NASCAR’s Driver Jon Wood to Attend Red Cross Training

WASHINGTON, Monday, May 01, 2006 — On Tuesday, May 2, NASCAR race car driver Jon Wood and his crew will be turning the Wood Brothers/JTG Racing shop into a training camp. Wood, as part of his work with the American Red Cross, will take time away from the track to focus on another important training -- how to save a life. The #47 team will spend the afternoon taking part in basic first aid and CPR/AED exercises with a Red Cross instructor

Jon, and his Busch Series sponsor Clorox, are joining forces with the Red Cross to bring attention to the need for everyone to receive CPR training; and to know what to do in case of an emergency. Each year, roughly a quarter of a million people suffer sudden cardiac arrest. Being able to administer CPR during the first few minutes of a medical emergency is crucial to the survival and recovery of a victim.

"My pit crew and I understand the importance of reacting quickly to any situation during the race because every second can impact our finish," said Wood. "There is a similarity in having quick reaction time on the track and in a medical emergency. Being in a position to win a race is thrilling, but nothing compares to having an opportunity to save a life."

Wood feels it is critical for everyone to attend training and renew CPR certifications so they will be prepared to help save a life. Just like his crew trains each week to perfect a pit stop in just 14 seconds, the American Red Cross works with a team of volunteers, donors and staff to benefit communities throughout America.

Jon Wood's #47 Clorox Ford Fusion now proudly displays the Red Cross as a symbol of his commitment to spreading the word on the importance of training. Through more than 800 local chapters across the country; the Red Cross trains 33,000 people each day how to stay safe and to respond to the emergencies of others.

In addition to his work to promote safety training, Wood will be a special guest at the upcoming American Red Cross 2006 National Convention. He will draw the grand prize winner of two tickets to a NASCAR race and a chance to be part of the #47 pit crew.

The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.