Garth Brooks joins NASCAR Day effort

Reid Spencer
Sporting News NASCAR Wire Service

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. --

Country music superstar Garth Brooks has joined the NASCAR Foundation's efforts to provide charitable support for those who need it most.

Brooks will be involved heavily in the promotion of the fifth NASCAR Day, an annual event that has raised more than $5 million for charity. Celebrated on the third Friday of May (May 16 in 2008), the success of NASCAR Day enabled the NASCAR Foundation to donate $500,000 last year to Victory Junction Gang Camp founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty.

The Home Depot also raised $400,000 for the NASCAR Foundation through its NASCAR Day efforts in 2007, a portion of which benefited KaBOOM!, a national non-profit whose mission is to provide safe play places within walking distance of every child in America. The foundation also donated $250,000 to Speediatrics, motorsports-themed pediatric units at Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach.

Brooks created his own foundation 10 years ago, Teammates For Kids, which partners with major professional sports to support health, education and inner-city services for children. To Brooks, the association with NASCAR is a logical extension of his charitable activities.

Brooks will appear in print, radio and television advertising promoting NASCAR Day, with the campaign scheduled to debut during the 50th running of the Daytona 500 on Feb. 17. Brooks says no concerts are planned at this point but didn't rule out the possibility of performing in conjunction with the NASCAR Day activities."

If we would (perform), it would be something that (NASCAR president) Mike (Helton) and I would sit around and talk about," Brooks said Tuesday in the Daytona International Speedway media center. "We tried to do something for Daytona this year, but that didn't work out.

"Since I don't get to play much anymore -- my youngest (child) is 11, so I've got probably another 10 years of taking the kids to school and stuff (I doubt I'll drive her to college) -- we'll see. If we do get to play, it's for charity, which, truthfully, is what the gift was given to me for anyway. We don't have any plans at this time."

Fans can participate in NASCAR Day by donating $5. In return, donors will receive a "5th Anniversary NASCAR Day" collectible lapel pin. Pins and information about volunteer opportunities are available through nascar.com/nascarday and nascar.com/foundation.