Busch Grand National Series

2002 Toys for Tots Campaign Kicks Off at Lowe's Motor Speedway

Mooresville, NC (October 2, 2002) - You won't see Santa's sleigh racing around Lowe's Motor Speedway on October 12, 2002, but you will see the next best thing! Team Rensi Motorsports and the United States Marine Corps will kick-off the holiday season by promoting the nation's largest toy drive, Toys For Tots, with a new look for the Team Marines Ford Taurus.

Toys For Tots, launched as a single campaign by Major Bill Hendricks of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in Los Angeles in 1947, is one of the nation's flagship charitable endeavors, an American tradition and a national treasure. Collecting and distributing an average of 12,000,000 toys annually, the Marines bring the joy of Christmas to nearly 5,000,000 children each Christmas.

The special paint scheme will feature the famous Toys For Tots logo, designed by Walt Disney in 1948, amidst a pile of children's toys and gifts. With toys and gifts of all sizes covering the car, it looks similar to Santa 's sleigh, only this sleigh will travel at speeds close to 200 mph.

Bobby Hamilton, Jr., driver of the No. 25 Team Marines Ford can't wait to take his "sleigh" out on the track.

"I feel privileged to be a part of this year's Toys For Tots campaign," said Hamilton, Jr. "For decades now, the U.S. Marine Corps has brought the Christmas message of 'giving' to millions of needy children throughout the country. Toys For Tots delivers a message of hope to children who have little reason to hope for the future. I am excited about making this holiday special for millions of children through our involvement with Toys For Tots."

Mr. Brian Murray, President, Toys For Tots Foundation and a retired Major from the Marine Corps said, "Last year, Toys For Tots distributed 13.2 million toys to 6 million youngsters, making it the third most successful campaign in its 55-year history. We are striving to top last year's figures and make 2002 the most successful year Toys For Tots has seen yet. We hope that running the Toys For Tots car will put people in the Christmas spirit and prompt them to remember those that are less fortunate during the holiday season."

Team Rensi Motorsports, located in Mooresville, NC will be an official drop-off site for Toys For Tots. The public is welcome to stop by their shop to drop off donations.

The Toys For Tots message of hope for the future has motivated youngsters to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders. Toys For Tots has earned the distinction as a program which plays an important role in helping youngsters emerge from a background of poverty to adulthood as assets to society.

The Toys For Tots Ford Taurus will take the green flag on Saturday, October 12, 2002 at 1pm for the Little Trees 300 at Lowe's Motor Speedway.

For more information about Toys For Tots and to find the drop-off site closest to you, go to www.toysfortots.org.