KANNAPOLIS, N.C., Feb. 14, 2011 -- Stewart-Haas Racing today announced the online auction, featuring pieces of sheet metal from Ryan Newman's No. 39 U.S. Army Veterans Day Tribute car, raised more than $6,100 for the Fisher House Foundation and Army Emergency Relief.
Each of the pieces included photos of the men and women who have served our country in the U.S. Army and was autographed by both Newman and two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart, co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing.
The 11 pieces of sheet metal covered the No. 39 U.S. Army Chevrolet Impala Newman drove during NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series Kobalt Tools 500 race at Phoenix International Raceway last November. As it was the race following Veterans Day, the car donned a paint scheme, featuring photos of more than 500 U.S. Army veterans representing American military service dating back to World War I.
The faces of these brave men and women made the No. 39 the star of the garage as it embodied the spirit of Veterans Day in way that captivated NASCAR drivers, crews and fans alike.
"It's such a point of pride for not just me, both the entire No. 39 team, to represent our Soldiers every time we race the No. 39 U.S. Army Chevrolet," said Newman. "The Veterans Day car was one of the most incredible cars I've ever seen. For Stewart-Haas Racing to raise money for two great charities - the Fisher House Foundation and Army Emergency Relief - by auctioning the sheet metal from the car seemed like a fitting way for it to continue honoring members of our military."
The 11 pieces of sheet metal sold in the charitable auction included: the hood, splitter, right and left fenders, right and left quarterpanels, right- and left-side door panels (which included the No. 39), decklid (trunk), and TV panel (rear bumper). The auction featuring the car's hood raised the most money, with a winning bid of $2,275.
"The No. 39 U.S. Army Veterans Day car was a very special, visual reminder of the strength of our Heroes, past and present." said Col. Derik Crotts, director of strategic communications, marketing and outreach, U.S. Army Accessions Command. "Stewart-Haas Racing is a great partner, and we are very appreciative of its ongoing efforts to show support for our Army Strong Soldiers and their families."
The auction, which opened Jan. 21 and continued through Jan. 31, was hosted on eBay and provided a wide-reaching platform for Stewart-Haas Racing to generate the largest possible donation for the pair of military charities driven to assist injured or in-need servicemembers and their families.
The Fisher House Foundation provides a "home away from home" for military families to be close to a loved one who is receiving medical care for an illness, disease or injury at major military and Veterans Affairs medical centers. The non-profit organization builds new houses, assists in the coordination of private support and encourages public support for the homes. The homes are normally located within walking distance of the treatment facility or have transportation available. There are 53 Fisher Houses located in the United States and Germany.
Army Emergency Relief is a non-profit organization that provides emergency financial assistance to Army Soldiers and their dependants. Assistance is given as an interest-free loan, a grant or a combination of both. Soldiers can be active duty, retired or members of the Reserve Components on active duty for at least 30 consecutive days. Also, Army Emergency Relief provides assistance to widows and orphans and has scholarship programs for children and spouses of active, retired and deceased Soldiers for undergraduate studies.
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Newman's Army car to feature faces of more than 500 veterans
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