Newman, Allison announce second Racing for Wildlife project

By SceneDaily Staff

Thursday, May 01, 2008

Kevin C. Cox
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The Conservation Fund joined with Penske Racing driver Ryan Newman and NASCAR legend Bobby Allison last weekend at Talladega Superspeedway to announce the second Racing for Wildlife project.

The project will seek to protect more than 1,100 acres in the Talladega National Forest for hiking, camping and recreation. The effort will complete the protection of the eight-mile crest of Rebecca Mountain, a major ridge in the Appalachian Mountains, and allow the U.S. Forest Service to complete a portion of the Pinhoti Trail, which connects Rebecca Mountain to the popular Appalachian National Scenic Trail in Georgia.

The Conservation Fund and the Ryan Newman Foundation launched the program last year to help protect land for outdoors enthusiasts. Michigan International Speedway provided the initial support for Racing for Wildlife’s first project at Mill Lake in southern Michigan.

“I’ve met a lot of NASCAR fans who are avid fishermen like me,” said Newman. “And they know how important it is to protect the beautiful land and water that we enjoy today so our grandchildren can enjoy it in the future.”

The Conservation Fund is working with the U.S. Forest Service to raise the funds needed to acquire the property. Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama and Alabama’s congressional delegation have secured $738,000 from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund.

“Alabama’s national forests offer beautiful views and are home to diverse species of wildlife that are enjoyed year-round by visitors from Alabama and across the country,” Shelby said. “I was proud to play a role in the continued protection and preservation of our wildlife and natural resources.”

The project has received the support of Allison, a long-time Alabama resident and a four-time Talladega winner.

“I applaud Ryan’s commitment to the outdoors and to protecting places for the public to use and enjoy,” he said. “I’m thrilled that he has chosen Talladega as the site for the second Racing for Wildlife project, and I hope that race fans will get involved in protecting this property on Rebecca Mountain.”