Postby peewee » Thu Mar 20, 2003 9:12 am
Helton makes statement on NASCAR, Iraq conflict
March 18, 2003
5:39 PM EST (2239 GMT)
Statement from NASCAR President Mike Helton:
NASCAR President Mike Helton
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Everyone in the NASCAR family is keenly observing the latest news regarding the situation in Iraq. We at NASCAR and our fans across the United States and around the world are praying for the safety of our nation's brave men and women in uniform as well as those of our allies.
NASCAR plans to continue with our current 2003 racing schedule while closely monitoring the unfolding situation in the Middle East. As part of our contingency preparation, we are in close and constant contact with all the relevant authorities necessary to ensure and maintain the security of our drivers, teams, tracks and fans. We will do whatever is necessary to continue supporting our country's efforts, including schedule adjustments if deemed appropriate.
We believe there is a special bond between our troops and our sport. Every branch of the American military is represented in NASCAR racing and our Chairman, Bill France, has always described NASCAR fans as the kind of people who go to war and win wars for America. Many of those fans are currently deployed throughout the world, doing just that.
To that point, we should all be mindful of the sacrifices our troops and, just as important, their families are making during this difficult time.
Peewee