NASCAR’S JIMMIE JOHNSON: TRACK LEGEND, COMMUNITY CHAMP
To say that NASCAR Sprint Cup race driver Jimmie Johnson is having a good professional run of late would be an understatement. The man in the #48 Chevrolet recently set a new record at Homestead-Miami Speedway, becoming the first driver to win four consecutive Sprint Cup titles. But his “track record” isn’t the only thing that sets this speed demon apart from the pack…
Since its inception in 2006, the Jimmie Johnson Foundation (JJF) has contributed more than $2 million to a variety of organizations, providing significant educational opportunities, and building places to live and play for children and families through the San Diego Habitat for Humanity. JJF has also supported those with illness through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, granted wishes through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, as well as having added people to the National Marrow Donor Program Registry through the Hendrick Marrow Program.
At this year’s 3rd annual JJF Golf Tournament in October, held just prior to the race at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, CA, more than $500,000 was raised to benefit its Champion Grants program in partnership with Lowe’s Toolbox for Education. The San Diego event welcomed fellow NASCAR drivers Kurt Busch, Brian Vickers, Jamie McMurray, Boris Said and Casey Mears, along with over 130 guests. Johnson was also honored earlier that week by the Junior Seau Foundation at Junior’s annual Teammates Luncheon. At the tournament’s auction, Jimmy’s Helmet of Hope sold for a whopping $27,000. “I rarely give away my helmets,” he said, “…but this one was pretty special to a lot of people with all the charities featured.”
Just yesterday, Jimmie and wife Chandra awarded educational grants at a special ceremony which took place at an appropriate venue–Crest Elementary in El Cajon, CA (Jimmie’s elementary school)–totaling $922,000! The grants were awarded to schools in California, North Carolina (where the Johnsons now live), and Oklahoma (Chandra’s home state). More than 80 applications were received from eligible school districts, with the selection criteria based on basic needs of the school.
With the bevy of recent events and ceremonies, NASCAR celebrations aren’t quite finished for the year! After 28 years of being held in New York City, the Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony will take place in Las Vegas this Friday, with accompanying activities probably well underway as we speak.
Despite major career success and all the glitz and glory that comes with it, Jimmie Johnson is ever recognized as an easy-going, down-to-earth, humble guy–a true class act all the way. Kudos, Mr. Johnson, for your tremendous commitment to helping kids and families in need, not to mention your spectacular 2009 racing season. Best of luck in 2010!
