Jimmie and Chandra Johnson launch 4th annual Helmet of Hope campaign

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Chandra and Jimmie Johnson kicked off the fourth annual Jimmie Johnson Foundation Helmet of Hope campaign today at Kansas Speedway by selecting the American Red Cross to be one of 14 charities that will be featured on Jimmie Johnson's race helmet at Richmond International Raceway in September. In addition to placement on the helmet, each charity selected will be awarded a grant of $10,000.

"It has been amazing to watch the Helmet of Hope program grow over the past several years," said Johnson. "I am honored to select the American Red Cross to be the first logo on this year's helmet. We are grateful for their amazing response to help those who have been affected by the many recent disasters."

The Helmet of Hope program, which was started in 2008, allows fans and media members across the country to nominate their favorite charity to receive special recognition on Johnson's race helmet and receive a $10,000 grant. To date, the program has contributed close to $200,000 to 37 different charities.

The helmet will also feature the Lowe's Toolbox for Education logo. The Jimmie Johnson Foundation partners with the program to fund Champions Grants, which are awarded to K-12 public schools in the hometowns where the Johnsons grew up and currently live. The Lowe's Toolbox for Education program has provided approximately $26 million through more than 5,900 grants since its inception six years ago.

This year's Helmet of Hope campaign will run for six consecutive Sprint Cup race weekends, beginning at Pocono Raceway in June and culminating at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in July. In addition to the American Red Cross and Toolbox for Education, Johnson will draw two charities each week to be included on the helmet, one from fan submissions and one from media submissions. Nominations are currently being taken and will be accepted until 5 p.m. ET on July 13, 2011, at www.helmetofhope.org.

For additional information and to nominate your favorite charity, visit www.helmetofhope.org