Charlotte, NC (January 9, 2015) – Jeff Gordon and former crew chief Ray Evernham will team up again in 2015.
On Jan. 16 in Scottsdale, Arizona, the duo will auction off their final race-winning car at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale. Proceeds from the sale of the 1999 No. 24 Pepsi Chevrolet Monte Carlo that won the inaugural NASCAR XFINITY Series (then known as the NASCAR Busch Series) race at Phoenix International Raceway will benefit Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation.In 1999, Gordon/Evernham Motorsports (GEM) was formed to compete in six NASCAR XFINITY Series races with Gordon as driver and Evernham as crew chief.
“It was fun to create a new team with Ray and forge a stronger relationship with Pepsi,” said Gordon. “It was cool to work with Ray in that capacity, and that car was so memorable. And to think that was our final race win together.”I’ve had the pleasure of being associated with past charitable cars that have been auctioned at Barrett-Jackson, and I can’t wait to be there next week when this car is on the block.”
Evernham hosts Velocity’s AmeriCarna, and the television series will feature the restoration and sale of this 1999 No. 24 Chevrolet (Lot No. 3007; scheduled to be auctioned at 7 p.m. local time) during an upcoming episode.
“The heart of AmeriCarna is uncovering long-lost four-wheeled treasures that played a large part in a person’s past,” said Evernham, who guided Gordon to three championships and 47 victories as crew chief of the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports NASCAR Cup Series entry. “The No. 24 car has been an unmistakable artifact of my career and holds a unique spot in NASCAR history. Reviving the car’s championship glory with my long-time friend has been a labor of love.
“We’re proud to revisit its history in an upcoming episode of AmeriCarna, and I’m looking forward to being a part of this great event when we auction the car to benefit Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation.”
Gordon began supporting organizations such as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society early in his NASCAR career, and the diagnosis of Evernham’s son with leukemia in 1992 inspired Gordon to establish his foundation in hopes of helping children facing critical illnesses realize their dreams. What started as a small project driven by one special child has grown into an organization that has granted more than $15 million for children’s charities.
“I’m so proud of what the foundation has been able to accomplish, but there is so much that still needs to be done,” Gordon said. “I just want to thank Ray, Barrett-Jackson and everyone involved in this project. The proceeds from this sale will make a tremendous impact on the lives of many children battling cancer.”
About Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation
Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation was established as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization in 1999 by the four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion. The foundation supports children battling cancer by funding pediatric medical research dedicated to finding a cure and treatment programs that increase survivorship. www.jeffgordonchildrensfoundation.org
