The Ryan Newman Foundation

Monday, May 22, 2006; Page E02
Article by Liz Clarke

With 43 drivers in the starting field of every NASCAR Nextel Cup race, there's no escaping the hard truth that every workday ends with one guy basking in Victory Lane and 42 heading home in a funk. Who consoles a stock-car racer after his day has been ruined by a blown tire, an ill-handling racecar or contact with
a concrete wall?

In many cases: their pets. "It doesn't matter what kind of day I've had on the racetrack or at home," says two-time NASCAR champion Tony Stewart, whose Chihuahua, Kayle, fits in one hand.
"Kayle helps change my mood in a hurry."

The bond between NASCAR's hard-charging drivers and their furry, four-footed pals is the subject of "Pit Road Pets: NASCAR Stars and Their Pets," a 164-page hardcover book chock-full of anecdotes from nearly 50 NASCAR personalities about how they came to find, and love, their dogs, cats and other critters; handsome pictures of them cuddling together off the track; and, best of all, a strong message with 100 percent of the proceeds donated to a worthy cause.

The message: Consider adopting from local animal shelters and, regardless, spay and neuter pets.

The beneficiary: Humane causes, including a regional, low-cost spay-neuter clinic serving eight North Carolina counties in the heart of NASCAR country... (continue).  To read the rest of the article on www.washingtonpost.com.