Newman was killed in action in Kabul, Afghanistan on October 29, 2011 during a suicide bomb raid on a bus. Raised by his grandparents, Earlene and Donald Newman, Christopher graduated from Crest High School in Shelby. He leaves behind his grandparents, wife Amanda and a five year old daughter.
The Newman family is longtime friends of MAKE Motorsport co-owners Mark Beaver and Tracy Lowe and they thought it appropriate to dedicate the #50 machine to Christopher’s memory.
“Our families and the local Shelby community have been touched by the loss of Christopher and the tribute is the least we can do to honor him and those who serve our country to protect our freedoms,” said Beaver. “The entire MAKE Motorsports team appreciates what our sponsors Liberty Tire Recycling, Pinnacle Rubber Mulch, Pro Cal and ETA Logistics, as well as the folks at NASCAR have done to allow us to honor Christopher and all he has done for our country.”
ETA Logistics has donated two flights to Saturday’s Nationwide Series race for Newman’s grandparents to attend and spend time with Bell and the MAKE team. Bell will be carrying a special “Campaign Honor Coin” during his qualifying and racing efforts, and that coin will be returned to the Newmans upon the completion of the Ford 300.
MAKE Motorsports has competed in six NASCAR Nationwide Series races and three NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races this season, all with Bell behind the wheel. Bell has competed at Homestead-Miami Speedway three times in NCWTS races with a best finish of 10th (2009).
“As someone who has worked with a variety of military forces and foundations over the years, I am honored and humbled to be driving the #50 Chevy carrying a tribute to Christopher Newman,” said Bell. “Our armed forces are made up of true heroes, and to have the opportunity to qualify into the Ford 300 is important to show the world that we do not forget what they have done for us.”
About Liberty Tire Recycling
Liberty Tire Recycling is the premier provider of tire recycling services in North America. By recycling more than 110 million tires annually, Liberty Tire reclaims about 1.5 billion pounds of rubber for innovative, eco-friendly products. The recycled rubber produced by Liberty Tire is used as crumb rubber and industrial feedstock for molded products; as tire-derived fuel for industrial kilns, mills and power plants; and as rubber mulch for landscaping and playgrounds. The company maintains a nationwide network of processing plants, and comprehensive door-to-door collection services. Liberty Tire Recycling is headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA. For more information, please visit LibertyTire.com.
About Pinnacle Rubber Mulch
Pinnacle Rubber Mulch is an innovative and eco-friendly alternative to traditional wood mulch for landscaping and playgrounds. Unlike wood mulch, rubber mulch is resistant to wind and water erosion, bug and rodent infestation, fading caused by sunlight, and decomposition. Plus, rubber mulch is clean, and minimizes airborne dust and particles
LTR Products transforms recycled rubber into smart, eco-friendly landscaping products for landscapers, builders, school districts and businesses across the nation. For more information, updates and promotions, please visit PinnacleRubberMulch.com.
- MAKE Motorsports Press Release
