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Race Fans and Red Cross Connect in Talladega |
| Theallineed.com |
Thanks to a nearly $2 million donation from 3M and support from Roush Fenway Racing, the Red Cross logo appeared on Biffle's car, the #16 Ford Fusion, during this Sunday's race. Despite a rainy forecast and an overcast sky, the sun started to shine just before Biffle arrived on the midway to sign autographs for the Floyds and dozens of other fans. People came armed with items—hats, die-cast cars, posters, and jackets—for Biffle's signature.
Red Cross Biomedical Services Executive Vice President Chris Rhouda was on hand to view the excitement about Red Cross Racing, and he described the project as energizing.
"Thanks to the 3M donation we are now doing something new that's getting a lot of attention," said Rhouda. "And working with Greg Biffle has been outstanding. He's a first class individual, and having him drive the car with the American Red Cross logo is exhilarating."
Over three days thousands of people came through the Red Cross exhibit on the midway at Talladega, learning about the need for blood and finding out how they can get involved. Thousands also registered to win an all-expenses-paid trip for two to the race in Phoenix later this year.
 | | 16 Ford Fusion Driver and blood donor Greg Biffle signs autographs at the American Red Cross exhibit in Talladega (Lesly Simmons/American Red Cross) |
Biffle, a blood donor and National Celebrity Cabinet member, shook hands and took pictures with nearly 100 fans at the exhibit before heading off to prepare for the race. For the Floyds and others, the chance to meet their favorite driver and get involved in his causes was worth the time in line.
"I thought it was great when I heard he was going to be working with the Red Cross," said Terry Tuberville, who drove to Talladega from Monroe, Ala., with his wife Erin. They also lined up at 7 am for a chance to meet Biffle. "It's going to get us involved with the Red Cross, because we gotta support our boy."
As part of the partnership with 3M, the Red Cross paint scheme will appear again on the #16 Ford Fusion in November during the race in Phoenix. In addition, the Red Cross logo will be seen on the No. 16 Ford Fusion in eight other races this season.
"Because of the loyalty of NASCAR fans, they appreciate that if it wasn't for the sponsors the cars wouldn't be involved, and they support their sponsors almost as much as the drivers," said Jerry Maybrey, Director of Customer Events for 3M Corporation. "It's a great base to work with, and I'm glad that we were able to donate some races to the Red Cross so that they could get the visibility, and so far the program is off to a wonderful start."
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