Fall race at Pocono to benefit Red Cross

PHILADELPHIA -- Brandon Igdalsky, President of Pocono Raceway, Donna Palmieri, Chief Operating Officer for the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania (SEPA) Chapter, and Drew Kabakoff, Manager of Brand Marketing for Sunoco have announced the details for the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500, to take place Aug. 2.

In the second year of their partnership Sunoco, Pocono Raceway and the American Red Cross SEPA Chapter will continue to work together to provide much-needed support to people throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania recovering from devastating disasters. Through this partnership, support will come from a variety of sources including a portion of proceeds from ticket and merchandise sales, and the "Sunoco Red Cross Ultimate Fan Experience" sweepstakes.

Funds from these initiatives will benefit the Red Cross SEPA chapter's Red Cross House, the only facility of its kind in the United States. Red Cross House is a short-term residence in Philadelphia where hundreds of local families every year begin their recover from fires, floods and other disasters.

An exciting new addition to the 2009 program will include a relationship with Roush Fenway Racing and Sprint Series Cup driver Greg Biffle for the "Sunoco Red Cross Ultimate Fan Experience." Biffle and the No. 16 team have an existing relationship promoting blood donations for the American Red Cross.

In addition, as part of this partnership, Pocono Raceway is donating ten percent of the ticket revenue generated by online ticket buyers who use the Red Cross promo code, REDCROSS. As an added incentive, those race fans purchasing an Aug. 2 reserved grandstand seat ticket, using the Red Cross promo code, will receive a free pre-race Pit/Paddock Pass ($50 value) and Souvenir Program Book with each ticket purchased. Fans can buy tickets by visiting www.GoSunoco.com.

New for 2009, anyone who purchases a ticket using the Red Cross promotion or makes a donation of $10 or more online at www.poconoraceway.com will be entered into the "Sunoco Red Cross Ultimate Fan Experience". The grand prize includes a hot lap with NASCAR Sprint Cup Driver Greg Biffle, the winner and three friends to serve as honorary members of Biffle's pit crew, and the opportunity to serve as the Honorary Starter for Sunday's race.

Pocono Raceway will also provide the SEPA Chapter with the opportunity to collect donations at the race. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds from the Official Starting Line-up t-shirt, Pocono Raceway's largest gross concession item, will be donated to the SEPA Chapter.

The NASCAR Foundation will host an online auction, at www.nascar.com/foundation, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting the SEPA Chapter. Auction items include a Pace Car ride for two around the Pocono Raceway track, four skybox passes for the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 weekend, and a Sunoco gas can and Sunoco victory flag autographed by all of the drivers in the race.

Sunoco is once again lending marketing and promotional support to the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 with signage at 1,826 retail locations in the Mid-Atlantic region. Sunoco will also highlight the event on their website, www.GoSunoco.com, and provide a link to the Pocono Raceway ticket sales site in order to encourage fans to use the promo code and help raise money for the Red Cross.