JIM GIACCONE HONORS BROTHER, OTHER 9/11 VICTIMS BY AIDING OTHERS

RELATED: All the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award finalists

The tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001 took so much from Jim Giaccone. But it led him to this: honoring the memory of the brother he lost by helping others affected by that dark day.

Giaccone's older brother, Joseph, died in the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City. Joseph was among the 658 employees of the Cantor Fitzgerald financial services firm who were killed. Devastated by grief, Giaccone somehow found the drive to carry on and honor his brother by giving back to others -- especially children -- who likewise were carrying on in the aftermath of 9/11.

During his personal aftermath, Giaccone found his future in the form of Tuesday's Children, an organization dedicated to providing long-term support to those directly impacted by the events of 9/11 and other communities impacted by terrorism and traumatic loss.

Giaccone's involvement in Tuesday's Children is multi-faceted, as a fundraiser, through service on the organization's Mentoring Advisory Board and Family Advisory Board and through what is arguably his most significant contribution: serving as a mentor.

His works have not gone unnoticed. Giaccone, from Bayville, New York, is one of four finalists for The NASCAR Foundation's 2016 Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award Presented by Nationwide. The award will be presented by France -- The NASCAR Foundation's Chairwoman Emeritus and founder -- on Sept. 27 during the inaugural Honors Gala at the Marriott Marquis in New York City. The foundation will donate $100,000 to the charity represented by the award winner and $25,000 to each of the other three finalists' charities. The award winner will be determined via an online vote now underway and running through Sept. 26 at 5 p.m. (ET) at NASCAR.com/Award.

Giaccone, 55, mentors teenage brothers Nicholas and Matthew Reda, who lost their father on 9/11. Suffice to say this is a reciprocal relationship. Giaccone and the boys find healing and comfort in one another. But their time spent together involves more than words. The healing is helped by sharing real-life tasks involving practical skills, such as building rockets and fishing, both activities the boys enjoyed with their father.

Said Giaccone: "I am not a man of great wealth where I can personally make a difference financially. My most valuable asset is my time.

"It's a delicate balance when I try to explain what I get out of this. But obviously, anything that I've gained over the last 15 years I would trade in a second for my brother's life. But … that's not reality. Through the programs that Tuesday's Children is running and seeing the works that they do … it's almost become a therapy for me, to be honest. When I leave Nicholas and Matthew, it's almost as if I have a 'runner's high.' I feel calmer. If those boys get half of what I get out of this, it's a win-win."

More than 10 years and hundreds of hours of service to Tuesday's Children have given Giaccone many rewarding experiences. He wants more, because there is so much more work to do. He has expanded his volunteer efforts to include helping others both domestically and abroad, truly living his life to reflect the organization's motto to "Let Our Past Change the Future."

Giaccone is a longtime NASCAR fan, dating to his childhood when enjoying racing was a family tradition. One of his most cherished memories of NASCAR -- and of his life, overall -- is from August 2001 when he and his brother went to Nazareth (Pennsylvania) Speedway to take part in a fan driving experience.

"I had gone to Las Vegas and done the Richard Petty Driving Experience twice, so I organized the trip (to Nazareth)." Giaccone said. "It was pretty special ..."

As is being a Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award finalist, and representing Tuesday's Children -- in New York City on Sept. 27.

"It's very humbling to be considered," Giaccone said.

To learn more about this year’s finalists for The NASCAR Foundation’s Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award presented by Nationwide, and to cast your vote today, go to www.NASCAR.com/Award. Voting is open now until September 26 at 5 p.m. ET.

TRUEX INKS TWO-YEAR EXTENSION WITH FURNITURE ROW RACING

DENVER, Colo. (Aug. 4, 2016) -- Furniture Row Racing announced today that Martin Truex Jr. has signed a new two-year agreement to drive the team’s No. 78 Toyota Camry in NASCAR’s Cup Series. The new contract takes effect starting with the 2017 season.

