Governor Perdue Proclaims NASCAR Day in Georgia

Governor Highlights Economic Impact of NASCAR and the Atlanta Motor Speedway

ATLANTA— Today Governor Sonny Perdue proclaimed March 16, 2005 as ‘NASCAR Day’ in Georgia. In a proclamation ceremony including NASCAR drivers and officials from the Atlanta Motor Speedway, Governor Perdue praised the racing industry for its positive influence on the Georgia economy.

“NASCAR racing brings almost a quarter of a million fans to the state of Georgia in one weekend, creating jobs and contributing millions to the state economy,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “Georgia has known for years what others are now realizing- NASCAR racing is one of the most entertaining and fastest growing sports in America.”

In just two race weekends each year, NASCAR will contribute $455 million to the Georgia economy.
The Governor was joined by Atlanta Motor Speedway President and General Manager Ed Clark, NASCAR Managing Director for Licensed Products Blake Davidson, Chairman of the NASCAR Hall of Fame Committee for Atlanta Mark Lazarus and NASCAR drivers Terry Cook, Bill Elliott, Bill Lester and Todd Kluever.

As part of the NASCAR Day 2005 celebration, NASCAR is sponsoring three children’s charities. Victory Junction Gang Camp (VJGC) was founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty in honor of their son, fourth-generation NASCAR driver Adam Petty. The mission of VJGC is to enrich the lives of children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses by creating a racing-themed camp experience. Speediatrics is a NASCAR themed pediatric unit at Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach and Homestead Hospital in Miami. Lastly, Speedway Children’s Charities provides funds to organizations like the Make-A-Wish Foundation to meet the direct needs of children with medical, educational or social challenges.

On March 20, Atlanta Motor Speedway will host the Golden Corral 500, which is expected to draw approximately 250,000 visitors. The Atlanta Motor Speedway is located in Hampton, Georgia, which has a population of 2,700.