UNPRECEDENTED CAUSE AWARENESS EFFORTÂ JOINS FORCES WITH KASEY KAHNE
CONCORD, N.C. (April 20, 2016) – AARP Foundation’s Drive to End Hunger campaign will continue its relationship with 11-time Sprint Cup Series champions Hendrick Motorsports with a one-year contract extension. In 2016, the groundbreaking cause awareness effort will become a primary sponsor of the No. 5 Chevrolet SS team of driver Kasey Kahne.
For its sixth season in NASCAR, Drive to End Hunger will be primary sponsor of the No. 5 Chevrolet SS in two Sprint Cup races — Aug. 20 at Bristol Motor Speedway and Nov. 6 at Texas Motor Speedway — and featured as an associate sponsor of the team in all other events.
Unprecedented for a social cause, Drive to End Hunger was launched by AARP and AARP Foundation in 2011 via a primary sponsorship of Hendrick Motorsports and four-time NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon. Utilizing education, engagement and collaboration, it has donated more than 34 million meals.
“Winning races takes a team, and teamwork is at the core of all our efforts to create a food-secure nation,” said Lisa Marsh Ryerson, AARP Foundation president. “That’s why we are so pleased to continue our relationship with Rick Hendrick, whose commitment to winning is unparalleled, and to have Kasey Kahne join us as we work to help the more than 10 million older Americans who face the threat of hunger every single day.”
The No. 5 Drive to End Hunger Chevy will feature a new paint scheme for the 2016 season. The design uses a black background with candy apple red and white accents, highlighted by a sleek matte finish. The hood will showcase a larger Drive to End Hunger “Forked D” logo.
“We continue to be inspired by Drive to End Hunger and the response it receives from the NASCAR community,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “Thanks to our amazing fans and the great work of AARP Foundation, many people have received life-changing assistance. That’s ultimately how our success is measured, and we look forward to doing much more together.”
Since joining Hendrick Motorsports in 2012, Kahne, 36, has earned three Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup berths and five race wins with the No. 5 team. The Enumclaw, Washington, native has 17 career victories, 27 pole positions and 158 top-10 finishes in NASCAR’s top division.
“Drive to End Hunger has been an incredible partner of Hendrick Motorsports,” Kahne said. “They made an unbelievable impact with Jeff, and I’m excited to work with them to continue those efforts and make a difference for the millions of older Americans who need our support. We hope to do as much good as possible and keep building this great relationship.”
Drive to End Hunger, supported by donations from individuals, corporations and other nonprofit groups, aims to raise awareness and funds to fight hunger among those 50 and older and to provide short- and long-term solutions to older adult hunger. For more information or to get involved, please visit www.DriveToEndHunger.org or follow @Drive2EndHunger on Twitter.
ABOUT AARP FOUNDATION:
AARP Foundation works to ensure that low-income vulnerable older Americans have nutritious food, affordable housing, a steady income, and strong and sustaining bonds. We collaborate with individuals and organizations who share our commitment to innovation and our passion for problem solving. Supported by vigorous legal advocacy, we create and advance effective solutions that help struggling older adults transform their lives. AARP Foundation is the affiliated charity of AARP. Learn more at www.aarpfoundation.org.
ABOUT HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS:
Founded by Rick Hendrick in 1984, Hendrick Motorsports has earned more than 200 race victories and a record 11 car owner championships in NASCAR’s premier division, the Sprint Cup Series. The organization fields four full-time Chevrolet teams on the Sprint Cup circuit with drivers Kasey Kahne, Chase Elliott, Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Headquartered in Concord, North Carolina, Hendrick Motorsports employs more than 600 people. For more information, please visit HendrickMotorspor