The Denver-based racing organization also announced that Bass Pro Shops and Tracker Boats, which joined Furniture Row Racing as a partner in 2016, will increase its primary sponsorship schedule on Truex’s No. 78 Toyota from 12 to 16 races in 2017, starting with the season-opening Daytona 500.

The expansion builds on the long-standing relationship between Bass Pro Shops and Truex Jr., an avid outdoorsman and longtime fishing buddy of Bass Pro Shops founder/CEO Johnny Morris. In addition to serving as Truex’s first sponsor when he started his NASCAR career, Bass Pro Shops and Tracker Boats were the primary sponsors for two NASCAR Xfinity Series championships in 2004 and 2005, as well as the primary sponsor for Truex’s first three years in the Sprint Cup Series.

"The signing of Martin Truex Jr. to a new contract and Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Boats adding more races to its primary sponsorship package are signs of strength and confidence for the future of Furniture Row Racing," said team president Joe Garone. "Martin has proved over and over that he is one of the blue chip drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and we are elated that he will continue to drive our No. 78 Toyota."

Garone added, "Bass Pro Shops has been one of the most visible, committed and respected sponsors in NASCAR for many years. We are grateful that the company is making an additional commitment to our team. Adding Bass Pros Shops, Tracker Boats and Auto-Owners Insurance to our sponsorship family this season has played a vital role, along with Furniture Row and Denver Mattress, in the success and growth of our company."

Bass Pro Shops founder/CEO Johnny Morris said of the announcement: "We are excited to elevate our support and partnership with our good friend Martin Truex Jr., an amazing competitor on the track and a passionate sportsman who loves the outdoors. It brings us tremendous pride to see Bass Pro Shops and Tracker Boats prominently displayed and have Martin personally representing our brands. Together with our longstanding friends at Toyota and Furniture Row Racing, we believe our partnership with Martin has a very bright future."

Truex, 36, said, "I am pleased that we’re going to continue our momentum from this season. This is where I want to be, driving the No. 78 Furniture Row Racing Toyota. We’ve come a long way in a short period of time. There are many reasons to feel excited and optimistic about the future of our racing program starting with the commitment from our team owner Barney Visser, the support from Toyota, the technical alliance with Joe Gibbs Racing and the Bass Pro Shops sponsorship. We definitely have the resources and talent to go after victories and championships. I want to thank Barney and Joe Garone for the confidence that they have placed in me and also want to thank my good friend and hunting/fishing partner Johnny Morris for the continued support from Bass Pro Shops and Tracker Boats."

Truex, who has already clinched a 2016 Chase berth, has been the Furniture Row Racing driver since the start of the 2014 season. As a Chase participant last year, he advanced to the final four.

After 21 races of the current season he has claimed one win, three top fives, nine top 10s, three poles, ranks No. 1 with laps led at 1005 and is eighth in Sprint Cup driver points.

The Mayetta, N.J. native won back-to-back Xfinity Series championships before joining the Cup series full time in 2006.

NO. 41 TEAM ASSESSED P2 PENALTY AFTER POCONO

The No. 41 team of Kurt Busch has been assessed a P2-level penalty after NASCAR officials found the right rear quarter panel was modified after race inspection last weekend at Pocono Raceway.

Tony Gibson, crew chief for the Stewart-Haas Racing No. 41 team, was fined $10,000 and will continue to be on NASCAR Probation through Dec. 31.

The infraction was found in sections 12.1; 20.4, 20.4.16 and 20.4.2 of the NASCAR Rule Book, all pertaining to body specifications and including, "All braces used to support fenders and quarter panels must be straight." Busch was sent to the rear of the field to start the race for the unapproved body modification.

Busch finished 10th at Pocono and officially clinched a berth in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Through 21 races this year, he has completed every lap.



• The gas man for the No. 34 team of race winner Chris Buescher, Josh Patch, was fined $1,000 and the team was assessed a P1 penalty for safety violations at Pocono. NASCAR pit-road officiating found Patch was "on the service side of the pit wall with face shield up." Sections 12.1 and 12.5.3.2.1 of the NASCAR Rule Book apply.

