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Tony Stewart Drives in
NASCAR Modified Tour Event at NHIS
in Support of Foxwoods for Racing Against Cancer™
Fundraiser
MANCHESTER,
Conn. May 22, 2006 A two-time and reigning NASCAR
NEXTEL Cup Series champion Tony Stewart will drive for
car owner Curt Chase in the July 15 NASCAR Whelen
Modified Tour race at New Hampshire International
Speedway (NHIS) in Loudon.
Foxwoods Resort Casino of Mashantucket, Conn., will
sponsor Stewart in the New England 100 on behalf of the
American Cancer Society.
Foxwoods Resort Casino will make a donation equivalent
to Stewarts race winnings in the New England 100 to the
American Cancer Society through the Racing Against
Cancer™ program. This is the fifth year that Foxwoods
has joined Racing Against Cancer™ for a promotion at
NHIS.
“This is always an excellent opportunity for Racing
Against Cancer™, said Scott Gregory, director of
operations for the non-profit organization. “We have an
exciting way to raise money for the American Cancer
Society while gaining valuable exposure for our program.
Having one of the most colorful and talented racers of
the modern era is a tremendous boost to an already great
fundraiser.
The fundraiser began in 1999 with Brad Leighton and the
GRIZCO Racing Team. In 2003, veteran competitor Randy
MacDonald joined forces with Racing Against Cancer™. To
date, the promotion has raised over $58,000 for the
American Cancer Society.
In 1999, Leighton and company earned over $18,000 during
the NASCAR Busch East Series event. In 2003, MacDonald
drove a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series entry on behalf of
the American Cancer Society to earn $7,940. In 2004
while driving for MacDonald in the NASCAR Busch Series,
Kevin Lepage earned $16,810. And most recently, Busch
East regular Dale Quarterly raised $14,610 in last years
July race at New Hampshire while driving for MacDonald.
“Thanks to a number of amazing people, the event at NHIS
has been hugely successful, said Gregory. “Thanks to
Foxwoods Resort Casino this is the most visible
promotion we do each year, and with Tony’s star power
this fundraiser will receive an unprecedented amount of
media exposure that will only help to strengthen our
fight against cancer.
The Racing Against Cancer™ program is working to develop
additional avenues to raise money for the fight against
cancer through this tremendous opportunity.
The body panels from the race car, as well as the
firesuit worn by Stewart, will be offered in a charity
auction hosted by Racing Against Cancer™ at a date and
location to be announced.
During the event, Stewart and his crew will don purple
Racing Against Cancer™ awareness wristbands in a show of
support for the program. Fans can purchase the same
wristbands by logging on to
www.racingagainstcancer.com or
www.tonystewart.com.
The New England 100 will be the first time in several
years that Stewart has piloted a Modified Tour machine.
The versatile driver has dabbled in Modified racing
throughout his career, having participated in match
races in the Sunoco Modifieds at Thompson (Conn.)
International Speedway in 2002 and 2003. His earlier
forays into Modified racing have become famous in
Modified racing circles. A stint during race weeks at
New Smyrna (Fla.) Speedway back in the late 90s
originally spurred a rivalry between Stewart and
Modified racings most prolific driver Ted Christopher.
That rivalry has since evolved into friendship between
the two competitors.
To bring home the top prize for the American Cancer
Society, Stewart will undoubtedly have to contend with
Christopher, who has had a stronghold on victory lane at
the 1.058-mile oval, winning four Modified Tour events
in a row at New Hampshire.
Foxwoods will produce a special photo card to
commemorate this one-time event. Fans will be invited to
pick up their free card, while supplies last, at the
Foxwoods promotional booth located beneath the NHIS
grandstands during the race weekend.
Jon Blanchette founded the Racing Against Cancer™ Team
in 1996 after cancer claimed the life of his wife Jodi
in 1994. The purpose of the team was to generate
awareness and funding for the American Cancer Society.
From its humble beginnings, the Racing Against Cancer™
Team has blossomed into a true fundraising effort.
Today, the Racing Against Cancer™ Team
is a diverse group of members, from race fans to
competitors, to track promoters and corporate partners
that share a love of auto racing and a desire to find a
cure for cancer. The Racing Against Cancer™ program
raises funds for cancer research and patient services
through a variety of channels including donation drives,
raffles, merchandise sales and a paid membership program
called “Join the Team”.
Since its inception in 1996, the cumulative fundraising
total for the Racing Against Cancer™ program is
$454,215.
The Racing Against Cancer™ Program is a non-profit
organization dedicated to raising funds for cancer
research, patient services, youth tobacco educational
programs, and awareness. To learn more about this
federally recognized non-profit organization please call
(860) 608-1885 or visit
www.racingagainstcancer.com.

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