A popular NASCAR auto racing team joined forces with Samaritan’s Purse to help victims of the war in Ukraine. Hendrick Motorsports donated $302,000 to the relief effort after its four-car team led a total of 51 laps during the Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway March 6.
Hendrick Motorsports and team owner Rick Hendrick had pledged to donate $200,000 and then an additional $2,000 for each lap led by the team. Team member Alex Bowman won the race and led 16 laps, while teammate Kyle Larson finished second after leading 27 laps. Another Hendrick member, William Byron, finished fifth and led eight laps.
Samaritan’s Purse is providing relief to Ukrainian refugees who have fled to neighboring countries. The organization also opened a field hospital in the region. Larson’s car included the Samaritan’s Purse website along with a message: “Support Ukraine.”
“Like the rest of the world, our family has watched the worsening crisis in Ukraine with shock and sadness,” Hendrick said. “We’ve been especially struck by the needless suffering inflicted on innocent children. NASCAR provides us with an incredibly powerful platform, and I believe we have a moral obligation to use it to help people in need.”
Congratulations on your win Rick Hendrick and @TeamHendrick—and a huge thank you for your generosity in helping the people of Ukraine in this crisis. #PrayForUkraine https://t.co/4q9Yo6Ubtq
— Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) March 7, 2022
Hendrick Motorsports also urged other NASCAR fans to donate to support Ukrainian victims.
“We hope to encourage others to support Ukraine, whether it be through Samaritan’s Purse or one of the other organizations providing critical humanitarian relief,” he said. “We cannot ignore the disaster that is unfolding.”
Graham thanked Hendrick Motorsports, tweeting on Sunday, “Congratulations on your win Rick Hendrick and @TeamHendrick — and a huge thank you for your generosity in helping the people of Ukraine in this crisis.”
“Ukrainian families are hurting and in desperate need of physical aid and prayer during this difficult time,” Graham said last week. “We want to meet the needs of these families in their darkest moments while pointing them to the light and hope of Jesus Christ.”
–Lee Hartman | Metro Voice