• The Nos. 7 (Regan Smith) and 23 (David Ragan) cars failed pre-race laser inspection twice on Sunday. The Nos. 13 (Casey Mears) and 95 (Michael McDowell) failed pre-qualifying laser inspection twice on Saturday. And the Nos. 7, 23, and 42 (Kyle Larson) cars failed pre-qualifying template inspection twice. All received written warnings.

• Three teams received written warnings and a loss of 15 minutes of practice time after having inspection trouble. The No. 18 of Kyle Busch, No. 20 of Matt Kenseth and No. 78 of Martin Truex Jr. all failed pre-qualifying template inspection three times on Saturday.

Other penalties announced Thursday morning:

JIMMIE JOHNSON TO HIGHLIGHT FOUNDATION AT WATKINS GLEN

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (Aug. 2, 2016) -- Six-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson will wear the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope, which features five charities working to improve K-12 public education, this weekend during the Cheez-It 355 at The Glen NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International. In addition, his No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet will feature a special Jimmie Johnson Foundation 10th Anniversary paint scheme.

"I am proud to highlight the great work of these charities on my Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope this weekend," Johnson said. "Because of the generosity of our amazing partners, Chandra (wife) and I have been able to support some incredible schools and non-profits in the 10 years since we launched the Foundation. We'd like to thank Lowe's for allowing us to run the Foundation paint scheme for the eleventh time and Blue Bunny for sponsoring the Helmet of Hope program again this year. We are so grateful."

The Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program allows fans and consumers across the country to nominate and vote on not-for-profit (501c3) organizations that support K-12 public education. Each of the recipients was also awarded a $25,000 grant and a Blue Bunny Ice Cream party.

The 5 recipient charities are:

ArtWell in Philadelphia
Carlos Gilbert Elementary Parents! Teachers! Kids! in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Change for Kids in New York
Inside the Outdoors Foundation in Costa Mesa, California
Mercy Child Advocacy Center in Sioux City, Iowa

"We are extremely proud to once again support the incredible work and commitment displayed by each of the organizations to assist K-12 public education," Wells said. "The passion around the mission of each of these organizations is evident through the rallying of their supporters to vote and ultimately secure additional needed funding. It never ceases to amaze me at how creative and driven all of the organizations are to securing the votes needed."

In addition to the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program, the Foundation operates the Champions Grant program in partnership with Lowe's, which provides cash grants to schools in the Johnson's hometowns and where they currently live; Team Up For Technology, a $48,000 technology makeover open to schools nationwide; and the Jimmie Johnson Foundation Wellness Challenge, a series of three athletic events in Charlotte, N.C. as well as a virtual triathlon. To date, the Jimmie Johnson Foundation has contributed more than $8.8 million to schools and non-profits across the country.

Tony Stewart teams with Coca-Cola for Bobby Allison tribute in final Southern 500

Tony Stewart‘s last shot at conquering the Southern 500 will be a tribute to a driver and paint scheme combination that did it twice.

Stewart, who retires from Sprint Cup competition after this season, will make his final start at Darlington Raceway in a Coca-Cola sponsored homage to Bobby Allison’s Southern 500 winning cars from 1971 and 1972.

The car was unveiled Wednesday at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, North Carolina, which Allison was inducted into in 2011. Stewart has been sponsored by Coca-Cola his entire

Sprint Cup career, which began in 1999.

“Tony Stewart is a real racer who would’ve fit right in during the time I raced in NASCAR,” Allison said in a press release. “He’s a perfect fit for this Coca-Cola Chevy. I know what car I’ll be watching in the Southern 500.”

The paint scheme on the No. 14 will include Coke’s slogan from the 70s – “The Real Thing” – and gold wheels and cubic-inch displacement boast on the hood, just like Allison’s car did.

Darlington is one of two tracks Stewart has not won at in Sprint Cup competition. The other is Kentucky Speedway.

In 23 Sprint Cup starts, Stewart has never led more than 10 laps at Darlington. Allson led 558 of the 734 laps available (76 percent) in the 1971 and 72′ Southern 500s. The 1983 Sprint Cup champion won at Darlington five times. Stewart has finished third in the Southern 500 twice.

