Richard Petty to drive World War II Jeep at Phoenix; vehicle to be raffled for veteran's group
Seven-time NASCAR Cup champion Richard Petty will lead the Sprint Cup Series field prior to Sunday's Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway in a restored 1946 Willy's Jeep.
Petty, through a relationship with the Paralyzed Veterans of America, is doing so as a tribute to Veterans Day. Fans will have the opportunity to win this “workhorse of World War II” after it leads the field around the 1-mile oval. The vehicle will be raffled off in an effort to raise awareness and money to support America’s paralyzed veterans. Prior to the parade laps, the Jeep will be on display outside of PIR, where fans can buy their raffle tickets for $20, or three tickets for $50. Tickets are also available at www.PVA.org/Jeep.
The promotion will run until the annual Memorial Day race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in 2010.
“One of the goals of our partnership with the Paralyzed Veterans is to make Veterans Day happen year-round, not just in November,” said Petty, who is also co-owner of Richard Petty Motorsports. “We want people to realize the sacrifices that these men and women make for our freedom. This Jeep is a piece of American history that becomes more distant with every passing year. I’m honored to pace the field in it this weekend – and I’m sure the fans will enjoy it too.”
Longtime supporters of the organization donated the Jeep to the organization, and Petty’s Garage helped with the restorations.
