NASCAR, beginning with the Daytona 500 later this month.
Charlotte-based America Israel Racing (AIR) was created to raise
awareness of the importance of America supporting Israel through a
unique and very public forum – the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. AIR will
team with Robinson-Blakeney Racing of Monroe to place a car in the
2012 Daytona 500 field on February 26.
"This is a critical time in our nation's history as it pertains to our
relationship with Israel," said Rich Shirey, co-founder of AIR. "As
the only true democracy in the Middle East, we feel it is critical
that the United States reaffirms its commitment to stand beside
Israel. By fielding a car in the most-watched race of the year, we
hope to show Israel just how many Americans feel the same way."
The No. 49 America Israel Racing Robinson-Blakeney Racing Toyota will
be driven by JJ Yeley at Daytona. Inspired by AIR's mission of
promoting American Israeli support, the car's design prominently
displays both the United States and Israel flags as well as a striking
image of a bald eagle holding both nations' flags in its claws and an
olive branch in its beak on the hood.
"We wanted to ensure our car design was not only eye-catching, but
properly conveyed the mission and values of America Israel Racing,"
said Shirey. "The eagle in particular contains a great deal of
symbolism – it has a determined look on its face, because we are
determined to voice the importance of America's support of Israel.
"However, we wanted to be sure to include the olive branch, because it
is a universal sign of peace and above all else, America Israel
Racing's message is a peaceful one."
An image of the No. 49 America Israel Racing Robinson-Blakeney Toyota
is attached. Additional photos are available on America Israel
Racing's Facebook page at facebook.com/AmericaIsraelRacing or by
request.
AIR hopes to continue its partnership with Robinson-Blakeney Racing
beyond Daytona, and with the support of like-minded individuals AIR
will spread its message of American Israeli support by placing a car
in the NASCAR Sprint Cup field for the entire 2012 season. Anyone
wishing to support America Israel Racing and its cause can make a
donation online at AmericaIsraelRacing.com.
"If enough people make a stand, the world will take notice," said
Shirey.
About America Israel Racing
America Israel Racing was formed to raise awareness of the importance
of America supporting Israel, the only true democracy in the Middle
East, as it stands against its enemies. The North Carolina-based race
team, founded in 2011, is in the process of fundraising to field a car
in the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starting with the Daytona 500.
Through strategic partnerships and joint ventures with other
organizations, America Israel Racing hopes to spread the message
throughout the world that the United States supports Israel.
AmericaIsraelRacing.com facebook.com/AmericaIsraelRacing
twitter.com/AmIsraelRacing
