The Ryan Newman Foundation

Ryan Newman has been a fan of the great outdoors for as long as he can remember. From late-night campfires to pre-dawn fishing trips with his grandfather, Ryan spent his childhood exploring the natural world around him. Today, when Ryan's not behind the wheel of his #12 Penske Racing Alltel Dodge in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, he can often be found fishing on his pond at home or at lakes near speedways across the country.

"I've met a lot of NASCAR fans who are avid fisherman like me, and they know how important it is to protect the beautiful land and water that we enjoy today so our grandchildren can enjoy it in the future." – Ryan Newman

In 2006, the Ryan Newman Foundation awarded a $10,000 grant to Trout Unlimited whose mission is to conserve, protect and restore North America's trout and salmon fisheries and their watersheds. The foundation is also working with the conservation organization to develop programs that enable individuals to help protect rivers, lakes and streams.

Racing for Wildlife:

Across the nation, natural places are increasingly being lost to development. Woods and grassy meadows are giving way to shopping centers and subdivisions. As a result, families have fewer opportunities to get outside and enjoy nature. In an effort to help preserve America's special places, the Ryan Newman Foundation has teamed up with The Conservation Fund to launch Racing for Wildlife, a creative campaign to build an American land legacy for generations of race fans who share Ryan's love of the outdoors.

Together, The Conservation Fund and the Ryan Newman Foundation are leading the effort to preserve some of these special places—and are turning to the millions of Americans who love NASCAR and the outdoors to help. Each year, Racing for Wildlife will pursue a new conservation project that offers recreational opportunities near urban areas, so families can easily enjoy these protected places.

Michigan:

Lap one is the restoration of Mill Lake Youth Camp in the Waterloo Recreation Area in Michigan. Racing For Wildlife's first project is a collaboration with Michigan International Speedway, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and the Michigan United Conservation Clubs to restore Mill Lake Youth Camp. The historic camp, built in the 1930s, is approximately 30 miles north of MIS in the 20,000-acre Waterloo Recreation Area. The camp is located on a scenic lake that offers excellent recreation and fishing. This restoration project will reopen the camp to families as a year-round facility that can accommodate more than 140 people.

"When we talked about where to launch Racing For Wildlife, we naturally thought about partnering with Michigan International Speedway," Newman says. "A couple years ago MIS President Roger Curtis and I talked about our shared interest in conservation, and the track has been a generous supporter of the Ryan Newman Foundation in the past. Plus, I grew up just a few hours away from this area, so this first campaign really hits close to home for me."

Alabama:

Lap two was kicked off by Ryan Newman and NASCAR legend Bobby Allison at Talladega Superspeedway on April 25, 2008. The project will protect prime land for hiking, camping and recreation, just a short drive from the racetrack, in the Talladega National Forest.

For more information about these projects, to make a donation or to watch video of Ryan talking about this conservation initiative, visit Racing For Wildlife.