Michael Waltrip is driving the no 26 Toyota racecar that is a tribute to the Sandy hook Elementary tragedy during the Daytona 500. Initial qualifying for the Daytona 500 was today, and the race is on February 24th.
Michael Waltrip is driving for Swan Racing. Swan Racing took the no 26 car for the 26 victims of the Sandy Hook shooting on December 14th, 2012 and has decals with the town of Newtown's seal, 26 stars, and a ribbon in remembrance. It also has the message "Newtown to 80888" because texting Newtown to 80888 will donate $10 to the Sandy Hook school support fund.
The Daytona 500 qualifying was today, the no 26 car came in 31st place. All three of Michael Waltrip Racing's Daytona 500 entry cars will feature the Newtown to 80888 decal. They are Mark Martin who came in 28th today, Martin Truex Jr in 19th and Clint Bowyer in 18th.
NASCAR president Brian France donated $50,000 of his own money to the fund and the NASCAR foundation matched it. The NASCAR foundation says this about the fund:
"The Sandy Hook School Support Fund, established jointly by United Way of Western Connecticut and Newtown Savings Bank, supports the healing process for the broader Newtown community including children, teachers, first responders, families, residents, mental health professionals, counselors and others, following the tragic events that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School in December. One hundred percent of the funds raised for the Sandy Hook School Support Fund go to meet the needs of the Newtown community.".
Donations can also be made online at newtown.uwwesternct.org or by mail to: Sandy Hook School Support Fund c/o Newtown Savings Bank 39 Main Street, Newtown, CT, 06470
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