Goodyear and Walmart Collaborate to Support Troops (#nascar)

Goodyear Donates $100,000 to Support Our Troops® Organization

 

Support of the U.S. Armed Forces has been part of the fabric of The Goodyear & Tire Rubber Company for more than a century. Goodyear today announced a new extension to that support pledging a $100,000 donation to Support Our Troops®, a nonprofit nationwide organization that works to bolster the morale and well-being of America’s troops and their families.

Additionally, beginning today and extending through August 26, Goodyear and Walmart, another significant military supporter, will ask consumers to nominate a deserving military member or their family members for a chance to win a new set of Goodyear tires and a coveted NASCAR® experience, which includes a trip for four to a NASCAR race.

Nominations and donations can be made at www.walmart.com/goodyeartiresfortroops. Additionally, consumers can enter to win other NASCAR-themed prizes, Support Our Troops race-used Goodyear tires and more.

“Goodyear has a rich history with the U.S. Armed Forces and our unwavering support is reflected in this program,” said Steve McClellan, president, Goodyear Americas. “We are pleased to join forces with Walmart to show our appreciation for the military.”

“Having Goodyear and Walmart team up to raise money and awareness to better the lives of the men and women who protect our freedom is amazing,” said Martin C. Boire, executive director of Support Our Troops. “Companies such as Goodyear and Walmart do so much for our troops, from veterans’ hiring programs and other fundraising efforts and it doesn’t go unnoticed by our military members.”

Goodyear has more than 100 years of history building innovative tires and equipment to help support and protect U.S. troops and is the largest producer of military tires in the country. The tire manufacturer has helped build more than 150 blimps for the U.S. Navy and customizes its iconic Goodyear Eagle race tires annually to display a Support Our Troops message during two May NASCAR races in Charlotte, N.C.

The company was recently recognized as a Military Friendly Employer by G.I. Jobs magazine for its leadership in hiring and supporting veterans. In 2014, Goodyear surpassed a three-year goal of hiring 1,000 veterans and since then, has renewed its commitment to hiring another 1,000 veterans over three years. Goodyear has implemented annual programs to raise funds for Support Our Troops since 2010 and to date has raised more than $1 million for the organization.

About Goodyear

Goodyear, founded in 1898 in Akron, is one of the world’s largest tire companies. It employs approximately 66,000 people and manufactures its products in 49 facilities in 22 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry. For more information about Goodyear and its products, go to www.goodyear.com.

About Support Our Troops

SupportOurTroops.org provides simple constructive ways for citizens and community minded businesses to show their patriotism and appreciation for those who sacrifice so much to protect our country, our homes, our families, and our American way of life. Support Our Troops is a registered trademark licensed through SupportOurTroops.org. The official SupportOurTroops.org website is a nationwide platform for individuals, organizations, businesses and non-profits to bolster America’s troops and their families in a multitude of ways. It is a moral covenant with those who serve to protect us and our families.

Press Release

Tony Stewart, Ernie Irvan to be Inducted into Sonoma Raceway Wall of Fame

Sonoma Raceway will add two NASCAR legends to its Wall of Fame during the upcoming Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event weekend, June 24-26.

Tony Stewart and Ernie Irvan will become the newest members of the raceway's Wall of Fame, joining fellow NASCAR stars Rusty Wallace (2005), Mark Martin (2005), Jeff Gordon (2006), Ricky Rudd (2007) and Rick Hendrick (2010).

In more than 15 years of competition on the Sonoma Raceway road course, Stewart has become known as one of the most talented drivers on the challenging circuit. In recognition of his accomplishments, and to honor his final year as a driver in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Stewart will be inducted into the Sonoma Raceway Wall of Fame.

In 17 NASCAR premiere series start at Sonoma, Stewart has posted two victories and nine top-10 finishes. He is one of five two-time winners at Sonoma Raceway and has completed more than 1,800 laps around the 12-turn road course. The three-time premiere series champion is certainly ranked among the very best overall road-course racers with seven road-course wins in 31 premiere series attempts; compiling 12 top fives and 19 top 10s.

