NASCAR, Daytona International Speedway and International Speedway Corporation joined forces with the Daytona Beach International Airport as the beneficiary of NASCAR’s Green Clean Air tree planting project.
NASCAR Green Clean Air is a unique program that plants 10 trees for each Green Flag that drops during races, capturing 100% of the carbon produced by the on track racing at the events. The initiative, the largest tree planting program in sports, debuted at 11 tracks in the 2009 Sprint Cup season, and in 2010, expanded to plant more than 1,000 trees to balance the carbon produced by racing. In 2011, the initiative expanded to the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, and now encompasses over 20 tracks nationwide.
As a result of the 53rd annual Daytona 500 in February, 110 trees are being planted in three locations throughout the property at Daytona Beach International Airport.
On Wednesday, approximately 80 NASCAR, International Speedway Corporation, Daytona International Speedway and Americrown employees planted the trees, which were purchased locally from Nature Scapes in Flagler County.
International Speedway Corporation Chief Executive Officer Lesa France Kennedy, Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III, Dr. Mike Lynch, Managing Director of Green Innovation for NASCAR and Volusia County Chair Frank Bruno participated in a tree planting ceremony.
“Taking care of the environment is a top priority at Daytona International Speedway,” Chitwood said. “The NASCAR Green Clean Air program is one of many environmental initiatives that take place at the ‘World Center of Racing.’ In 2010, Daytona International Speedway, working with great partners such as Coca-Cola and Anheuser Busch among others, recycled approximately 200 tons of materials. The NASCAR Green Clear Air tree planting program is a great example of the motorsports industry working together to benefit the environment and our local community.”
“While the timing of this tree planting is close to Earth Day, the commitment of NASCAR and all its partners to the environment runs all season long,” Lynch said. “NASCAR Clean Green Air demonstrates our collective dedication to conservation, which is also evident in green initiative such as LEED-certified buildings, including the International Motorsports Center here in Daytona Beach; the largest event recycling program in sports; and the world’s largest alternative energy project in sports.”
“Volusia County has a proud history of preserving natural resources and maintaining environmental integrity,” Bruno said. “Through our Green Volusia program and green county designation, we are committed to being a leader in sustainability and create positive change that will benefit our citizens now and in the future. This event is a great showcase of community involvement in being green. I applaud NASCAR and DIS for their substantial green efforts. Not only will these trees enhance the aesthetics of the airport property, they serve as a reminder of green efforts in our community. I encourage everyone to get involved so we can continue moving toward a sustainable future and leave our children with a community they can be proud of.”
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