Custom cars, country concert make giving back fun for Clint Bowyer

5-hour ENERGY Toyota driver Clint Bowyer prides himself on his ability to have a good time while never forgetting his roots in Emporia, Kan. Bowyer continues to find new ways to tie all of his favorite things together to benefit his hometown in his own unique way.

Bowyer, through his charity the “79 Fund,” has given more than $1 million to the Emporia Community Foundation. The funds have been used to build the Clint Bowyer Community Building – a multi-purpose community center to host events, concerts and activities for the 25,000 Emporia residents.

“The Bowyer Community Building is my way to say thank you to all the people in my hometown who’ve been putting up with me and my brothers as we were growing up,” laughed Bowyer.

“I wanted to do something in Emporia to show people how much pride and the sense of community that I feel for my hometown. We were always missing a place for people to meet up and have a community meeting, prom or wedding and now I think we have that.”

Bowyer worked with Lyon County to secure the land and work on the design and construction of the new facility.

Bowyer decided to throw a grand opening party for his new building that few in small town Emporia will ever forget.  On Tuesday, June 26, he is hosting an acoustic concert featuring his good friend and country music superstar Blake Shelton presented by 5-hour ENERGY with a guest appearance by NASCAR personality Kyle Petty.

“I’m hoping that hosting this concert and having Blake Shelton come out to Emporia is something the people here will remember for a long time,” said Bowyer. “We don’t normally get big name stars and events to come here and do things in our community. This is going to be a very big deal and not only that – it’s going to be one heck of a good time and raise money for the community.”

The Sherwin-Williams Planet Color All-Star Charity Challenge showcases Bowyer’s love of classic cars and ties back to his foundation. Bowyer and fellow Sprint Cup Series driver Greg Biffle went head-to-head designing trucks to be auctioned off at Barrett-Jackson Auctions to raise money for their charities. Bowyer designed a 1950s-inspired 2011 Toyota Tundra work truck incorporating a throwback red patina paint design. The Tundra goes to auction at Barrett-Jackson in Orange County, Calif. on Saturday, June 24. Bowyer will make the trip from Sonoma to Orange County on Friday after Sprint Cup Series qualifying.

“I try to take my favorite things and have fun with them to make my community better. I like cars, I like racing and I like country music – so that is my formula! I’m not sure how other people do their things, but for me if I can tie everything together and have fun while making the community better I think that’s a win in my book.”

Bowyer continues to raise money in support of his 79 Fund through various events throughout the year, including the annual Clint Bowyer Support Emporia Charity Golf Tournament and through incentives by sponsors throughout the racing season.

MWR PR