Wallace, Stacker 2 to present fan donation to FDNY

NASCAR fans continue to recognise the heroic deeds of the Fire Department of New York City two years after the 11 September tragedy and, when sponsor Stacker 2 asked fans to donate a dollar to FDNY Stationhouse 23 at five NASCAR races this season, they responded with donations totalling $5000.

Fans were also entered into a draw to win a helmet signed by all the Winston Cup and Busch Series drivers, with full proceeds going directly to the firehouse.

The programme was developed by NVE Pharmaceuticals, the parent company of Stacker 2, in order to pay tribute to all the men and women that were lost in the World Trade Centre attacks. The #23 cars of Kenny Wallace and Scott Wimmer carried a special 'Lion's Den' decal throughout September as a tribute to the heroic members of Station 23.

Wallace and Bob Emilian, the company's vice-president of retail marketing, will present a cheque to the Thomas R Elsasser Fund on behalf of FDNY Stationhouse 23 in a 3 December ceremony at the firehouse. Captain John Bendick of Engine Company #23 will accept the donation on behalf of the foundation. The Elsasser Fund supports families of active FDNY members that died while not in the line of duty.

"It is such a great thing that Stacker 2 is doing for the fallen heroes of 9/11," Wallace said, "Stacker 2 really is passionate about giving back to society, and that is why they are such a great sponsor. I am proud to drive for them."

The programme began at Dover in conjunction with The Stacker 200 presented by YJ Stinger, a 2003 Busch Series race, before taking in Lowe's Motor Speedway, Memphis Motorsports Park, Phoenix International Raceway and Homestead-Miami Speedway.

"This programme is near and dear to everyone's heart here at NVE because of our close proximity to New York City," said NVE CEO Bob Occhifinto, "We all knew people that lost their lives in the terrible attack on our country, and we feel it is our duty to try to repay all the heroic men and women who put their lives on the line everyday for the citizens of the United States."