Down Syndrome of Louisville to receive $100,000 Donation

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (November 16, 2021) – The NASCAR Foundation announced Louisville, KY native Jeff Harmon as the winner of the 11th annual presentation of the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award during a live-streamed announcement on NASCAR’s YouTube channel today. As the award winner, Harmon secured $100,000 from The NASCAR Foundation to Down Syndrome of Louisville.

“I’m so excited and humbled to win this award”, said Jeff Harmon when he first received the news. “The other three finalists were all deserving as well, I’m blessed, what an honor. The $100,000 will go a long way in helping Down Syndrome of Louisville grow and expand to help even more kids. Thank you to The NASCAR Foundation and all who voted!”

Harmon, who has served, supported, and uplifted Down Syndrome of Louisville and the surrounding communities for 18 years, earned the most online votes from a pool of volunteers, including: Erin Collins of the Dallas Hearing Foundation, Jaeleen Davis of Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan, and Beverly Hodson of Richie McFarland Children’s Center, all of whom have impacted a combined number of 6,330 kids through their continual service. Each of these organizations has each earned a $25,000 donation from The NASCAR Foundation in recognition of their nominated volunteers’ achievements.

“We’re very proud to present this award to Jeff Harmon, he has been doing extraordinary work for Down Syndrome of Louisville and exemplifies the values of Betty Jane France,” said Mike Helton, The NASCAR Foundation Chairman. “Our fans had a tough decision because all four are passionate people who devote hours of their time to help their respective organizations. We’re delighted to present this recognition to Jeff to honor the work he’s doing in the Louisville community.”

Throughout the 11 years of its existence, the Betty Jane France Award has highlighted 44 different individuals who have served and uplifted children in their local communities. The NASCAR Foundation, through this program, has acknowledged 622 years of combined service from these community heroes who have touched at least 374,763 children’s lives overall.

Harmon began his tenure volunteering for the Down Syndrome of Louisville (DSL) 18 years ago, when his son, Justin, was born with Down Syndrome. Serving in the capacity of coach and fundraiser, he logs around 20 hours per month with the organization. The organization serves as a support system for local families and individuals that have dealt with Down Syndrome.

Harmon and the DSL plan to use the $100,000 cash prize to help implement modern playground equipment and sensory room renovations, as well as launching satellite campuses to further support the Down Syndrome community.

Aside from his service, Harmon has been a committed life-long fan of NASCAR, with his all-time favorite driver being Darrell Waltrip. The racing fan grew up racing modified stock cars with his family and friends, and now gets to share his love of the sport with his own family and children.

To learn more about The NASCAR Foundation’s programs, including the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award and Speediatrics Children’s Fund, please visit NASCARfoundation.org.

About The NASCAR Foundation

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing Inc. (NASCAR) established The NASCAR Foundation in January 2006 to support initiatives that positively affect the lives of children throughout the United States. The 501(c) (3) non-profit entity partners with medical experts and other charitable organizations to fund children’s health care programs. The NASCAR Foundation has cumulatively donated more than $36 million to reach more than one million children. For more information on The NASCAR Foundation, visit NASCARfoundation.org. Follow The NASCAR Foundation on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/NASCARFoundation or on Twitter at @NASCAR_FDN.

The MAC to Host the 52nd Jack Buck Awards on Dec. 6
Francois, Bruce, Backes, Goldschmidt and Unger to be Honored

ST. LOUIS – On Monday, Dec. 6, the Missouri Athletic Club in Downtown St. Louis will host the 52nd Jack Buck Sports Awards Banquet presented by Redbird Carriers.

This year’s lineup of honorees is set. Recent Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Isaac Bruce will receive the Stan “the Man” Award for his contributions to St. Louis on the field and in the community through his Foundation. The newly named “Bob Plager Legends Award” will honor two St. Louis Blues greats, Gary Unger and David Backes. World Wide Technology Raceway owner Curtis Francois will receive the Jack Buck Award in recognition for his contributions to racing including landing a coveted NASCAR Cup Series Race for St. Louis. Cardinals Gold-glove 1st baseman Paul Goldschmidt will be honored as the Sports Personality of the Year.