“Races at Darlington have been pretty tough for me,” Stewart said in a press release. “We’ve had some decent runs there, but it just seems like you really have to put everything together the whole day. If you can say you won a race at Darlington – that’s a feather in your cap because you conquered something that’s very hard to obtain. That’s something to be proud of, knowing that you’re in a group of drivers with names like Allison and Pearson and Petty –the pioneers of our sport.”

Stewart’s final Southern 500 can be seen on Sept. 4 on NBC.

Rookies make NASCAR history with weekend sweep of national series

If it wasn’t for quite a bit of fog, last weekend’s slate of NASCAR action likely wouldn’t have been that different from many race weekends the last two decades.

Fog forced NASCAR to halt the Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway 22 laps from its scheduled distance, giving the win to Chris Buescher, one of the Rookie of the Year contenders. That sealed a milestone that had never been accomplished since the Camping World Truck Series debuted in 1995.

Buescher’s win meant Rookie of the Year contenders in all three national series – Sprint Cup, Xfinity and the Camping World Truck Series – swept the weekend.

The feat was started by William Byron, who won in the Truck series. It was his fifth win of the year, which set a Truck series record for rookies. Later Saturday night, Erik Jones led 154 laps at Iowa Speedway en route to winning his third race of the year.

Then Buescher’s team gambled on Monday during pit stops, putting his No. 34 Ford out front just in time for fog to cover all of Turn 1.

Buescher was the first rookie contender to win a Sprint Cup race since Joey Logano did at New Hampshire in 2009. Before that it had only been four times since 2005: Kyle Busch at Phoenix (2005), Denny Hamlin in Pocono I and II (2006) and Juan Pablo Montoya at Sonoma (2007).

Buescher’s win was also his first Sprint Cup top-10 finish, which came a week after his career-best finish of 14th at Indianapolis. The Prosper, Texas, native is one of just five drivers to have earned their first top 10 via a win.

Before him it was Trevor Bayne (2011), Brad Keselowski (2009), Jamie McMurray (2002) and Mark Donohue (1973).

NASCAR announces four staff changes among business leadership

NASCAR announced the appointments of four positions in its “business executive team” Wednesday.

It named Steve Phelps – the sport’s “top officer” in its Charlotte, North Carolina, office – as the new executive vice president and chief global sales and marketing officer. Phelps will oversee global marketing, partnership and series marketing, business development, integrated marketing communications, licensing & consumer products, and NASCAR digital media.

A press release says Phelps will “lead a strategic global marketing effort” in order to “transition International admirers of the sport into more engaged, passionate fans.”

The remaining staff changes:

Jill Gregory, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer – Will oversee brand and consumer marketing, brand platforms, entertainment marketing, driver marketing, team marketing, social media and analytics and insights.

Gregory joined NASCAR in July 2007 after working in executive roles at Bank of America and Sprint. She was among the inaugural group of executives honored as “Game Changers” in 2011 by Sports Business Journal, recognizing the top female executives in the sports world.

Norris Scott, Vice President of Analytics and Insights (new position) – Will oversee  consumer research functions at NASCAR including social analytics (NASCAR Fan & Media Engagement Center), digital research, sponsorship valuation, and media and market research.

Lou Garate, vice president of partnership marketing –  Has been with NASCAR for almost 10 years, working closely with official partners such as Chevrolet, Ford, Goodyear, MillerCoors and Toyota. Has developed partner assets including the Coors Light Pole Award, Coors Light Silver Bullet Bash, NASCAR Evening Series and Victory Lap fueled by Sunoco.

“We’ve been bold in our efforts to modernize and diversify our business and executive team, and these changes further reflect that fact,” said NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France in a press release. “Today’s announcement underlines the importance that NASCAR puts on specific areas of our business, and has been done in sync with structure and personnel changes made last month in the racing area.

“I’m delighted to see the growth of a number of our colleagues throughout NASCAR. All changes announced today will pay significant and immediate dividends for the sport.”