Pieces of NASCAR Vets Day car to be auctioned for charity

By US Army Accessions Command PAOJanuary 12, 2011

Pieces of NASCAR Vets Day car auctioned for charity
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Sheet metal from the No. 39 U.S. Army Chevrolet Impala Ryan Newman drove in the Nov. 14 NASCAR race, featuring the faces of more than 500 military veterans, will be auctioned online to raise money for the Fisher House Foundation and Army Emergency Relief.

The eBay auction begins Jan. 21, and will be open until Jan. 30. Bidders can go to http://givingworks.ebay.com/ and search for "Ryan Newman US Army Veterans Day car" to place a bid or get more information on the auction items.

The sheet metal being auctioned off includes the hood, splitter, right and left fenders, right and left quarterpanels, right- and left-side door panels (which include the No. 39), decklid (trunk), and TV panel (rear bumper).

Each of the 11 pieces will be autographed by Newman and two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart, the co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing.

"The special No. 39 U.S. Army Veterans Day paint scheme was a tribute to the strength of our heroes, past and present, and their families," said Col. Derik Crotts, director of strategic communications, marketing and outreach, U.S. Army Accessions Command. "We are proud and greatly appreciative of Stewart-Haas Racing's and Ryan Newman's continued support of Army Strong Soldiers and their families."

The 500-plus faces on Newman's U.S. Army Veterans Day car represented multiple generations of men and women who have embraced the call of duty, dating back to World War I. The special paint scheme resonated during the Phoenix race weekend, as it not only captured the emotion, spirit and heart of the NASCAR garage, but was also admired by legions of NASCAR fans.

"The Veterans Day paint scheme was truly a special race car that carried an abundance of emotion," said Newman. "And to see pieces of that car being auctioned off to fans with the monies going to two incredible organizations - the Fisher House Foundation and Army Emergency Relief - makes me even more proud to drive the U.S. Army Chevrolet for Stewart-Haas Racing."

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 dependents. 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.

Related Links:

Army Emergency Relief

U.S. Army Racing set to create picture perfect Veterans Day

NASCAR races to Walter Reed

Newman's Army car to feature faces of more than 500 veterans

Army Veterans Resources

Fisher House Foundation