Johnson unveils 2010 Helmet of Hope Program

CHICAGO, Ill. (July 9, 2010) – The Jimmie Johnson Foundation announced that it will partner with Samsung for the 2010 Samsung Helmet of Hope program. In its third year, the program allows fans and media members to nominate their favorite charity to receive special recognition. New this year, nominations will focus on charities that assist children in need, and the program will include a grant of $10,000 to each selected organization. As in past years, the chosen charities will be featured on reigning four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson's helmet. The helmet, custom designed by Jason Beam, will be worn during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif., in October. "Samsung and Lowe's have both been tremendous supporters of the foundation," said Johnson, who has won the past three fall Sprint Cup races (2007, 2008 and 2009) at Auto Club Speedway, twice while wearing the Helmet of Hope. "As we looked for ways to grow our Helmet of Hope program, partnering with Samsung was the perfect fit. They have been a great advocate for the foundation, and for my primary sponsor Lowe's. With Samsung's help, we will be able to reach a much larger audience and make a substantial contribution to help children in need." The program will run for six consecutive Sprint Cup race weekends, beginning with the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and culminating at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Each week Johnson will select two charities, one from fan submissions and one from media submissions. Nominations currently are being taken and will be accepted until 5 p.m. ET on Sept. 1, 2010, at www.helmetofhope.org. To kick off the program, Samsung selected an additional charity, Feeding America®'s "Kids Café" program, to be the first logo to adorn the helmet. The Kids Café program works to address the growing epidemic facing children's hunger. In addition to the Samsung Helmet of Hope program, Samsung and Lowe's have partnered together for "48 Days of Samsung Savings" at Lowe's, which begins in store July 15th. Throughout the event, Lowe's will have special offers on various Samsung home appliances including refrigerators, washers and dryers, free standing ranges, over the range microwaves and dishwashers. New product offers in support of the Samsung Helmet of Hope program will be available throughout the 48 days. "We are thrilled to work with our key partners, Lowe's and Jimmie Johnson in our latest initiative to Share the Wonder of Samsung with children in our communities," stated Tim Baxter, president, Consumer Business Division, Samsung Electronics America. "Samsung is the fastest-growing home appliance brand in the U.S. and when we are given a chance to leverage that leadership to make a difference in the lives of children, we embrace the opportunity and aim to sustain growth in both areas." In conjunction with Johnson's Helmet of Hope, Lowe's will run a special No. 48 Lowe's/Jimmie Johnson Foundation paint scheme at the Auto Club Speedway race in October. This marks the fifth-consecutive year that Lowe's has run the foundation paint scheme. For additional information and to nominate your favorite charity, visit www.helmetofhope.org.