To raise money for the Sandy Hook Special Support Fund Michael Waltrip will drive a speical car in the Daytona 500.  Waltrip's number will be changed from his usual No. 30 to No. 26 to honor the 20 children and six adults killed in the Sandy Hook school shooting. 

The special car has a black and green ribbon on the hood and will feature a “text NEWTON to 80888” decal that can be dialed to make $10 donations.

"It will be an emotional week knowing that we have the potential to do so much good for the Newtown community,” Waltrip said.  “I’m racing for a reason." (1)

Yahoo! Sports reported that Waltrip, NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France and other NASCAR officials “quietly visited Newtown last week to inform the town's leaders of their plans and pass along donations.” (1)

"Being in Newtown last week and delivering a moment of happiness to that community was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced," France said. "Looking out at a room of smiling faces amidst the aftermath of a horrible tragedy was very powerful. It hit me that the NASCAR industry and our passionate fan base, which always help those in need, have an unbelievable opportunity to rally around this cause and make a huge difference for a community in need." (1)

France donated $50,000 to the Sandy Hook Support Fund.  The gift was matched by NASCAR.

The 2013 Daytona 500 will be held February 24, 1pm Est.  

SOURCE

(1)  Yahoo! Sports  

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