The Jack Buck Award is presented in recognition of dedicated support of sports in St. Louis and making a positive difference in the community. Some past winners of this award include: August A. Busch, Robert Hyland, Joe Garagiola, Stan Musial, Bill DeWitt, Tom Stillman and the MLS4THLOU ownership group.

This annual banquet was established in 1970 by Missouri Athletic Club member Jack Buck to honor the top St. Louis sports figures. Some of the biggest names in sports history including Bob Gibson, Joe Torre, Lou Brock, Ozzie Smith, Al MacInnis, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Brett Hull, Marshall Faulk, Albert Pujols and Kurt Warner have been honored at the event. Every banquet since its inception has aired on KMOX Radio. This year’s banquet can be heard beginning at 8 p.m. on Dec. 6.

Keeping up with car maintenance is one of the most effective ways to reduce your chances of being involved in a road accident. Because maintenance neglect can lead to instances of failing brakes and other dangerous situations, not maintaining your vehicles is a choice that will put you and other road users in harm’s way. 

So, you must prioritize vehicle services as recommended by the manufacturer. More often than not, your car will require a full service every year, or ever 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. But full maintenance services are not the only way to keep your car in top condition; you will need to keep your vehicle clean, change the oil, replace the coolant, and keep an eye on your tires as ongoing responsibilities. 

And while you will need to rely on a professional mechanic to assist with most major engine issues, full services, and other issues, some smaller tasks are straightforward enough to do on your own. Knowing how to do these DIY car maintenance tasks will save you quite a bit of money and ensure your car is always in excellent condition. 

Changing The Coolant

Coolant is the liquid in the engine that prevents your vehicle from overheating. However, the liquid does not last a lifetime and needs to be replaced every 25,000 miles or four to five oil changes. 

To change the coolant, you’ll need a hose, an air compressor, a 4-in-1 screwdriver, a socket, and a wrench. However, if you notice the liquid looks a bit like chocolate milk or there is rust on the tank lid, you must abandon the job and consult a mechanic as soon as possible. 

Changing The Oil

Changing the oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles is just as important as making sure oil levels are always ideal. That said, topping up the oil is a bit more straightforward than changing the oil.

You will need to put your vehicle on jacks in your garage or driveway and find the oil drain plug beneath the car. Next, put a drain pan in place and remove the plug. Once the oil has all drained out, you can replace the plug and add new oil. 

When changing the oil, using the best additive for stiction will also be worth your while. This product should be used with every oil change or every third oil change for the best results. Not only will this extra step eliminate the issue of stiction, but it will also add extra lubrication to the oil system, which will benefit overall engine performance.

Replacing The Filter

While you’re waiting for every last drop of old oil to drain out, you might as well replace the filter or check its condition at the very least. The filter ensures the engine runs smoothly by improving heating and AC systems. 

The filter should always look clean and free of any discoloration. If this is not the case, it’s time for a new one. However, it’s as simple as unscrewing the cap that covers the filter, sliding out the old one, and inserting the new one. What’s more, air filters are also incredibly cheap, so doing this to maintain your vehicle definitely won’t set your budget out. 

Headlight Restoration

If your headlights are covered in a build-up of gunk, driving is somewhat more challenging and a lot more dangerous. Fortunately, you can restore your headlights without the help of a professional. 

You can easily find a headlight restoration kit at most auto parts retailers, and they are incredibly pocket-friendly as well. While these kits are typically inexpensive, some claim that toothpaste is just as effective for headlight restoration. 

Replacing Tires

Most drivers should know how to change a tire, mainly because this is a task that can save you from the unfortunate instance of finding yourself stranded on the roadside due to a flat tire. 

It’s essential to always keep a spare tire in the boot, although you will also need to change your tires regularly over time. When the tire tread visibly starts to wear down, tears or bubbles in the rubber start appearing, or punctures are resulting in pressure loss, you should opt for new tires as soon as possible. 

