Parker Jr. Unveils "Race To Be Safe" Program

PITTSBURGH (August 23) - GNC Live Well (General Nutrition Centers) and NASCAR driver Hank Parker Jr. today announced the launch of a new program designed to promote health and safety among elementary school children.

The "Race To Be Safe" program will bring the 26-year old NASCAR Busch Series driver and his No. 36 GNC Live Well Chevrolet Monte Carlo to elementary schools near the NASCAR Busch Series tracks he will compete at during the month of September.

Parker will share the message that safety equipment, regular exercise and proper nutrition are not only essential to success in his chosen profession, but are also key elements in helping children lead healthier, happier lives.

"Our main goal is to get children in the habit of wearing a helmet whenever they're bicycling, skateboarding or rollerblading, and wearing a seatbelt every time they get in a vehicle," Parker explained. "I hope I can lead by example and convince kids that helmets and seatbelts are a cool thing. If they think it's a fun thing to do by pretending they're a driver like Jeff Gordon or Dale Jarrett, they're going to want to put that seatbelt or that helmet on."

Parker will demonstrate how the seatbelt system in his racecar works by letting volunteers strap into the driver's seat of his No. 36 machine. He'll also display and explain the features of his other safety equipment, including his helmet, his specially designed fire resistant race uniform, gloves and shoes.

As a part of the program, GNC Live Well is donating 50 bicycle helmets to local law enforcement organizations in each race market. Those helmets will then be distributed to children and families who might otherwise not be able to afford them.

Staying fit and eating properly are also a must in Parker's profession. Under race conditions, he has to deal with temperatures exceeding 140 F inside his car for periods of up to three hours. The driver credits a focused workout program and balanced diet with helping him withstand these extreme conditions.

"If I didn't condition my body through exercise to handle that kind of stress, I'd be in trouble," Parker said. "You can't eat junk food and sit around watching television all day, then hop in the car and expect to be competitive.

"It's the same with kids in school. Every child wants to be the best they can be, and a healthy lifestyle will help them achieve that goal. You have to stay strong physically and mentally to be successful in life."

Given the young age of his audience, Parker will use racing analogies to send a basic message about health, exercise and nutrition.

"I want them to think of their bodies as a race car and what they eat as the fuel that powers that car," Parker explained. "If you put in better fuel, the car will run better. If you eat healthier foods, your body is going to function better."

In terms of physical activity, Parker suggests, "Your heart and cardiovascular system is like the engine of a race car. You have to keep it tuned up through exercise if you want it to last."

The "Race To Be Safe" program will kick off on Monday, August 27, at Rock Hill Elementary School in Denver, N.C., Parker's alma mater. NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Chris Horn and his No. 58 GNC NASCAR Kid's Multi Chevrolet Silverado will join Parker for the appearance. Horn will be making appearances at elementary schools in his home state of Iowa on behalf of GNC Live Well and the "Race To Be Safe" program.

Parker will then bring the "Race To Be Safe" program to elementary schools in race markets where the NASCAR Busch Series competes, including Darlington, S.C., Richmond, Va. and Wilmington, Del.