Special to NYSportsJournalism.com
March 11, 2013: Nascar and its drivers accomplish a lot on the track.
This time around, Nascar is joining with Autism Speaks to accomplish something off the track.
The two groups are coming together in New York to drive awareness of and raise funds for Autism Speaks and the Gillen Brewer School, which specializes in educating children with challenging, and often multiple disabilities.
The dedicated goal of Autism Speaks: "To change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders."
On March 12, a gala invitation-only event will be held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art under the banner, "Speeding for a Cure." The gathering comes just weeks ahead of World Autism Awareness Day, which is April 2.
In 2012, Autism Speaks joined with Major League Baseball for an event at the Metropolitan Museum called "Lead Off for a Cure." That event raise more than $1.3 million, according to Autism Speaks, which has offices in New York and Los Angeles.
The Nascar-driven cause-related function will be populated by such drivers as Matt Kenseth, Kurt Busch, Kasey Kahne, Greg Biffle, Clint Bowyer, Darrell Wallace Jr., Kyle Larson, Nelson Piquet Jr., Nascar Hall of Famer Bobby Allison and executives from the racing circuit.
Among those who will be honored for their work in the autism community will be Amy and Brian France, chairman and CEO for Nascar; and Artie Kempner, coordinating director for Nascar on Fox.
Also being honored are Paul Charron, director and chairman for Campbell Soup Co.; Rick Dreiling, chairman and CEO for Dollar General; and Vincent Forlenza, chairman, CEO and president, BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company).
The dedicated goal of Autism Speaks: "To change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders."
Speeding for a Cure will be hosted by Mike Tirico, an ESPN analyst and commentator since 1991, who does Monday Night Football, the NBA, tennis, soccer and other events.
According to Autism Speaks, "Our goal is: We are dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism; to raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families and society; and to bringing hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder. We are committed to raising the funds necessary to support these goals."
For more information, contact Autism Speaks.