"I have a long history at Sonoma and a lot of memories there, and to be inducted into the Wall of Fame is a real honor," said Stewart, who made his first Sonoma start in 1999. "I've always loved the challenge of road-course racing and I'm proud of all that we've accomplished at Sonoma. Hopefully we can put a third win on the board this weekend."

Irvan made his mark in Sonoma with two victories, including one of the road course's most memorable. In 1992, Irvan claimed his first Sonoma win in the Save Mart Supermarkets 300 after being black-flagged at the start for crossing the starting line ahead of pole winner Ricky Rudd. He came back to pass 41 cars to take the checkered flag.

Just two years later, Irvan became the first two-time winner of a NASCAR Cup event in Sonoma, winning by the largest margin of victory in raceway history (9.56 seconds) over Geoffrey Bodine.

"It's a real honor to be inducted to the Wall of Fame. It's basically my home track and I always loved going home to race there," said Irvan, who posted six top-10 finishes and one pole position in 10 Sonoma starts. "When I first started driving the #4 car, I didn't even know I could road race. I had a great race car and a great crew chief, and that gave me a lot of confidence."

The Sonoma Raceway Wall of Fame is designed to honor those who have excelled not only in their form of motor racing, but more importantly, in Sonoma.  Each inductee is recognized during a ceremony with a marble plaque engraved with his/her likeness.  

The engraving is also added to the Wall of Fame, which is located behind the main grandstand.

The Wall of Fame includes competitors from all forms of motor racing featured in Sonoma, including NASCAR, NHRA, AMA, open-wheel cars, sports cars and more. It will also include those who have made significant contributions to the raceway over the years.

"Tony and Ernie have played a part in some of Sonoma Raceway's most memorable races and dramatic finishes.  We are proud to honor their legacy and thank them for the great memories they've given our race fans," said Steve Page, Sonoma Raceway president and general manager.

Source

Inaugural Buckingham Climbin’ For Linemen Competition Kicks Off #NASCAR Race Day

A special event has been added to the NASCAR-USAC-ARCA tripleheader June 25 at Gateway Motorsports Park. The inaugural Climbin’ for Linemen competition will be on race day morning in the infield of the superspeedway. The event is designed to showcase the skills of the line worker, promote safety and raise awareness to the public for our industry.

The event this year will consist of a “Hurtman Rescue Championship” sponsored by Buckingham Manufacturing (www.buckinghammfg.com). Buckingham Manufacturing is a115-year-old company which serves the utility, arborist and telecommunications industries.

The Hurtman Rescue is a procedure all linemen are required to practice annually. This entails a co-worker climbing up to the injured lineman and using a handline rope-and-block to lower him to safety.

The winner and a guest will receive a vacation package from Bevins Company: round-trip airfare and accommodations to Mexico. The winner will also receive a custom championship belt designed using a lineman’s body belt.

All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Fallen Linemen Organization. In 2015, FLO tracked 30 fatalities and worked to assist these families. The funds from entrant participation in this event will allow FLO to continue to assist the families in their time of need.

FLO was founded by NASCAR race sponsor Chad Dubea, who also owns Elite Fleet Services, LLC, following the tragic loss of one of his employees. Its mission is to memorialize fallen electrical line workers and help care for the families who have lost — or are impacted by a severe injury to — a loved one in the line of duty. FLO strives to consolidate accident and injury information to promote a safer work environment. FLO also helps all fallen and severely-injured electrical line workers, including, but not limited to, groundsmen, linemen, operators, apprentice linemen, journeymen linemen, and substation mechanics.

“This is about recognition and awareness for those who are keeping the lights on,” said Dubea. “We want all of the attention to focus on bringing awareness to the life-saving work and sacrifices electrical linemen make every day, especially during major storms and disasters.”

The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Drivin’ For Linemen 200 Brought To You By Altec will be joined by the Illinois Lottery Presents ARCA Midwest 50 and the Vatterott College Silver Crown Showdown for USAC open-wheel racers. Spectator gates will open at 8 a.m. with the NASCAR race slated for 7:30 p.m. The inaugural Climbin’ For Linemen competition will start at 9 a.m. in the speedway’s infield.

source