Autism Speaks 400 Items Up for Auction Click here to view or bid on auction items ending Friday, June 22.
Jamie McMurray, President of the Jamie McMurray Foundation launched an online auction to raise money through the sale of items worn during the Autism Speaks 400 in Dover, DE. With the help of SPEED Channel, Autism Speaks and the Jamie McMurray Foundation, McMurray's race firesuit, helmet, driving gloves and driving shoes will be auctioned on an eBay site with the proceeds going to charity. All of the items are signed by McMurray and display a puzzle piece design.
Autism Speaks 400 Commemorative Items Still Available
As a special thank you from Dover Speedway, anyone making a donation of over $25 to Autism Speaks via this link will receive a commemorative race pin. Donors giving over $150 will receive a limited edition commemorative 1/24 scale die cast car.
Truex Wins Autism Speaks 400 Presented by Visa
Click here for a photo gallery from the event
The Autism Speaks 400 Presented by Visa was won on Mon., June 4, by Martin Truex, Jr. The race, scheduled to run Sunday, June 3, at the Dover International Speedway, was postponed due to torrential rains and wind. This event marks the first time a NASCAR Nextel Cup event has been dedicated to a cause. Thanks to Dover Speedway, Visa and Fox's Artie Kempner, Autism Speaks raised not only funds from ticket sales and fan donations, but unprecedented awareness for autism and Autism Speaks.
Despite the damp race day, Dover Speedway and Visa raised autism awareness all weekend through Bank of America and official race line-up t-shirts. The Autism Speaks logo and website were prominently featured all around the track, including the turns, the infield grass, the pit road and walkways. On Sunday, volunteers staffed booths, distributing literature about the importance of learning the signs of autism and giving out car magnets for donations.
Behind the scenes at the Autism Speaks 400 presented by Visa at Dover International Speedway (Windows Media Video, ~2 minutes)
Autism Speaks co-founders Bob and Suzanne Wright were on hand to greet drivers at Sunday's pre-race Driver's Meeting. Actress Catherine Bell, of "JAG" and "Army Wives," was on hand ready to say “Gentlemen, start your engines,” as the Grand Marshall, but the weather forced a cancellation of the opening ceremonies and postponed the race. The Galli family, top bidders on the Honorary Starter package, were among the guests in the Autism Speaks suite and had guided tours of
NASCAR driver Jamie McMurray, right, presents Autism Speaks President Mark Roithmayr, left, with a $20,000 donation to Autism Speaks from The Jamie McMurray Foundation
the cold pit, Nextel garage and more. Joe Galli and his daughter Bella returned on Monday to be presented with the green starter flag. Mark Roithmayr, President of Autism Speaks, along with Jim Duncan of Visa, presented the winner's trophy to Truex and his team in Victory Lane.
