Toys for Tots has quickly become part of the UPS Racing tradition since the charitable organization became part of the racing program in 2005 when Dale Jarrett raced a special paint scheme to raise awareness for the program. Each year a new element has been added to the program. The 2008 edition of the program is no different and will feature another worthy cause.
For the fourth consecutive year, The UPS Store and Toys for Tots unites for a special paint scheme with the #44 UPS Racing Team. The twist for 2008 however, is the addition of the literacy element and what is called the Toys for Tots Literacy Program. The Toys for Tots Literacy Program is a new year-long initiative that will offer the most economically disadvantaged children the ability to compete academically and to succeed in life by providing them direct access to books and educational resources that will enhance their ability to read and to communicate effectively.
The announcement for the 2008 Toys for Tots program was made in the infield media center at Atlanta Motor Speedway during the evening of Friday, March 7. Participating in the program announcement were Dale Jarrett, driver of the #44 UPS Toyota, David Reutimann, soon-to-be driver of the #44 UPS Toyota, Stuart Mathis with The UPS Store and Bill Grein, representing the national Toys for Tots program.
Jarrett, who makes his last career start in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competition at Lowe's Motor Speedway in May, has been part of The UPS Store/Toys for Tots program since it started in 2005 when his own children designed the paint scheme that he raced at Texas Motor Speedway during the fall of that season.
"Obviously this is a tremendous program that does a great deal of good," Jarrett said. "It has been an honor to be able to have this association with The UPS Store and Toys for Tots. I know it was a thrill for my kids to be able to design the paint scheme for the program in that first year, especially when they realized what it was all for and that was to put a smile on a child's face who may not have had a Christmas otherwise."
Reutimann, who takes over the driving duties of the UPS Toyota at Martinsville Speedway on March 28, will drive the #44 The UPS Store/Toys for Tots Toyota. For the soon-to-be driver of the UPS Toyota, he is particularly impressed with the literacy element that has been added to the Toys for Tots program for 2008.
"I have a six-year old daughter at home," Reutimann explained. "I know the joy and pleasure I get out of being able to read to her and watching her process that information and go on to learn to read. I know the joy in watching that so for me, it's really important to be able to try and help kids that don't get to enjoy that part of childhood."
The #44 The UPS Store/Toys for Tots Toyota will take to the track for NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competition during the Labor Day weekend at California Speedway. A variety of events and activities will be taking place in conjunction with the upcoming paint scheme race. More information will be provided as details become available.
