Last week at the Hard Rock Cafe in downtown Phoenix, Bryan Sperber, Phoenix International Raceway President, announced that the track has extended its partnership with the Jimmie Johnson Foundation for the April 16th NASCAR Camping World Series West race at PIR, which will again be named the Jimmie Johnson Foundation 150.
The partnership between the Foundation and PIR reaches its second year in 2009. The Jimmie Johnson Foundation 150 is scheduled as the first of three races during the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500™ event weekend, with the green flag dropping under PIR’s bright lights at 7:15 p.m. on April 16. Mike David won the first Foundation race in 2008.
The Jimmie Johnson Foundation – created by Johnson and his wife, Chandra – is dedicated to assisting children, families, and communities in need. The foundation strives to help everyone, particularly children, pursue their dreams. The partner programs for the Jimmie Johnson Foundation include San Diego Habitat for Humanity, the Hendrick Marrow Program, the Victory Junction Gang Camp, and Phoenix-based Make-A-Wish Foundation of America.
In partnership with Phoenix International Raceway, the Jimmie Johnson Foundation has designated the West Valley Child Crisis Center as its local charity of choice. The WVCCC’s mission is to provide a safe place where children are comfortable and loved, and given a chance to heal before being placed in a foster home, restored with their parent(s), or with a relative that the State deems able to provide decent care.
I had the great opportunity to speak with the 3-time defending NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion about the new partnership, racing at PIR, the season ahead, and ever owning his own NASCAR team. Please listen to the attached audio file to hear the entire interview.
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After my interview, Jimmie and Bryan addressed the rest of the media and guests who were in attendance. One of the main, and incredibly hilarious, highlights of the day was when a fellow media member asked Jimmie two specific questions. Was it true that he sometimes gets carsick when driving, and had he ever seen one of his fellow Hendrick Motorsports drivers’ naked.
Well, Johnson quickly responded to the second question with a chuckle and a resounding, “NO! Never!”
His answer to the first question came with an entertaining story. Jimmie did admit to getting carsick from time to time, but said it is something he deals with and can handle. He then touched on one specific time while driving in the Dakar Rally for Robby Gordon.
During a 250 mile heat he humbly admitted that about 230 of those miles was a non-stop puke fest! The funny part about the situation was that Jimmie had forgotten his helmet and had to borrow Robby’s. After the race, without saying a word, he nonchalantly placed the helmet back in Gordon’s bag! He said Robby did eventually provide some payback, but didn’t get into specifics of how.
Johnson then came back around to sharing more on his thoughts about Phoenix International Raceway, the partnership and the opportunity to give back to the local community.
“I really give the track a lot of credit for this partnership idea,” said Johnson. “It’s a great way that we can raise awareness and funds for our foundation. At the same time, Chani and I are thrilled to be making a contribution to a very important local charity. We hope the children who benefit from the services of West Valley Child Crisis Center will have a chance to join us for a night of fun and racing at the Jimmie Johnson Foundation 150.”
As Johnson attempts his fourth consecutive Sprint Cup Series victory at PIR in the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500™, fans will be able to purchase a special Jimmie Johnson Foundation Ticket Package – including a seat in the Bobby Allison Grandstands for the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500™, a pre-race pit pass, a gift, and admission to a pre-race question-and-answer session with Johnson – for $148. A portion of the proceeds from the Jimmie Johnson Foundation Sprint Cup Series race package will support the foundation and its partner programs.
“We are truly excited about partnering with Chandra and Jimmie Johnson on this unique project that ties racing with philanthropy for a second consecutive year,” Sperber said. “PIR strongly believes in the work of the foundation and it was natural for us to continue to grow this partnership. Additionally, we are very excited to unveil a new and unique race experience for our fans through the Jimmie Johnson Foundation Ticket Package.”
This year’s event will feature more than just a 150-mile race for the Camping World Series West teams. A special “Night of Champions” party featuring Johnson will take place in PIR’s Octane on the evening of the Jimmie Johnson Foundation 150. Proceeds from special racing items and memorabilia auctioned at the event will benefit the Jimmie Johnson Foundation and its partner programs, all with the intent of giving back to children in the Phoenix area and beyond.
Sponsorship and ticket information for the Night of Champions party is available by calling Stacy Kutz of Phoenix International Raceway at (623) 463-5400.
General race tickets for the April 16 Jimmie Johnson Foundation 150 and all other events throughout the NASCAR event weekend at PIR can be purchased at www.phoenixraceway.com, or over the phone at 1-866-408-RACE (7223).
A huge thanks to Phoenix International Raceway, Paul Corliss, and Griffin Hickman for access to the event and providing some of the enclosed content.
Filed under: Sprint Cup | Tagged: Bryan Sperber, Camping World Series, Chandra Johnson, Fresh Fit 500, hendrick motorsports, Jimmie Johnson, Jimmie Johnson Foundation, NASCAR, Phoenix International Raceway, PIR, Robby Gordon, Sprint Cup Series, Subway, Victory Junction Gang Camp, West Valley Crisis Center | Leave a comment »
Former New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan – who holds the NFL’s record for most sacks in a single season – has been named Grand Marshal for the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500™ at Phoenix International Raceway on Saturday, April 18, PIR President Bryan R. Sperber announced.
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