Rain delays did not keep Federated members and customers from enjoying the NASCAR Sprint Cup Federated 400 race held Sept. 8 at Richmond International Raceway. In addition to a great day of fun and entertainment, the 1,000-plus Federated guests witnessed one of the most exciting NASCAR races of the season as Clint Bowyer edged Jeff Gordon in the "Race Before the Chase.
"We want to thank all our customers and associates who came to Richmond for a memorable weekend of racing and hospitality activities and some of our very best supplier partners for their participation and continued support," said Rusty Bishop, CEO of Federated Auto Parts. "Not only did we see one of the best races of the season, but we also launched our nationwide Toys for Tots campaign and celebrated Kenny Schrader's 750th career Sprint Cup start."
Clint Bowyer endured three hours of rain delays to take the checkered flag as he defeated Jeff Gordon by 1.198 seconds. Gordon's second-place showing earned him the final spot in the "Chase" for the Sprint Cup. Driving the Federated Auto Parts car in the Federated 400, longtime Federated spokesman Schrader made his 750th career NASCAR Sprint Cup series start, placing him 10th on the career starts list.
Earlier in day, Federated launched its partnership with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to support the annual Marine Corp Toys for Tots Program this holiday season. Federated and its members will collect toys and money for Toys for Tots from October through December at participating Federated Auto Parts stores throughout the country. Toys for Tots delivers new toys and the magic of Christmas to less fortunate children each holiday season. In a special ceremony prior to the race, Bishop presented a check in the amount of $65,000 to Major William J. Grein, USMC (Ret), vice president for Toys for Tots.
"The Marine Corps and the Toys for Tots Foundation really believe that you're judged by the company you keep," Grein said during the presentation of the check by Bishop. "We're very, very pleased to keep the company of Federated Auto Parts. This is very important to us."
A silent auction raising funds for Toys for Tots was held inside Federated's hospitality area for chances to have a private meet-and-greet with NASCAR driver Tony Stewart in his motor coach.
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney was also in attendance at the Federated 400, greeting NASCAR fans prior to the race.
