10-04-2005 | TruckSeries.com Report
Alabama Governor Bob Riley joined Talladega Superspeedway President Grant Lynch and Joe Packa, Executive for the Southeast Area Headquarters of the American National Red Cross, in thanking race fans for their contributions to the Hurricane Katrina relief initiative undertaken the track's parent company, International Speedway Corporation (ISC). They also urged everyone to remember that many of the people affected by the storm will need continued help for many more months to come, and encouraged fans to continue their support. "We've got about 25,000 to 30,000 evacuees in this state, and we've got over 6,000 kids in our public schools here. All Alabamians are stepping up, but over the next few months, when there are other things to think about, it's going to be up to all of us to make sure that we maintain that commitment," Riley said. "I want to tell Grant Lynch how much we appreciate everything the speedway has done and that ISC has done, and what your community has done. It truly is amazing. NASCAR fans are unique. They not only love their sport and they not only come down and enjoy themselves here, but they truly are some of the most compassionate people you will ever meet." As has been and will continue to be the case at all ISC-owned tracks throughout the remainder of the season, American Red Cross representatives were at entrance gates throughout the weekend here accepting monetary donations from fans who wished to contribute to the relief efforts. This facilitation of donations is one aspect of ISC's effort, which it jumpstarted with a commitment of $1 million in funding and services, including contributions of its tracks and other subsidiaries such as Americrown Service Corporation. Talladega Superspeedway presented a check for $100,000 to the area chapter of the American Red Cross several weeks ago while hosting a luncheon for families who had evacuated into the area from the storm and its ensuing damage. Americrown delivered $250,000 in clothing and merchandise that was distributed to those in need throughout the Gulf Coast region, and also sent a staffed mobile kitchen and food to provide meals for Alabama Department of Public Safety workers and other volunteers who were working in the region after the storm. For those contributions, Gov. Riley presented Lynch with a plaque on behalf of the Alabama State Troopers, who were among those who benefited from Americrown's presence during those critical weeks. Lynch explained the multiple facets of ISC's efforts, and encouraged fans to continue their support as well. "The great thing about our company is even though we have a facility here, we have facilities across the country. At each of those facilities, starting after the hurricane, we've asked our fans - the race fans that are so supportive of our sport and our speedways - to get behind this effort too," Lynch said. "The race fans have been giving their dollars at our facilities, and we have been continuing that at all of our facilities." Packa thanked fans for the generosity they have displayed throughout the effort, but joined Gov. Riley in reminding everyone that the level of need will continue for some time to come and encouraged everyone to keep in mind the people who have lost so much from the storm. "People are beginning to go back home to look at the devastation and what is left, but the mission of the Red Cross continues because the needs are so great, as Grant and Gov. Riley just told you. The disaster relief operation is really bigger than most of us are aware," Packa said. Packa offered several figures from the American Red Cross to illustrate that point: "All of this costs money, as Gov. Riley said," Packa stated. "We are looking at a bill of about $2 billion. We are spending it faster than we are bringing it in. The need is still great, and it is going to go on. I know the race fans have opened up their hearts and opened up their wallets, and bless them for doing that. But we still need people to help; there are lots of ways." Remaining ISC event weekends where fans can donate to the relief fund at tracks include: In addition to contributing at ISC events, race fans can visit www.racefanshelp.com to support the American Red Cross Hurricane Katrina relief effort, or by visiting the following ISC track websites: