Team 48 is ‘Racing for Relief’

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Aug. 19, 2004) -- In response to Hurricane Charley, Lowe’s Monte Carlo driver and American Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet member Jimmie Johnson and his team are “Racing for Relief” to generate funds for disaster relief efforts. Last weekend, Johnson announced the implementation of an in-store customer donation program at Lowe’s stores along the Gulf and East Coasts to assist the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Lowe's announced it will match donations up to $1 million. In addition, for every lap that Johnson completes in the 200-lap NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday, Lowe’s will donate $48 (Johnson’s car number). Racing for Relief is a program Lowe’s first introduced in April 2000. The program has helped disaster relief efforts for hurricanes, tornados and floods, raising more than $350,000 to date. “I have been involved with the American Red Cross for two years now," Johnson said. "Racing for Relief is a way for me and my team to get the word out about how people can help after the devastation of Hurricane Charley. “I know many people in the racing community live in the area where the hurricane hit. This is our opportunity to offer our help and support.” In addition, Johnson's No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet will carry a special decal on the rear deck lid (trunk) supporting the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Anyone interested in making donations to the fund may go to any Lowe's store along the Gulf or East Coasts or make online donation at www.redcross.org. About Team Lowe's Racing Lowe’s, the second-largest home improvement retailer in the world, enters its third year as primary sponsor of the No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet Monte Carlo driven by Jimmie Johnson in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. In 2004, Shop-Vac®, Gladiator™ GarageWorks, Briggs and Stratton® and Pella® join Lowe’s for the first time in the NASCAR Busch Series sponsoring the No. 5 Lowe’s Chevrolet driven by rookie Kyle Busch. Lowe’s also operates one of the largest fan clubs in the sport. For more information on Team Lowe’s Racing, visit Lowesracing.com. About the American Red Cross All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of Tropical Storm Bonnie and Hurricane Charley and thousands of other disasters across the country each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need. Call 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.