Tony Stewart Leads An All-Star Racing Team To Benefit War Heroes

Tony Stewart Leads An All-Star Racing Team To Benefit War Heroes

Tonic

By Wynter Mitchell

10.12.09

Attention racing enthusiasts, please excuse my limited knowledge of your favorite pastime. From what I know, Tony Stewart is an excellent race car driver and has placed first in NASCAR rankings three times in his career. What I am also learning is that Mr. Stewart is incredibly charitable and dedicated to helping troops whether they are in country or out.

Now he is back for the 5th Annual Prelude To The Dream. The race pits 25 world renowned drivers against each other to battle for dirt supremacy including drivers of tomorrow dubbed "Gillette Young Guns" Ryan Newman, Kasey Kahne, Carl Edwards, Clint Bowyer, Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano. Stewart's goal is to reach $1 million this year. The last four races combined have earned a total of $2 million with proceeds divided between 4 charities.

"[In] light of what's going on in our world today--with our troops engaged in combat in Afghanistan, Iraq and other places around the world--we felt it was time to do something for those who came back from serving their country with severe injuries, and for those families whose loved ones never made it back." said Stewart told NASCAR.com in April.

Live from Stewart's Eldora Speedway it was originally scheduled for June, the race will now air this Wednesday September 9 on DIRECTV. It will also broadcast live on HBO, the telecast begins at 7 pm EST with an immediate replay. Additional proceeds from the pay-per-view broadcast co-sponsored by Gillette benefit the following:

Fisher House-- Gives families accommodations to be near loved ones who are in hospitals or hospice due to war related injury.

Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund-- This organization benefits the severely wounded and the Center for the Intrepid in San Antonio which provides rehabilitation facilities.

Operation Homefront--This organization benefits family members stateside of troops stationed overseas.

Wounded Warriors Project-- The organization builds public awareness of the needs of severely wounded service members.

Sounds like a big ol' party in his backyard with a bunch of friends. Not a bad way to earn and give a buck!