Pocono changes race name to aid American Red Cross

Pocono Raceway has teamed up with the American Red Cross and Sunoco to give fans a chance to enjoy the race while helping their neighbors in need. This year's Pennsylvania 500 has been renamed the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500.

"This is the first time since 1997, Pocono Raceway has changed the name of the race," Brandon Igdalsky said. "Pocono Raceway admires and respects the work of the Red Cross and wanted to help support its mission and the great work they do for families in Pennsylvania."

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A partnership of Sunoco, Pocono Raceway and the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania (SEPA) Chapter, the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 will provide much-needed funds to help people throughout the tri-state region of Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey recover from devastating disaster. Pocono Raceway is donating a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales and merchandise, as well as providing other revenue-generating efforts to benefit the Red Cross.

Ten percent of the ticket revenue generated by ticket buyers who use the Red Cross promo code, REDCROSS, will go to American Red Cross Chapters in the tri-state area. By using this promo code and helping neighbors in need, race fans will automatically get free official race memorabilia worth $65. The first 1,500 ticket buyers using the Red Cross promo code will receive a free pre-race pit/paddock pass ($50 value) and souvenir program book and commemorative die-cast car ($15 Value). To purchase tickets, click here; or by call 1-800-RACEWAY.

Race fans will also have the chance to make donations to the Red Cross on Pocono Raceway's Web site and at the race. A portion of the proceeds from the official starting lineup T-shirt also will go to the SEPA Chapter. All SEPA Chapter donations will benefit Red Cross House, a short-term residence in West Philadelphia where hundreds of local families every year begin their recovery from fires, floods and other disasters affecting their lives.

"The Red Cross is delighted to be partnering with Pocono Raceway, Sunoco and the NASCAR Foundation for this exciting event," said Red Cross SEPA Chapter CEO Tom Foley. "Their generosity is giving the SEPA Chapter and tri-state area Red Cross Chapters an opportunity to generate much-needed funds for disaster relief and SEPA's Red Cross House."

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Sunoco and the NASCAR Foundation also are pitching in and doing their part. Kasey Kahne will be out on the track for the Track Walk, hosted by the NASCAR Foundation, on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. immediately following the ARCA Re/Max Series Pennsylvania 200, with proceeds benefiting the NASCAR Foundation and Red Cross House. To register, click here.

The NASCAR Foundation also is hosting an online auction, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting Red Cross House. Items up for bid include Sunoco Victory flags and a race helmet autographed by more than 30 Sprint Cup Series drivers, a Sunoco Racing fuel can, a pace-car ride for two people before the start of the race on Sunday, a parade lap for one in the pace car during the official start of the race, and a Super VIP experience to include four skybox tickets valued at $2,000, food and beverage, pit pass, all three-day access, VIP tour given by a track ambassador, and the ability to stand on stage and meet the drivers during the official driver introductions. To learn more, click here.

Pocono Raceway and Sunoco also are providing an exciting day at the races for 200 Red Cross Club members and victims of area disasters who have stayed at the Chapter's Red Cross House. These participants will receive free tickets and transportation to the ARCA Re/Max Pennsylvania 200.

"Sunoco is pleased to support this important initiative," said Bob Owens, senior vice president of Sunoco, Inc. "Whether it's providing local disaster relief, offering skills training in the areas of health and safety, or running blood drives, the Red Cross provides valuable services to the community. We know NASCAR fans will join us in this effort and support the work of the Red Cross."

A corporate partner of the Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter for many years, Sunoco also provides free gasoline for the Chapter's emergency response vehicles to help reduce the cost of local disaster relief operations.