Fixing The Defroster Grid

The appearance of those unsightly streaky lines on your back windshield is a sign that you need to fix the defroster grid. The lines appear due to tiny wires heating up when the grid is turned on to clean the windshield. Although sometimes they malfunction or stop working altogether. 

Fortunately, you can fix this nagging problem pretty quickly, and you can even purchase a defroster grid repair kit to help you get the job done. These repair kits are also quite affordable. 

To start, you must clean the windshield and then find any breaks. You can use a voltmeter to do this. Next, you will use conductive paint to cover the breaks. There are also other ways to fix the defroster grid yourself, although the repair kits are typically practical options.

One more tip to make your windshield survive through the cold winter: you can Put the towel on the windshield to prevent the frost. It definitely helps when the car stays in the snowy weather for a long time.

Replacing Fuses

Burnt out fuses are an exceptionally common vehicle malfunction that can happen for several reasons. And while you should take your car for a service if your fuses are burning out, you can replace a fuse easily on your own. 

A blown car fuse can result in issues like lights not working or even starting problems. And because it’s as easy as identifying which fuse is clearly blown, purchasing a replacement, and inserting the new fuse where the old one was, replacing a fuse is an elementary maintenance task.

While there are several other car maintenance tasks that you can do on your own, there will be times when it’s best to have a mechanic tend to your vehicle. Some maintenance and repair jobs can be dangerous to handle on your own if you don’t have the right tools, equipment, or skills to manage the task. But with that said, knowing how to manage all the straightforward maintenance tasks on your own is exceptionally beneficial for drivers.

Have you ever driven a UTV or Utility Task Vehicle? They are also known as Side-by-Side (SxS) and Recreational off-highway vehicles (ROV). These powerful four-wheelers are used both for work and fun. Farmers use them for hauling and mowing, while adventure lovers love them for trailblazing. They are called side-by-side because they have two to four side-by-side seating capacities for passengers. However, like any other vehicle, they are also prone to breaking down. Without the right accessories, you can forget about receiving optimum performance and satisfaction. But what are those UTV accessories that every one of these vehicles should have?

Winch

Since you will be using your side-by-side for off-roading and rough terrain for everyday work, you never know when it might get stuck in the mud. The only thing that will get the cars out in such situations is a strong winch. A winch is a chain wound around a drum operated by a motor or crank connected to another vehicle to pull you out. They are also beneficial for adding an object like a snowplow to clear out the snow effectively. While buying a winch, some of the factors you should consider are weight rating, cable, mount plate, and price.

Extra Tire

Anybody who has a little experience with SxS will tell you the necessity of having a spare tire at all times. Because they operate in rugged conditions, their chances of having flat or blown-out tires are significantly high. The tire you need will depend on whether the vehicle is driven off-road or on the streets. Any tire should be DOT-rated (DOT symbol signifies that the tire manufacturer has followed the US Department of Transportation). An 8-ply will work best for roads. For off-roading, a 4–6 ply will offer optimum performance. Those are light and have an aggressive tire tread with enormous tread blocks. Along with this, there are other accessories also that you must have for a comfortable experience, such as Rugged Radios Intercom.

Rearview Mirror

You will require a rearview mirror at all times. They are indispensable for safety purposes and let you know the distance from another vehicle. It is better to go with a strong one, that offers a broad view, has rigid metal brackets, can be attached without drilling or cutting, and is available with rubber bushings. 

Roof

Driving without a roof, with the wind rushing against your face or the sun settling on it comfortably, can be exhilarating. But you will need a roof sooner or later. What if you’re caught in the rain, or it’s scorching hot? A roof will be beneficial at night as you can fix light bars on it. It will also protect you from low-lying branches or other obstructions you could meet in off-road trails. You could also attach a stereo system to it. Some of the standard roofs suitable for these vehicles are aluminum, tinted, soft, and plastic. 

Storage Pack

Even though most UTVs have ample storage space, they are driven in rough conditions. That can cause the items to fall and damage quite quickly. In those situations, a storage pack will come in handy. There are several models and sizes of containers available, so go with one that suits your requirements. As a general rule, opt for those that can accommodate many heavy items, sit comfortably, have several compartments, handles, and mounting straps, and be easily installed.

