JGR's Davis to ring closing bell at N.Y. Stock Exchange (cont'd)

Davis, who moved with his father, Harry, to Mooresville, N.C., from Silver Spring, Md., to pursue a racing career, used his success at Hickory to move into the NASCAR East division, the regional NASCAR touring series that features a 13-race schedule at tracks predominantly based in New England and the Mid-Atlantic. With backing from JGR, Davis scored five top-five and seven top-10 finishes in 2007, including a season-best runner-up effort on April 19 to JGR teammate Joey Logano at Phoenix International Raceway.

In 2008, Davis will continue in the Camping World Series East division, and continue his quest toward a full-time drive in NASCAR's pinnacle division -- the Sprint Cup Series.

"I'm doing exactly what I've always wanted to do," Davis said. "Everything I've done in life has been about racing, and to have this kind of opportunity means everything. No one has higher expectations than me."

As Davis pursues his dream, he has gained notoriety. With increased recognition have come opportunities not usually bestowed upon the average 17-year-old. Then again, Davis is far from average.

"Going to New York and ringing the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange is going to be a pretty cool deal," said Davis, who could have hardly envisioned that a trip to Wall Street would be in the cards when he began racing BMX bikes at age 6. "I've seen that image on the news I don't know how many times. To think that'll be me in a couple of weeks is kind of hard to believe. And to do it on behalf of Black History Month makes it even more important. It's a moment I'm definitely looking forward to."

The invitation to Davis was extended by NYSE Euronext to mark Black History Month.

"The New York Stock Exchange will be honored to have Marc Davis, his team and sponsors join us to celebrate Black History Month," said Robert A. Marchman, EVP-Enforcement/Risk, NYSE Regulation, as well as chairman of NYSE Euronext's Diversity Council. "Marc is not only a pioneer among African-Americans in auto racing, but also an outstanding role model for young people in the minority community. The commitment by Marc, Joe Gibbs Racing and others to expand opportunities for minorities through education is consistent with NYSE Euronext's own commitment to diversity and financial literacy. During Black History Month, it is fitting to reflect on the past and look ahead as well, highlighting Marc's good work, accomplishments and bright future by inviting him to ring the NYSE bell."

Joining Davis on the Big Board's balcony will be his father, who also serves as his manager; Joe Gibbs; J.D. Gibbs, president of JGR; Sara White, widow of Reggie White; Brian France, chairman and CEO of NASCAR; Dan Hesse, president and CEO of Sprint; Norm Miller, chairman of Interstate Batteries; Tommy Miller, vice chairman of the board, Interstate Batteries; Jim Watkins, general manager of Howard University Radio WHUR-FM; Laurie Tucker, senior vice president of global marketing, FedEx; Michele Kessler, president of M&M's and CMO of Mars, Inc.; Robert A. Marchman, EVP-Enforcement, NYSE Regulation; and Dale Bernstein, EVP-Human Resources, NYSE Euronext.

Davis is currently a senior at Mooresville Christian Academy and will graduate this May.