Catchfence

CHARLOTTE, NC (May 21, 2009) – The Jeff Gordon Foundation, with presenting sponsor Nicorette, hit the track for the Foundation’s “Ultimate Speed” go-kart event on Wednesday, May 20. The event was held at Victory Lane Karting with proceeds benefitting the Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital. Funds raised will be used to build a Pediatric Pulmonary Lab at the hospital’s Pediatric Pavilion.

Participants were given the chance to race Jeff Gordon on the track at the indoor karting facility. Guests at the event enjoyed a catered lunch by Paventi’s Pizzeria, an exciting live auction, and had their photo taken with the four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion. John Roberts, host of SPEED Channel’s NASCAR Raceday and Victory Lane, emceed the event that included eight different heats of two teams. Mike Smith was presented the champions award for posting the fastest time.

During the event, Gordon also announced the Foundation would be funding the community Spirometry Program — an outreach program designed to improve pulmonary care throughout the region. The program will extend to 26 pediatric clinic locations, providing a portable spirometry device in each practice. The devices test pulmonary function of patients, and each patient will now be more likely to have testing annually, as recommended. In addition, the Spirometry Program will ensure that each of the practices will receive staff training and service support. The inception of a regional program will lead to increased understanding about controlling asthma for patients and their families and ensure families no longer have to leave the community when their child needs support with asthma.

“The children’s hospital is an important part of our work through the Foundation,” said Gordon. “We are so proud to be able to help fund and support their medical initiatives that bring specialized care to the region.”

Racing Gordon was a highlight for the sponsors and hospital staff that participated, however it was not the only reason for their excitement. Being a part of this event and supporting the Foundation’s efforts to build the Pediatric Pulmonary Lab provided the participants the pride in knowing they are helping bring sub-specialty service to the area that was once only available in larger cities.

“Having the proceeds of the go-kart event benefit our pediatric pulmonology program is wonderful. We are grateful to have the partnership and friendship of The Jeff Gordon Foundation,” said Dr. Alan Harsch, Pediatric Pulmonologist.

“Because of their support, the Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital and the Pediatric Pavilion will continue to meet the healthcare needs of even more children in our community, and beyond.”

The Presenting Sponsor of this year’s event, Nicorette, partnered to show their support for the Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital and Gordon’s Foundation that makes children’s health a priority. Their involvement in “Ultimate Speed” provided an opportunity to continue their efforts to promote a healthy lifestyle and to be able to support Gordon and his passion for children and healthy living.

The Jeff Gordon Foundation remains committed to providing support for quality, specialized care in a family-friendly environment for pediatric patients at the Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital.

The Jeff Gordon Foundation

The Jeff Gordon Foundation was established as a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization in 1999 by the four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion. The Foundation supports children battling cancer by funding programs that improve patients’ quality of life, treatment programs that increase survivorship and pediatric medical research dedicated to finding a cure.

The Foundation also supports the Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital in Concord, NC, which serves children in the community by providing a high level of primary and specialty pediatric care. We are proud to support a quality healthcare facility dedicated to compassionate care and medical excellence for children.

For more information visit www.jeffgordonfoundation.org

About the Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital Pediatric Pavilion

The Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital Pediatric Pavilion is a collection of pediatric sub-specialty services, once only available in larger cities, right here in our own backyard. It is committed to providing quality, specialized care in a fun and familyfriendly environment so our pediatric patients are comfortable and do not dread their sometimes frequent visits to our office. It provides a continuum of care, coordinating sometimes multiple appointments for the benefit of the patient and their family.

About Nicorette

Nicorette® stop-smoking gum is an aid which provides fast, safe, controlled doses of nicotine to ease withdrawal from cigarettes. Nicorette® stop-smoking gum can double a smoker’s chances of quitting (versus placebo) and remain smokefree long-term (6 months and longer) and offers a step-down therapy weaning a smoker off gradually. Nicorette® is sugar-free and available in strengths of 2mg (for smokers of less than 25 cigarettes each day) and 4mg (for smokers of 25 or more cigarettes each day) and is available in exciting flavors such as White Ice Mint, Fresh Mint, Fruit Chill and Cinnamon Surge.

Nicorette® and Jeff Gordon have partnered to promote healthy living with the assistance of Nicorette stop smoking gum. Healthy living is a focus for both Nicorette and Gordon and, through their combined efforts; they will work to help make a difference in the lives of NASCAR fans. As part of the promotion for healthy living, Nicorette launched the Nicorette® Driver’s Seat Sweepstakes. Fans will have the chance to win a full-size race car simulator and other motorsports related prizes.

For more information visit www.nicorette.com

- The Jeff Gordon Foundation, Press Release