Fuel Tank

Your ROV will need constant fuel to keep going. But finding yourself in the middle of nowhere with an empty tank can be harrowing. A fuel tank will help you out in such situations. Some of the things you should check while looking for a tank are the material, price, accessibility, price, and weight. Steel, aluminum, and plastics work best for fuel tanks. It should also have a nozzle that can reach the fuel caps easily. 

These are some of the essential UTV accessories that complete your vehicle. They also enhance the experience of driving these powerful and stylish four-wheelers. Whether you have a UTV or are buying a new one, try to ensure that it has all of these.

The Bobby Labonte Foundation’s Annual Bike Build Teaches Bike Safety, Promotes Active Lifestyle

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – (November 15, 2021) – The Bobby Labonte Foundation, founded by NASCAR Champion and Hall of Fame race car driver Bobby Labonte, continued its tradition of giving to children in need by building and donating 75 kids’ bikes on Friday at the Salvation Army Ken Carlson Boys & Girls Club in Winston-Salem, N.C. The giveaway also included helmets and bike safety lessons provided by the Winston-Salem Police Department, Safe Kids Coalition and Brenner Children’s Hospital.

A bike build and giveaway has been an annual event, part of the Bobby Labonte Foundation charity bike ride, which benefits children and families in need in the Triad area. More than $40,000 in proceeds from this year’s Labonte Roubaix, presented by Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Health Sports Medicine and Bee Safe Storage and Wine Cellar, went to JDRF’s North Carolina Chapter to help families affected by type 1 diabetes.

Bobby and Kristin Labonte (right) talk with children about bike safety and staying active at the Salvation Army Ken Carlson Boys & Girls Club in Winston-Salem, N.C. 75 children were later surprised with a brand-new bike, courtesy of the Bobby Labonte Foundation and Colavita.

“Building and giving away bikes to local kids is a highlight of my foundation’s annual charity bike ride,” said Labonte. “Seeing the childrens’ reactions, how excited they get when they find out they’re taking a new bike home, is so incredible. I really appreciate the partners and volunteers who allow us to do this year after year, particularly Colavita, which supplies us with these bikes.”

Labonte and his wife, Kristin, a former national champion cyclist, encouraged the kids in attendance to stay healthy by being active and to always wear helmets when riding their bikes. Hayluri Beckles, Pediatric Trauma Prevention Coordinator at Brenner Children’s Hospital and Safe Kids Northwest Piedmont Coordinator, made a presentation that included several special guests: Sgt. Kevin Bowers of the Winston-Salem Police Department Downtown Bike Patrol, Michael Hosey of the National Cycling Center and Chair of Safe Kids Coalition and Dr Thomas Pranikoff, who’s an avid cyclist and the Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics and Surgeon-in-Chief at Brenner Children’s Hospital, and Co-Executive Director, Pediatric Service Line. The children learned about how to ride their bikes safely and the importance of wearing helmet. At the conclusion of the presentation, the children were fitted with helmets and brand-new bikes.

“This was a wonderful day with the children at the Boys and Girls Club. We were thrilled to teach them about riding a bike safely,” said Beckles, “It is our hope that they are excited about their new bikes and new helmets and they take what they have learned about bike safety home and apply it every day.”

For more information about the Bobby Labonte Foundation, the charity bike ride, or to become a future sponsor, visit bobbylabontefoundation.org.

About Bobby Labonte Foundation
The Bobby Labonte Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by NASCAR champion, Hall of Fame Class of 2020 inductee and businessman Bobby Labonte in 2003. The Bobby Labonte Foundation vision is a cohesive community in which parents and families are empowered to fulfill children’s needs and together find joy, love and happiness. The Bobby Labonte Foundation works in partnership with the local community and community organizations to empower parents, families and children to build a strong foundation for children’s futures. For more information, visit www.bobbylabontefoundation.org or follow the Bobby Labonte Foundation on Facebook.