The NASCAR Foundation® Now Accepting Nomination For 2015 Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award Presented by Nationwide®

NASCAR Fans Can Nominate Everyday Champions at NASCAR.com/award;

Winner to Receive $100,000 Donation for Children’s Charity

Beginning today, people across the country can nominate their personal champion for The NASCAR Foundation’s Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award presented by Nationwide, the sport’s highest community service honor.

The fifth annual award honors The NASCAR Foundation Chairwoman Betty Jane France’s unwavering commitment to philanthropic causes and calls for applicants whose generosity and compassion have positively impacted the lives of children in racing communities.

Everyone is encouraged to nominate an outstanding volunteer in their community at NASCAR.com/award. Four finalists will be announced in the fall of 2015, and the winner – determined by online fan vote – will receive a $100,000 donation to present to the children’s charity they represent.

Since the award was established, The NASCAR Foundation has donated a combined $700,000 to local charities in the spirit of Mrs. France’s passion for service and volunteerism.

“Each year during the award nomination process, we are overwhelmed by the quality of the nominees and the work they have done in communities throughout the country,” said Mrs. France. “We eagerly look forward to this year’s nominations – and our inaugural year of having Nationwide as the award’s presenting sponsor.

“The award process has evolved into what we envisioned – a true showcase for NASCAR fans whose charitable efforts are extraordinary.”

A household name among NASCAR fans, Nationwide begins its first season as presenting sponsor of the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award. A company with a long history of charitable giving, Nationwide’s partnership with The NASCAR Foundation will elevate the annual award’s prestige and visibility.

Each award finalist will receive a minimum $25,000 donation toward the charity they support, a VIP experience at a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, and a trip to the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week in Las Vegas, where The NASCAR Foundation will present its 2015 award winner with the $100,000 donation and an all-new Ford vehicle.

Through the award, The NASCAR Foundation has recognized passionate volunteers and NASCAR fans who work tirelessly to turn kids into winners, no matter the challenges they face. More than 52,000 children have been helped through the combined efforts of finalists through the first four years the award has been presented.

Last year, Louisville, Ky., native Daniel Noltemeyer won the 2014 Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award and received a $100,000 donation for his charity, Best Buddies Kentucky. The funds will help the organization increase its school programs, which create opportunities for friendships and social inclusion for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“Winning this award has allowed me to give back to a special organization that has changed my life,” said Noltemeyer, who has Down syndrome. “The donation is so important because it will help Best Buddies Kentucky continue to support people just like me.”

Family, friends, and colleagues may nominate a personal champion at NASCAR.com/award. The deadline for submitting nominations is Friday, May 8, 2015 at midnight ET.