A race team attempting to spread a message of Israeli support on the race track will continue its mission at this weekend’s Kobalt Tools 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
America Israel Racing (AIR) was formed to raise awareness of the importance of America supporting Israel through a unique and very public forum – the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. In order to earn a spot in Sunday’s Kobalt Tools 400, the America Israel Racing No. 49 Toyota must first successfully qualify for the event. NASCAR Sprint Cup qualifying takes places this Friday, March 9 at 6:30 p.m. Eastern/3:30 p.m. Pacific.
If the AIR car is successful in its qualifying attempt, it will compete in the Kobalt Tools 400 on Sunday, March 11 at 3 p.m. Eastern/12 p.m. Pacifc. Qualifying will be televised by SPEED, while FOX will broadcast the Kobalt Tools 400.
The America Israel Racing No. 49 Toyota is driven by JJ Yeley, who finished 26 in last Sunday’s Subway Fresh Fit 500 in Phoenix. Yeley currently sits 38th in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Standings.
“This is a critical time in our nation’s history as it pertains to our relationship with Israel,” said Rich Shirey, co-founder of AIR. “As the only true democracy in the Middle East, we feel it is critical that the United States reaffirms its commitment to stand beside Israel.”
AIR partnered with NASCAR veteran Jay Robinson of Robinson-Blakeney Racing for the first three races of 2012 and hopes to continue the relationship throughout the entire NASCAR Sprint Cup season with the support of like-minded individuals AIR will spread its message of American Israeli support by placing a car in the NASCAR Sprint Cup field for the entire 2012 season. Anyone wishing to support America Israel Racing and its cause can make a donation online at AmericaIsraelRacing.com.
“If enough people make a stand, the world will take notice,” said Shirey.
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