The NASCAR Foundation teamed up with the Make-a-Wish Foundation up to make a wish come true for a brave young man.  Robbie, who seemed fine two weeks ago, is now in the fight of his life. 

Robbie is a NASCAR fanatic.  During our time spent with him he was talking about NASCAR and the cars as if he was Bob Osborne (Crew Chief of the 99 car) himself.  What's special about the 99 car is Carl Edwards is the driver, who also happens to be young Robbie’s hero. 

Robbie's day started out with a behind the scenes track tour with his parents and older brother.  After the tour Robbie and his family went to Carl Edwards’s trailer where they got to hang out and get autographs from Robbie’s hero.  When the meet and greet was over, and everything you could imagine was signed, Robbie got to sit in the front row of the drivers meeting with Carl Edwards chirping in his ear the whole time.  When it was time for the show, Robbie got to be on stage during the driver introductions in front of a Daytona crowd.  Finally Robbie made his way over to Carl Edwards pit box for the race. 

Together, The NASCAR Foundation and the Make-A-Wish Foundation made Robbie’s NASCAR Dreams come true!

Posted by Matt K.

All throughout the season, The NASCAR Foundation will be hosting kids at tracks across the country. While at the track, kids will have their wishes granted and be introduced to all of the efforts that go into making a NASCAR event happen.

Here are a just a few highlights from the 2010 season!

Children from the Blackmon Road Community in Rock Hill, South Carolina were treated to a day at the races in Charlotte as well as a visit to the NASCAR Hall of Fame!

Taylor Day was able to rub elbows with NASCAR Celebrities such as Kurt Busch, Juan Pablo Montoya and Miss Sprint Cup in Las Vegas!

Check back often for more updates on whose NASCAR Dreams are being fulfilled each week at the track.