Johnson Foundation opens bowling alley at VJGC

RANDLEMAN, N.C. -- In conjunction with the weekend's Nextel Cup race at Martinsville Speedway, Jimmie and Chandra Johnson unveiled Jimmie Johnson's Victory Lanes at the Victory Junction Gang Camp this week, the first major initiative for the Jimmie Johnson Foundation.

Just a year after announcing the formation of the foundation, the Johnsons joined Pattie and Kyle Petty, Lynda and Richard Petty and the campers of Victory Junction to bowl the inaugural frames at the 5,100-square-foot bowling alley.

"It was exciting to finally see the building -- it looks incredible," said Johnson, co-founder of his foundation and driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet. "This project is what the foundation is all about. Through the bowling alley, we will be able to help some very special children have a little fun."

The colorfully decorated bowling alley is complete with four lanes, a shoe counter, an arcade area and a one-of-a-kind light show that enables campers to go "retro" bowling at night. The QubicaAMF lanes have space-themed masking and a cutting-edge string pin setting design.

The building is complete with a replica of Johnson's No. 48 Chevrolet on the roof.

"It was amazing to be a part of the entire design process," said Chandra Johnson, co-founder of the Johnson Foundation. "This was a great partnership between the foundation and the camp. It was definitely thrilling to bowl the first frame."

During the grand opening the Johnsons and Pettys were paired with a Victory Junction camper that created an impromptu "bowl off" between the two couples.

"It's an honor that Jimmie and Chandra first thought about the camp when they began their foundation," Kyle Petty said. "One of the first things they did was begin plans for the Jimmie Johnson Victory Lanes bowling alley and we're humbled by that.

"It's hard to find anyone or any child who doesn't like to bowl. For some, it will be the first opportunity to do something like this. I think when they see how much fun the children are having it's going to mean a lot to them. They are wonderful people for doing this.

"We're very thankful for their contribution to the Victory Junction Camp. The Jimmie Johnson Victory Lanes bowling alley will be another great benefit for kids at camp."

The Jimmie Johnson Foundation committed $600,000 to fund the construction of the bowling alley. To date, it has raised $425,000 toward its goal through the support of corporate partners such as Lowe's, Levi Strauss Signature and Chevrolet, as well as from fans purchasing collectible Victory Lanes coins and various items on the foundation's eBay Giving Works site.

The foundation plans to finish the fundraising campaign with a new League of Champions program, a donor recognition wall in the bowling alley for donations of $5,000 or more toward the project.