Johnson’s ‘Follow Me to Victory’ Helmet on eBay

FONTANA, Calif. (Sept. 2, 2006) – For the first time in his career, Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR points leader and winner of the 2006 Daytona 500 and Brickyard 400, will give fans the opportunity to bid on one of his race- worn helmets. Johnson will place his helmet from the Sept. 2 Busch Series race at California Speedway on eBay with proceeds benefiting the Jimmie Johnson Foundation’s commitment to the Victory Junction Gang Camp. “My helmets are very special to me and I don’t part with them very often,” said Johnson, who will be competing in his second Busch Series race of 2006. “I have a helmet from every season I’ve competed and have most of them on display in my office. “Our hope is that by auctioning off this one-of-a-kind helmet we can generate some additional exposure for Victory Junction and our Victory Lanes bowling alley.” The special helmet, titled “Follow Me To Victory,” was designed by a 9-year-old Victory Junction Gang camper in conjunction with a special paint scheme that will run on the No. 48 Jimmie Johnson Foundation/Lowe’s Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS during Saturday’s Busch race. The car features the Jimmie Johnson Foundation logo on the hood and deck lid and the commemorative Victory Lanes coin on the C-post. The Victory Lanes coin also raises money for the Victory Lanes project. During the events at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Johnsons announced their pledge to raise $600,000 to build Victory Lanes, a four-lane bowling alley at the Victory Junction Gang Camp. Lowe’s also announced their commitment of $300,000 to help in the construction. Fans may view the helmet and bid on it and other items by visiting www.ebay.com/jimmiejohnsonfoundation. About the Jimmie Johnson Foundation Chandra and Jimmie Johnson announced the Jimmie Johnson Foundation in February 2006. Jimmie Johnson drives the No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet in NASCAR’s top series, the Nextel Cup. The mission of the Foundation is to assist children, families, and communities in need throughout the United States. The Foundation strives to help everyone, particularly children, pursue their dreams. For more information on the Jimmie Johnson Foundation, please visit www.jimmiejohnsonfoundation.org. About the Jimmie Johnson Foundation Online Auction Chandra and Jimmie Johnson launched the online auction site in conjunction with the creation of the Jimmie Johnson Foundation in February 2006. The site has raised more than $60,000 for the Foundation. Past items have included a meet and greet with Jimmie Johnson, an autographed Jimmie Johnson fire suit, lunch and a tour of the 24/48 shop with crew chief Chad Knaus, and a meet and greet with Major League Baseball player Marcus Giles. To bid on unique memorabilia, visit www.ebay.com/jimmiejohnsonfoundation. About Victory Junction Gang Camp 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 NASCAR driver Kyle Petty and his wife Pattie in honor of their late son Adam, the Victory Junction Gang Camp is a year-round facility serving children, age 7 to 15. Each summer, children suffering from similar medical conditions including heart, lung and kidney disease, spina bifida, HIV, cancer, burn survivors, neurological disorders, and a host of others, gather to kick back, relax and have some fun. The camp offers traditional activities, including horseback riding, boating and fishing, arts and crafts and others, as well as NASCAR-related program areas. The Victory Junction Gang Camp is a member of the Association of Hole in the Wall Gang Camps and is free to children and their families. The camp operates solely on the generous donations of individuals, corporations and foundation. For more information, visit www.victoryjunction.org.