NASCAR, Red Cross join for hurricane relief effort

WASHINGTON, Sunday, September 04, 2005 — DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- NASCAR announced Thursday it has aligned its industry with the American Red Cross to support in every way possible charitable efforts in the aftermath of the Hurricane Katrina disaster.

"One of the special qualities of the NASCAR industry is helping others in times of need," NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France said. "NASCAR is working to rally our drivers, teams, tracks, partners, and most importantly, our fans to this common cause.

"This tragedy has impacted millions of Americans, many of whom are NASCAR fans themselves, and we have reached out to the American Red Cross to do everything we can to provide relief.

"Like all Americans," France said, "our hearts ache as we realize the devastating impact this storm has had. We know NASCAR fans are eager to help.

"Our alliance with the American Red Cross gives those fans, and our entire industry, an opportunity to band together in this common cause."

NASCAR, with the cooperation of its partner, Turner Sports Interactive -- producers of NASCAR.COM -- has established a designated Web page to coordinate NASCAR fan support of the relief efforts.

Additional information and details will be forthcoming.