NASCAR’s Kindness Impacts Hundreds of Lives.

^{Dec 28, 2024 | Edition #116}

👋 Dear Motorheads,

As we wrap up 2024, the NASCAR community has once again shown its heart. With Lowe’s and NASCAR teaming up, over 100 portable homes were delivered to Hurricane Helene survivors, giving nearly 400 people a safe place to start fresh. Even, heroes like Joey Logano, Greg Biffle, Michael Jordan, and Hendrick Motorsports turned compassion into action, proving that NASCAR is more than just a sport.

Looking ahead, big changes are on the horizon. Tony Stewart & Co. stepping away marks the end of an unforgettable chapter. While their presence has shaped the sport, their legacy continues to drive us forward into a new era.

As the new year approaches, let’s embrace what’s next while honoring what’s been left behind.

🫡 The Lucky Dog Salutes

Delivering Happiness: NASCAR & Lowe’s

Christmas has never been about the shiny tree or the fancy meals. It’s about being with your family and feeling the warmth of togetherness. While, we know it's been three months since Hurricane Helene passed, people affected were left homeless. It was devastating! As some of us have been helping with all that possible, our sports body; NASCAR has also taken some heartwarming measures.

They came up with some beautiful houses in collaboration with Lowe’s. And can it be any simpler than Lowe’s saying, “If you can bring the builders, we can bring the products.” This combined effort gave more than 100 portable homes. And, the response? you’d be moved to see.

What’s more amazing? They delivered 17 of them just before Christmas! It was a beautiful sight, as the trail of homes was taken to their destination.

These might be temporary portable homes, but it's still a celebration with a roof over the displaced people’s heads. And, to your surprise, they are well-decorated inside. With the capacity to house four people, it's safe to assume that about 400 people are sleeping comfortably right now thanks to this effort. Long live NASCAR & Lowe’s!

And Lucky Dog believes in giving credit, where credit is due. The $12 Million project was made possible thanks to NASCAR offering its equipment haulers to deliver parts of the equipment while Lowe's provided the tools used by volunteers at Kelly McArdle Construction.

And this is not the first time the NASCAR community has come together to aid the survivors of Hurricane Helene. Be it Bristol Motor Speedway acting as a relief center or the NASCAR community raising $150,000. They have been relentless!

While Lowe's donations worth $2 million to support relief efforts have been coming since September, our beloved teams proved to be heroes in this battle. Remember veteran Greg Biffle tirelessly flying in his helicopter, delivering aid to the farthest corners of the state. Michael Jordan and 23XI Racing also donated a Million dollars. Even Joey Logano aiding through the Joey Logano Foundation.

And don't forget about Hendrick Automotive Group, Hendrick Motorsports, and all those other big names. They donated a whopping $4 million to Samaritan's Purse. It just shows you that the NASCAR community really cares about helping people in need.

Continue Reading: NASCAR Snubbing Its Best Minds With Reckless Playoff Strategy Riles Up Racing Community

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🗣️ Talk of the NASCAR Town

Big Revelation Coming From Tony Stewart

You’d agree. Stewart now seems more like an NHRA driver than a NASCAR legend. The credit goes to Stewart Haas Racing's abrupt exit from the sport. While fans and insiders shared several theories related to financial and operational mismanagement, the legend himself has now pointed it somewhere else.

According to him, it's not all his own will but also how the sport evolved (or rather changed and not to Stewart’s liking.) Adding to the frustration could be the new Charter deal, and now the ongoing battle. While he’s out of the NASCAR picture, his charters are still dependent on the ongoing Lawsuit. And, clearly Tony isn’t liking this.

But as Stewart was at the Old Town BBQ Show, he took a sigh of relief. Speaking about the 2024’s last run at Phoenix where we saw the SHR colors for one last time, Tony mentioned how he misses the ‘people’ aspect of the sport. That’s surely the change that years of being in the sport have brought. 

The Big Revelation? Stewart said, “The people are the part I miss. It's like anything else. Technology comes in and evolves and it changes and it's just not what it used to be when I ran it." He was accompanied by his father [the two are inseparable]. There’s more to this and the video from Sullivan Old Town BBQ even has a reveal on his dad.

However, SHR is gone, and Tony Stewart is unable to digest these changes. And, it also had a lot to do with his big sponsors. First, Busch Light moved to Ross Chastain in Trackhouse. And then Hunt Brother’s Pizza partnered with Joey Logano, instead of SHR. A big hit right?

This was also the time when SHR’s most successful driver, Kevin Harvick, too, was leaving. Of course, all Chaos and no stars in their lineup is a recipe for disaster. Had Kyle Larson accepted their invite in 2020, it probably would be still standing strong in the Cup Series. Yes, there was a clear invite as Larson was a free agent. Now imagine SHR could have been around if Larson had chosen them [as explained here].

It was after the 2020 season, the team crumbled, and only had four wins in almost 600 starts! All this coupled with the evolution of the sport had Stewart lose interest.

"When I ran it I feel like I got in on the tail end of when it was the best. So, what they're doing now, they're doing what they're doing for the reasons they're doing it, but I don't know that I agree with all of it,” Stewart said while pointing to the current scenario of the sport [charter ownership being the No. 1 reason]. 

