By: Jay W. Pennell
Sprint Cup Correspondent
HardcoreRaceFans.com

This Friday – May 16th – the NASCAR Nation will come together once again to celebrate NASCAR Day. The fifth annual event is a day in which NASCAR drivers and fans come together to make a difference in the world and show that they care. For a simple $5 donation, fans will receive a NASCAR Day lapel pin and be helping those in need.

All donations made will benefit The NASCAR Foundation and over thirty track, team and driver charities. The Foundation was created in order to bring the NASCAR family of charities under one banner, showing the true community spirit that is unlike anything else in professional sports. With charities supporting literacy programs, autism awareness, wildlife protection and children in need – just to name a few – The NASCAR Foundation is a true showcase to the character of the NASCAR community.

One way to participate in NASCAR Day is to take part in Friday’s second annual NASCAR Day Telethon. Hosted by NASCAR.com, SPEED Channel and Sirius Satellite Radio at the Sam Bass Gallery in Concord, N.C., drivers, media personnel and volunteers will man the phones and take donations as the calls come in. Fans can make donations to the Telethon by calling-1-888-MAY-16TH (1-888-629-1684) or by texting their email address to 81714.

Always looking for a way to include a competition, Sprint has announced the Sprint Texting Challenge. The individual driver, track or team charity that accumulates the most donations on during the NASCAR Day Telethon will receive an additional $24,000 donation on behalf of Sprint.

“The NASCAR Day Telethon impacts charitable causes throughout the NASCAR community and brings a wonderful charitable addition to the exciting lineup of events that week,” said Tom Murphy, vice president of corporate brand marketing at Sprint. “The $24,000 Sprint Texting Challenge is just one way we can help The NASCAR Foundation make a difference.”

So make sure you show you are a true Hardcore Race Fan and show your support on Friday for NASCAR Day. For more information on The NASCAR Foundation and NASCAR Day, be sure to visit http://foundation.nascar.com, or simply call 1-888-MAY-16TH (1-888-629-1684) to make your donation.