NASCAR and driver's charities have a strong focus on special needs children

Even if you have read my articles consistently, there is something about me you don't yet know. I love NASCAR. I love the speed, the attitudes, the personalities, the rivalries, the fights, the wrecks, the heroes, the underdogs. I love the paint schemes, the guys who have the audacity to cheat and appeal when they get caught and fined, and I love the pit road fumbles as well as the victories. Thirty-eight weekends a year I spend several hours glued to the television, internet, or radio watching and listening to the race. That would be 36 points races, the All-star race, and the Shoot-out (the week before Daytona).

While I have never been a Jeff Gordon or Jimmie Johnson fan, I was impressed when, a couple of years ago, I learned about their boss Rick Hendrick's mission to raise awareness and funding for the National Marrow Foundation. This was right around the time that my own daughter needed a bone marrow transplant, which made his charity very important to me.

I also knew that Kyle Petty had a summer camp for children with special needs that he created in memory of his son. I also knew that every summer some of NASCAR's most famous racers race on a Wednesday night at Eldora Speedway to help raise funds charity. (See photo above) Still, until recently, I had no idea how much time and effort Nascar and its drivers spent on charitable pursuits. Possibly due to the downturn in the economy, more is being said about NASCAR related charities. What struck me most when I began looking into these charities was that a large percentage of them are focused on special needs children. The first two listed below are focused on Autism.

Check out these charities below and find out how much NASCAR really does care. Then, even if you are not a fan of NASCAR, next time you hear about a driver or a race, stop and listen. If you are flipping through the channels and see a race on, stop an watch a few laps. You may find out that your respect for all that these people do for our children can give you a new perspective on racing and what it is all about.

Jaimie McMurray Foundation-The Jamie McMurray Foundation (JMF) seeks to promote awareness of, and raise funding for research, education, and support for individuals and families affected with autism. JMF will both organize its own activities to achieve those goals and will support other charitable organizations providing opportunities to autistic or otherwise disadvantaged youth and that raise awareness about autism.

Hermie and Elliot Sadler Foundation -The Hermie and Elliott Sadler Charitable Foundation is dedicated to raising autism awareness and promoting research for a cure while also supporting initiatives that improve educational opportunities for children and their families. The Foundation provides support to projects that share the ideals and concerns of the Sadler family.

Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma-"The Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma will be the focal point of a national movement to improve the level of pediatric trauma care available across the country. We will assemble the right team to conquer this national crisis. Our family is committed to making the Childress Institute the leader in pediatric trauma care and will lead the charge on behalf of injured children everywhere." - Richard and Judy Childress

Dale Earnhardt Foundation-Founded in 2002 by wife Teresa Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt’s legacy lives on through the support of causes including child advocacy, education and wildlife preservation.

Dale Jr Foundation -The Dale Jr. Foundation is a charity dedicated to giving underprivileged individuals with a focus on youth, the resources to improve confidence, education, and the opportunity to achieve extraordinary goals.

Denny Hamlin Foundation-The Denny Hamlin Foundation was established to ease the suffering of children afflicted with pediatric cancer and cystic fibrosis.

Hendrick Marrow Program-Founded in 1997 in partnership with the Marrow Foundation and the National Marrow Donor Program, the program educates the public about marrow donation and raises money to add volunteers to the NMDP Registry and helps cover patient expenses.

Kyle Busch Foundation-The Kyle Busch Foundation is dedicated to providing essential tools for less fortunate children throughout the country. We want to help organizations that foster an environment of a safe place to stay, the opportunity to explore, and the supportive environment for learning as well as other vital needs for all children.

Jeff Gordon Foundation-The mission of The Jeff Gordon Foundation is to support 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.

Jimmie Johnson Foundation-The Jimmie Johnson Foundation is dedicated to assisting children, families and communities throughout the United States. By donating to needy and worthy causes, the foundation strives to help everyone, particularly children, pursue their dreams.

Kasey Kahne Foundation -The Kasey Kahne Foundation raises and donates funds to charitable organizations that care for chronically ill children and their families. It is also committed to positive cultural change by focusing on diversity awareness and giving underprivileged boys and girls ample opportunities for success.

Kenny Irwin Jr. Foundation-The Kenny Irwin Jr. Memorial Foundation and the Dare to Dream Camp was created to honor the life of the late NASCAR driver Kenny Irwin Jr. and to enrich the lives of underprivileged, at-risk, neglected and abused children by providing recreational opportunities and mentoring at this one-of-a-kind, racing-themed camp.

Kurt Busch Foundation-The mission of the Kurt Busch Foundation is to lend meaningful support for the betterment of organizations positively involved in the areas of health care, education, career training, and rehabilitation as well as provide assistance to individuals who demonstrate need in these important areas of personal development.

Martin Truex Jr. Foundation-The Martin Truex Jr. Foundation is dedicated to providing funds to nonprofit charitable organizations who strive to positively impact the lives of children in need. The Foundation understands that many nonprofit organizations with limited name recognition and limited budgets are making the most impact in their communities and regions. It is our goal of The Martin Truex Jr. Foundation to provide funds to these organizations in an effort to offer support for continuance of positive programs for children in need.

Roam For A Home Terry Labonte Foundation-The Roam For A Home Foundation was founded in Corpus Christi, Texas in 2001 by Terry Labonte for the purpose of developing a motorcycle ride (the Roam) to benefit the Ronald McDonald House and other charities. The annual ride, led by Terry Labonte, includes celebrities, sponsors and participants “Roaming” together to raise awareness of the Ronald McDonald House “Home away from Home” message.

Tony Stewart Foundation-The Tony Stewart Foundation was founded in 2003 and offers funds for care of chronically ill children, injured drivers and protection of animals.

Victory Junction-The mission of the Victory Junction is to enrich the lives of children with chronic and medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering, in a safe and medically sound environment.

 Check back soon or subscribe to Kindall Nelson's email alerts above for updates on this and similar stories. (Your email address will not be shared.)

Note: Permission is granted to include short extracts of this article on websites and email lists with a link to this page (the original). This article has a copyright © and should not be reprinted in its entirety without the author's permission.

Information about the above organizations came from the NASCAR Foundations information page which includes other charities that are not necessarily related to special needs children.