GMAC's Team Focus

For the past three summers, Brian Vickers, driver of the No. 25 GMAC/ditech.com Chevrolets in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, has had the opportunity to be a part of GMAC’s Team Focus camps, a comprehensive community and outreach program founded by ESPN college football analyst, Mike Gottfried. Team Focus helps to identify young men between the ages of 9 and 16,with leadership qualities but who do not have a father figure to turn to. The program provides them with the necessary skills and knowledge to help build character and prepare them with positive experiences that will benefit them in their lives ahead. Throughout the weeklong sessions, attendees are taught educational and social skills, while receiving instruction on etiquette and manners. At the various camp locations, Vickers spends time speaking to the young men about various topics such as respect, teamwork and racing. While the 21-year-old uses the time to provide his words of wisdom, it’s not all work. A kid at heart, Vickers enjoys taking part in various activities outside the classroom with the kids, making his way onto basketball courts and softball diamonds whenever he can. “Visiting the various camps has become something I look forward to when summer rolls around,” Vickers said. “GMAC and the counselors put forth a lot of effort to provide the most rewarding experience possible for the boys attending. I feel honored that I’m asked to participate in such a worthy cause.” During the past two years, the program’s success and the hard work of the camp counselors have allowed Team Focus to add four new host cities. New locations include: Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles and Washington. The list of host cities is as follows: Ashland, Ohio; Dallas; Detroit; Knoxville, Tenn.; Los Angeles; Mobile, Ala.; and Washington. For more information, visit GMACBowl.com