“Drive to End Hunger” Pre-Race Revs Up Saturday Before the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond

The “Drive to End Hunger” pre-race will kick off theFederated Auto Parts 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway this Saturday. In addition to the fan-favorite driver introductions, fans will be treated to:

·        Recognition of United States Olympians and Virginians: LaShawn Merritt (two-time gold medalist), Kellie Wells (bronze medalist), Francena McCoy (gold medalist), Terrence Jennings (bronze medalist), and T’erea Brown
·        Flyover by VAW-124 E-2 Hawkeyes from Naval Station Norfolk
·        Patriotic music and National Anthem performed by the 29th Division Band with the Virginia Army National Guard
·        “God Bless America” sung by “The Singing Policeman,” Danny Rodriguez
·        Pledge of Allegiance led by U.S. Marine Sgt. John Peck and aforementioned Olympians
·        Parachute team with American flag
·        American flag unfurled on the frontstretch by Virginia Army National Guard
·        Henrico County Fire Department truck displaying an American flag on the frontstretch

All of this precedes one of the most anticipated races of the season, the Federated Auto Parts 400, which is “One Last Race to Make The Chase.” Once the checkered flag drops, the field will be set for the 2012 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.

“We’re proud to be a sponsor of this exciting race at Richmond International Raceway as we cheer on Jeff Gordon, driver of the No. 24 Drive to End Hunger Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports; while at the same time engage fans across NASCAR nation in the fight against older adult hunger, an issue that impacts nearly 9 million people age 50 and older,” said Jo Ann Jenkins, AARP Foundation president.

Since AARP and AARP Foundation launched Drive to End Hunger, the initiative has donated nearly 13 million meals and driven corporate and individual donor commitments with an expected value of $17 million.

RIR PR