Catchfence

San Bernardino County, Calif. (Feb. 11, 2010) – Auto Club Speedway announced a unique partnership with Soles4Souls to help victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti. During the West Coast Premiere of NASCAR, Feb. 19-21, fans will have the opportunity to drop off a gently worn pair of shoes at the Speedway’s information booths located at the entrance gates.  All donations will directly support Haitian relief efforts.

“Now is the opportunity for NASCAR fans to demonstrate what it means to be part of NASCAR Nation.  Through the kindness of hundreds of supporters already, Auto Club Speedway has collected more than 500 pairs of shoes since the tragic earthquake in Haiti,” said Auto Club Speedway president Gillian Zucker.  “With the generosity of NASCAR fans throughout Auto Club 500 Weekend, we will look to increase that number significantly.”

Footwear collected during NASCAR weekend at Auto Club Speedway will support Soles4Souls’ commitment to donate more than 1.3 million pairs of shoes to affected areas in Haiti.  More than 100,000 pairs of shoes, including work boots, rain boots, children’s athletic shoes and clothing items, have already been distributed in Haiti.

“As we struggle to comprehend the magnitude of this disaster, we cannot forget how important basic necessities – such as shoes – will be in the ongoing rescue and rebuilding efforts,” said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. “We deeply appreciate the support of Auto Club Speedway and their fans in helping us provide shoes to survivors and volunteers as they work in horrific conditions.”

ABOUT SOLES4SOULS®

Soles4Souls is a Nashville-based charity that collects shoes from warehouses of footwear companies and the closets of people like you.  We distribute these shoes, free of charge, to people in need around the world. Since 2005, Soles4Souls has given away over 7 million pairs of new and gently worn shoes (currently distributing one pair every 9 seconds). The shoes have been distributed in 125 countries, including Haiti, Kenya, Nepal and the United States. Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS and donating parties are eligible for tax advantages.  For more information, please visit www.giveshoes.org.

ABOUT AUTO CLUB SPEEDWAY

Be a part of history when Danica Patrick makes her NASCAR debut in the Stater Bros. 300 NNS event on Saturday, Feb. 20 for as low as $30.   Then come back for the West Coast Premiere of NASCAR – the Auto Club 500 NSCS event on Sunday, Feb. 21, for as low as $35, to witness four-time consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson attempt his record breaking fifth win at Auto Club Speedway.

With free admission for children 12 and under in effect for events on Friday and Saturday of race weekend, families experiencing Auto Club Speedway can also take advantage of free parking, bring in their own food, or partake in the unbelievable menu items on site as well as other cost-savings opportunities while enjoying a full weekend of entertainment and fun at the Speedway’s Opportunity, California FanZone.

For more information or to purchase tickets to the West Coast Premiere of NASCAR at Auto Club Speedway call 1-800-944-RACE (7223) or visit www.autoclubspeedway.com and be part of NASCAR history in Southern California.

- Auto Club Speedway, Press Release