Spencer to pay homage to heroes of Flight 93

September 30, 2001
12:18 PM EDT (1618 GMT)

When United Airlines flight 93 crashed September 11, 2001 in a strip mine in Shanksville, Pa., NASCAR Winston Cup driver, Jimmy Spencer was devastated not only because the crash scene was near where Spencer grew-up in Berwick, Pa., but of an heroic feat that was felt around the world.

As Spencer was driving back home to North Carolina after being stranded at the Houston airport the day America was attacked, Spencer learned about how the passengers of Flight 93 overcame four hijackers and possibly saved the lives of thousands of people in our nation's capitol.

Known as a tough, blue-collar and tell-it-like-it-is kind of guy, Spencer was deeply touched by the actions of the passengers who put their lives on the line to prevent another major devastation.

Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania introduced legislation September 19 to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to the passengers and crew of United flight 93.

Approximately 300 Congressional Gold Medals have been awarded since 1776. Recipients of the Congressional Gold Medal include people such as George Washington, Colin Powell, Douglas MacArthur and Robert F. Kennedy.

"I am particularly touched by those men and women on United Flight 93, and their heroic feat to save the lives of others," said Jimmy Spencer.

"NASCAR drivers are described as being fearless and courageous, because that's our job. But what those passengers did on that plane is so far above the highest level of courage that I have ever seen on the race track, and for that, they are very special heroes in my heart."

"I want to focus on these families and try to help them financially. My No. 1 Yellow Freight Busch Series Chevrolet will carry Flight 93 graphics at the Charlotte race on October 6. This car will be a memorial to the passengers of Flight 93."

Spencer said, "I am asking the NASCAR community and fans for their support and to generate as much money as we can for the families of Flight 93 and all the victims of September 11. This is my way to help the families and to pay homage and to give these American heroes a memorial shrine inside the NASCAR arena."

Please send financial donations to: Spencer Motor Ventures, 160 Gasoline Alley, Mooresville, NC 28117, or donate online at www.jimmyspencer.net. Make checks payable to: American Red Cross

Jimmy Spencer drives the No. 26 Kmart Ford Taurus in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series and the No. 1 Yellow Freight Chevrolet in the NASCAR Busch Series.