Speaking of his future, Tony Stewart is the new father in the town and is all set for the next NHRA season. Yes, the ‘Rookie of the Year’ is probably looking to add another championship from another series to his record. And hey, with baby Dominic on his way to racing [he just got his own car], Tony & Leah Pruett probably have big plans to continue doing what they do best [racing], anyway.

Continue Reading: Tony Stewart Debunks False Narrative About His ‘Filterless’ Personality

🏁 Lucky Dog’s Quick Poll 🏁

Last Poll’s Result: We asked you which driver brought the best Christmas vibes, and the results are in! With a commanding 54.14% of the votes, The King, Richard Petty, took the crown—proof that his iconic charm transcends generations. While Chase Briscoe and Austin Cindric didn’t resonate with as many of you, Elliott and Blaney came in as strong runner-ups.

🗞️ NASCAR Shorts!

The 2024 Cup Champ Donates 2 Ford Trucks!

“Takes a lot of people to make it all happen.” Sure it does, Joey!

Here’s something that’ll make you proud. The Joey Logano Foundation contributed a total of $250,000 to Hurricane Helene's recovery efforts. Joey didn’t just stop at writing a check. Now, he’s teamed up with Ford, taking his support to another level!

Yes, Joey gifted two brand-new vehicles—a Ford Escape and a Ford Bronco—to two victims who lost their cars in the disaster. Anita and Alexis, the recipients, were thoughtfully selected through the foundation’s partnership. Read Full Story

👀 Must-See Moments

Mr. H’s Token of Appreciation

Hendrick Motorsports is known for appreciating its people. Be it honoring employees with 20 years of service, or sending them customized gifts, Mr. H makes sure his team is heard and well taken care of.

“Whatever business you are in, you are in the people business,” is what he said, when he presented his employees with a special watch during a luncheon.

Now, speaking of the holiday season, while William Byron’s last week was all about Japanese culture and cuisine, we are yet to see him in that special personalized gift from HMS. Yes, the blue Christmas sweater Rick Hendrick picked for all four of them.

We know Byron is not very active on social media, but he is a man of his word. And, he said he will, “wear it to all Christmas parties this year.” And he wasn’t alone.

CHECK THIS OUT! These were Alex Bowman’s exact words. If you haven’t seen it, each sweater featured the driver's name and number, making them truly one-of-a-kind.

NASCAR or any motorsport doesn’t have jerseys of your favorite player which allow fans to wear them feeling a part of the team and the sport. Well, before you say what are die casts for? It’s not the same and Lucky Dog knows it. So, let’s hope Hendrick Motorsports soon lists the sweaters as part of their merchandise. 

Until that happens, let us tell you this wasn’t the only Christmas fun HMS drivers had. The team also had set up a box where a mysterious item was hidden and the driver, without peeking, had to guess what they felt it was. Amongst all the Christmassy items, the organizers of the game picked jingle bells.

🫡 The Lucky Dog Salutes

Benny 'The NASCAR Santa'

One December, at Mineral Springs School near Ellerbe, North Carolina, 163 kids had a Christmas party like no other. Fried chicken, potatoes, and enough chocolate pudding to sink a battleship. Santa Claus was there, with a special gift for each child – a brand new pair of shoes.

The joy on those kids' faces? All thanks to Benny Parsons. For those of you who don’t know him, here’s his timeline in and out of NASCAR.

Benny Parsons was the 1973 champion and a 21-time winner. But he was most well known for being a kind soul. "The NASCAR Santa." And, like his wife, Terri said, he loved everything that he did [his wins pretty much tell the tale].

If it still doesn’t ring a bell, you might remember reading about a driver clocking 200.176 mph at Alabama International Motor Speedway (now Talladega Superspeedway). Somewhere in April of ‘82? That was Parsons in the Pontiac LeMans owned by Harry Ranier and built by Waddell Wilson.

Coming back to the Christmas tradition. It all started in 1978 when his sons Kevin and Keith were left shocked that few kids in their school ever received a Christmas present in their lives. That deeply affected Parson. Normally a parent would try to explain- “that’s just the way of life.” But Parsons ended up throwing an after-school party for all the kids is what sets him apart. What a kind gesture!

For years, he'd been organizing this Christmas party for children who might not have had much else to celebrate. He worked with the Ellerbe Civitans, measured every child for shoes, and coordinated gifts like shirts, caps, and coloring books.

Benny, despite battling laryngitis, used to go to parties. He even called each child up to the stage, sat them on Santa's lap, and watched as their eyes lit up with excitement. This wasn't just a party; it was a heartwarming reminder that the true spirit of Christmas is about giving back. It showed that behind the wheel of those roaring race cars were real people with big hearts. The Christmas party went on until 1990! 

As recently shared by Parsons’ son Keith, to this day people approach him to share the impact of the ‘Christmas Party’ on their lives. No doubt Parson was a NASCAR legend. According to Keith, ‘the party’ was his father’s “biggest legacy.” But there’s more! Benny Parsons was also inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2016, and his wife was all emotional. Here’s what Terri Parsons had to say.

📰 Lucky Dog's Recommended Reads

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2. Michael Jordan’s NASCAR Team Receives Major Boost from Lawsuit Victory - Full Story

3. NASCAR's Playoff Strategy Sparks Outrage - Full Story

4. Kurt Busch’s Emotional Confession About Pocono Divides NASCAR Fans - Full Story

5. Tony Stewart’s $973 Million Deal Saved Chase Briscoe’s NASCAR Career - Full Story

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