The Ryan Newman Foundation

On Friday, June 12, 2009, Racing for Wildlife sponsored its second June ARCA race at Michigan International Speedway (MIS) – the Racing for Wildlife 200.  The race entitlement is a joint venture of MIS with The Conservation Fund and the Ryan Newman Foundation, which formed Racing for Wildlife in 2007. That partnership is a first-of-its-kind initiative that invites sports fans, drivers, track owners, race sponsors and other conservation-minded individuals to join NASCAR driver Newman and The Conservation Fund to save America’s scenic lands.

The Racing for Wildlife 200 was broadcast on the SPEED Channel, where Ryan Newman joined in the broadcast booth as a guest commentator for live play by play of the race.  Newman also joined MIS President Roger Curtis and Rex Boner of The Conservation Fund in victory lane for the trophy presentation to race winner Parker Kligerman. 

Racing for Wildlife also gave several race fans the opportunity to participate in Friday’s race-day activities through a pre-race auction on the NASCAR Foundation’s website.  Auction winners were able to join as grand marshall and honorary starter or take a spot in a pace car ride or view part of the race from the spotter’s stand.  They also took part in the winner’s circle festivities and watched the race from the Racing for Wildlife suite near pit road.  NASCAR legend Bobby Allison made a visit to the suite to tell a few stories and discuss his continued support of the Racing for Wildlife message.  Proceeds from the auction will support Racing for Wildlife’s projects in Michigan. 

Racing for Wildlife continues its initiative to get children outdoors in the nearby Waterloo Recreation area.  Prior to the race, Racing for Wildlife announced support for building a new dock and providing several camp scholarships to kids at the nearby Cedar Lake Outdoor Center.  Racing for Wildlife also continues to raise funds for renovation of the Mill Lake Youth Camp. 

For more information or to make a donation, visit www.racingforwildlife.org.