NASCAR DAY | THIRD FRIDAY IN MAY
This year NASCAR Day is celebrated on the third Friday in May and recognizes the drivers, celebrities, corporate partners, media and millions of fans.
#NASCARDay
In 2006, the NASCAR Foundation brought family together to support the cause of health and lives of children across the whole country. Today, the observance kicks off a fundraising event dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children.
The NASCAR Foundation is the leading charitable organization that works to improve the lives of children in the NASCAR community. They believe every child deserves a chance at a healthy life. By making children’s health their main priority, the foundation helps make the medical needs of children their top priority.
“We believe our greatest asset is the power and passion of our NASCAR fans: passion both for the sport and for giving back. NASCAR Day is an annual celebration of this NASCAR spirit.”
Not So Common Fun Facts
- 1948: Red Byron wins the first NASCAR race driving a Ford.
- 1959: More than 41,000 fans attend the the first Daytona 500.
- 1963: Wendell Scott becomes the first African-American to win a NASCAR race.
- 1977: Janet Guthrie becomes the first women to compete in the Daytona 500, qualify 39th and finishing 12th.
- 2013: Danica Patrick becomes the first female to win a pole in NASCAR history.
YOUR SUPOPRT IS NEEDED
- Learn more about the NASCAR Foundation.
- Volunteer at a local event.
- Donate money to the organization.
- Show your support by posting #NASCARDay on social media.
A BRIEF HISTORY
The National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing NASCAR hosted its first race on February 15, 1948, in Daytona Beach. Since then, NASCAR’s deep roots have raises their standards to the the highest class of stock car auto racing in the United States. Within a 10 month period, they hosts a series of races and award the most successful racing car driver of the season the NASCAR Cup Series Drivers’ Championship.
Betty Jane France receive honors for founding the NASCAR Foundation in 2006. Her vision to establish a permanent commitment to support causes that benefit the health of children was evident over time. It was this vision that would eventually lead to the opening of the renowned racing-themed Speediatrics children’s care units at Halifax Health in Daytona Beach and Homestead Hospital in South Florida. During this time, the Speediatrics Children’s Fund was also made available to provide medical assistance to families.
For six decades, Betty Jane France served NASCAR in one capacity or another. As the wife of Chairman and CEO, Bill France Jr, her involvement in the organization was constant and consistent. Serving as Executive Vice President for a period of time increased her passion was to serve the community.
Unfortunately, Better passed away in 2016. Her death has left a legacy NASCAR follows. They continue to dedicate their time to provide as much resources and support to children in their racing communities.