Josh Wise to Drive Paint Scheme of Pride, Patriotism and Gratitude at Dover
MOORESVILLE, N.C. (May 10, 2011) – On Sept. 11, 2001, our country awakened to an unfathomable reality that tugged at the core of its values. Nearly a decade later, the resolve and relentlessness of the United States Armed Forces took back some of what was lost that day, and while the war on terror continues, so too does the unconditional service of America’s bravest men and women.
JR Motorsports, along with the NASCAR community, will salute the courageous men and women of the United States Armed Forces with a tribute paint scheme of pride, patriotism and gratitude on the No. 7 Chevrolet this weekend at Dover International Speedway. The aptly named “We Salute You” JR Motorsports Chevrolet will be piloted by Josh Wise, a 28-year-old native of Riverside, Calif., in the NASCAR Nationwide Series event on May 14.
“JR Motorsports has always been a proud supporter of the United States Military,” said Kelley Earnhardt, co-owner and general manager of JRM. “This paint scheme on the 7 car is just a small way for all of us at JRM to say ‘thank you’ to the servicemen and women who tirelessly protect this country.”
The car speaks for all Americans with a patriotic design that pays tribute to the strength and resolve of the greatest military on earth. “USA” is emblazoned in strong, bold letters across the hood and rear decklid of the No. 7 Chevrolet. Etched on the TV panel are the words “God Bless America”. The phrase “We Salute You” is featured on the quarter panels, with The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation logo gracing the lower side panels.
The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation supports children who have lost a parent in combat as well as firefighters and military members injured in combat. It is named after FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, who lost his life on Sept. 11, 2001 when the World Trade Center towers fell. (Read more about The Stephen Siller Foundation below.) A portion of the No. 7 “We Salute You” Chevrolet die-cast and t-shirt proceeds will benefit the charitable efforts of The Stephen siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
In continuation of JRM’s message of appreciation, Aric Almirola’s No. 88 Degree Men Chevrolet will also feature the “We Salute You” logo on its lower side panels for the Dover event.
“We are so honored that JR Motorsports, NASCAR and Lionel NASCAR Collectables are supporting our Foundation in such a visible, meaningful way,” said Frank Siller, chairman of the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation. “And what better way to help us fulfill our mission than to assist us in building special homes for members of the military who have lost all four of their limbs while fighting so valiantly for our freedom.”
A photo of the No. 7 “We Salute You” Chevrolet is available at www.jrmracing.com.
ABOUT JR MOTORSPORTS: JR Motorsports is the management company and racing operation for Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR’s eight-time Most Popular Driver and winner of more than 40 NASCAR-sanctioned races. JR Motorsports competes in multiple racing divisions, including the NASCAR Nationwide Series; however, the Dale Jr. business model has grown well beyond the race track and now includes multiple business ventures. Among those entities is the full-service production company Hammerhead Entertainment (www.hammerheadent.com) , DEJ Realty (www.dejrealty.com), JR Nation Retail Store (www.ShopJrNation.com), The Dale Jr. Foundation (www.thedalejrfoundation.org), and Whisky River (www.whiskyrivercharlotte.com), the bar and nightclub located in the uptown Charlotte Epicenter and Jacksonville Fla.
ABOUT THE STEPHEN SILLER TUNNEL TO TOWERS FOUNDATION: The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation is a charitable organization set up to follow in the footsteps of FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, who ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the World Trade Center towers on Sept. 11, 2001, carrying 75 pounds of gear on his back, to rescue his fellow New Yorkers. Siller lost his life when the towers collapsed, leaving his wife, five children and siblings to carry on his memory and share his story. Now the mission of The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation is to support children who have lost a parent in combat, in addition to firefighters and military members who have been seriously injured and sacrificed their quality of life in the line of duty.
