The Ryan Newman Foundation

(March 22, 2006--Hickory, NC) Ryan and Krissie Newman held their first major Pit Road Pets: NASCAR Stars and Their Pets book signingat the Hickory, North Carolina Barnes & Noble on Wednesday, March22nd. Nearly 200 people attended the Newmans' book signing, as well as a few furry friends. A local rescue organization joined the Newmans at the bookstore in promoting their animal rescue group andfuture facility. The Ryan Newman Foundation's net proceeds fromPit Road Pets will be donated to the local rescue organization's capital campaign to build a no-kill animal shelter, education center, dog park and regional spay/neuter clinic that will serve the heart of NASCAR country--from the mountains of NC to the Lowe's Motor Speedway area.

The Newmans wanted to hold their first PitRoad Pets book signing in Hickory, North Carolina to support the rescue organization. It was their involvement with the the rescue organization that originally inspired the couple to start the Ryan Newman Foundation in 2005. Krissie Newman serves on the board of directors of the nonprofit organization, and she and Ryan Newman serve as honorary co-chairs of the agency's capital campaign. The Newman's pledged a $400,000 donation to fund the regional, public, low-cost spay/neuter clinic. The unique multi-purpose facility will serve as a model for other communities throughout the country.

Ryan Newman explains, "North Carolina has one of the highest animal euthanasia rates in the country. Krissie and I feel that it is important to work towards eliminating animal overpopulation in our own community as well as across the nation. Spaying and neutering pets is the solution to the animal overpopulation and euthanization problem." A number of the drivers who appear in the book PitRoadPets have expressed their support of the Ryan Newman Foundation's philanthropic work by offering to do book signings across the country throughout the year. Kyle Busch recently held a Pit Road Pets book signing at his trackside merchandise trailer at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. His girlfriend, Erica Dewey, and their dogs Kelly and Suzie, joined Busch for his book signing.

To be notified of future driver book signings, click the Join Our Email List banner on the home page of www.ryannewmanfoundation.org or www.pitroadpets.com.