Johnsons to Build Bowling Alley at Victory Junction

INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 4, 2006) – The Jimmie Johnson Foundation today announced its commitment to raise $600,000 to build Victory Lanes, a four-lane bowling alley at Kyle and Pattie Petty’s Victory Junction Gang Camp in Randleman, N.C. “Jimmie and I are thrilled to announce our first project for the foundation,” said Chandra Johnson, co-founder of the Jimmie Johnson Foundation. “The camp is such an amazing place. There is nothing more gratifying than knowing that you are doing something that will make a difference in the lives of so many children.” In support of its NASCAR Nextel Cup driver, Lowe’s, through its Charitable and Educational Foundation, announced it would fund half of the project with a $300,000 donation. “I think everyone talks about getting support from their sponsors,” said Jimmie Johnson, co-founder of the Jimmie Johnson Foundation and driver of the No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet. “This is proof of just how much my sponsor believes in what Chandra and I are trying to build with our foundation. We have been working on these plans for quite some time with Pattie and Kyle and we can’t wait to see the first campers visit Victory Lanes.” Fans may donate to the cause as well by visiting www.jimmiejohnsonfoundation.org. A limited-edition Victory Lanes commemorative coin is available with a donation of $48 or more. Johnson said he hopes the coin and the worthy cause will appeal to NASCAR fans. “We did an initial coin when we launched our foundation in February,” said Johnson. “We thought this commemorative coin would be a nice way for fans to be able to show they support our efforts as well.” The first 100 donors will have their coins autographed by Jimmie Johnson. The Victory Lanes coin is featured on a special No. 48 Jimmie Johnson Foundation/Lowe’s Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS unveiled today at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The car features the Jimmie Johnson Foundation logo on the hood and is scheduled to run in the Busch Series race at California Speedway on Sept. 2. “Running the Jimmie Johnson Foundation Chevrolet at California is something Chandra and I really wanted to do,” said Johnson, an El Cajon, Calif., native. “I have so much support from the fans in my home state. California is where I got my first Nextel Cup win, and it would be especially rewarding to get to victory lane in this special car. I want to thank Lowe’s for allowing us to paint this car in the foundation scheme.” Johnson said his and Chandra’s foundation is dedicated to assisting children, families and communities in need throughout the United States. The foundation strives to help everyone, particularly children, pursue their dreams. Kyle Petty said he appreciates the Johnsons' efforts, as well as those of the entire racing world who have helped make the camp a reality. “I can’t put into words what Jimmie and Chandra’s actions mean to Pattie and myself,” he said. “We are very thankful for everything the Johnsons have done for the camp and can’t wait to see the kids face when Victory Lanes hosts its first bowlers. I think every kid likes bowling and I couldn’t think of anything more perfect for the camp than a bowling alley.” The mission of the Victory Junction Gang Camp is to enrich the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun, and empowering, in a safe and medically sound environment. Founded by Kyle Petty and Pattie in honor of their late son Adam, the Victory Junction Gang Camp is a year-round facility serving children, age 7 to 15. The bowling alley will be a 5,100-square-foot building nestled around the camp’s race track between the Silver Theater and the Arts and Crafts building. Construction will begin at the close of the summer sessions in late August. Lowe’s said it supports the Johnson’s commitment to community projects. “The Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation and the Jimmie Johnson Foundation share the desire to give back to the community,” said Larry D. Stone, chairman of Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation. “We are proud to join Jimmie and Chandra in helping make a difference in the lives of children who visit the Victory Junction Gang Camp.” The Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation began contributing to grassroots community projects in 1957. The foundation awards more than $13 million annually to diverse organizations and schools across the United States where Lowe’s operates stores and distribution centers. The foundation’s primary philanthropic focus areas include K-12 public schools and non-profit community-based organizations.