The "SpeedyTags" fundraising program created by the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), and bolstered by the direct involvement of NASCAR champions Richard Petty and Tony Stewart, got off to a rousing start during race week at Bristol.

Thousands of the unique "SpeedyTags" were handed out to race fans at the Paralyzed Veterans display booth during Food City Family Race Night festivities in downtown Bristol on Thursday. The Richard Petty "SpeedyTag" bears the King's familiar silhouette logo while Stewart's tag has his popular #20. The signatures of each are also displayed on their respective tags.

"SpeedyTags" were given away free by the Paralyzed Veterans.  Each tag, complete with neck chain so they can be worn, has a special code number on the back so race fans can go online to purchase selected Petty, Stewart and other NASCAR driver merchandise at a $5.00 discount. The discounted portion of each purchase is then directed to the Paralyzed Veterans as a donation to support paralyzed veterans.

Fans can also go online to www.SpeedyTags.org and purchase their tag for $5.00.  By purchasing a tag, fans will be entitled to the same discount on driver merchandise.

The Paralyzed Veterans also got a chance to experience the true sense of pride, patriotism and kindness of the typical NASCAR fan during the display hours, receiving hundreds of donations from race fans who wanted to immediately show their support of the paralyzed veterans.

"NASCAR fans have always been known for their generosity, and we had a chance to see that first-hand this weekend," said Carl Blake, Senior Associate Legislative Director for the PVA. "Our first experience with the 'SpeedyTags' far exceeded our expectations, and if we can continue to inform the NASCAR fans about this program, we believe that it will achieve all of its goals," added Blake, a paralyzed veteran and long-time NASCAR fan.

"When the Paralyzed Veterans of America first came to me, I immediately said that I would help our vets any way possible," Petty said.

"I feel very strongly that we, as Americans, must support those who support us and who enable us to remain free. This program will support those veterans who served this country but who gave much more by sustaining life-long disabilities and hardships. They have paid a far greater price to allow us to do the things we enjoy, and someone needs to step up now and help these great men and women," Petty added.

Similar "SpeedyTag" distribution programs have also been scheduled for the upcoming NASCAR Nextel Cup Series races at the Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte in October and the season finale in November in Homestead, Florida.