IDOT Partners with NASCAR and Chicagoland Speedway to Promote Safe Driving for 5th Consecutive Year

Partners Encourage All Race Fans to Pledge to Buckle Up and Drive Sober

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is partnering with NASCAR and the Chicagoland Speedway to promote safe driving for the 5th straight year during the NASCAR race weekend, September 15-18. The strategic partnership will promote the Buckle Up America and the Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk campaigns to boost safety and encourage positive motorist behavior.

“We are truly excited to partner with NASCAR and Chicagoland Speedway again this year,” said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider. “This productive relationship and popular racing venue has helped us deliver a positive message and dramatically impact driving behavior of thousands of race fans within the heartland of America. IDOT’s strategic partnership with NASCAR and Chicagoland Speedway has undoubtedly helped save lives across Illinois.”

Illinois was the first state to formally pilot such a program with NASCAR, an initiative that provides valuable fan outreach components. Again this year, fans will be invited to sign the Buckle Up America pledge; “I Pledge to BUCKLE UP, Every Trip, Every Time and that all passengers in my vehicle will be properly restrained at all times”. Adult NASCAR fans will also have the opportunity to sign the Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk pledge, which includes agreeing to be or to always have a sober designated driver. Fans who take the pledges at the race will be entered into random prize drawings.

IDOT will have traffic safety outreach locations in Champions Park, in the Midway, on the Main Concourse and in the KidsZone where fans may sign the pledges and learn about child passenger seat safety.

“NASCAR is proud to join with Chicagoland Speedway in supporting IDOT’s traffic safety and responsible consumption efforts” said Marcus Jadotte, vice president of public affairs and multicultural development. “The ongoing partnership with IDOT and Chicagoland Speedway is a terrific example of how our private/public partnership continues to deliver positive messages throughout the communities where we race.”

“Chicagoland Speedway continues our commitment to supporting the IDOT traffic safety outreach program,” said Scott Paddock, president of Chicagoland Speedway. “As we welcome race fans to our state-of-the-art facility this weekend for all the excitement around the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, it is important to remind people about safe driving and buckling up each time you get into your car.”

IDOT will also invite racing teams, drivers and corporate sponsors to join the efforts and support the two safety initiatives by offering prizes and benefits for fans who pledge, and by helping carry these traffic safety messages.

Several NASCAR drivers have supported the Buckle Up America Challenge program, including: Carl Edwards, Kurt Busch, Clint Bowyer, David Ragan, Reed Sorenson, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Trevor Bayne, Travis Kvapil, Stanton Barrett, Johnny Benson, Colin Braun, Erik Darnell, and Cale Gale, along with a wide variety of musicians and entertainers.

The 2011 program partnership is set to successfully promote the messages of “Buckle Up, Every Trip, Every Time,” and “Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk” with the Buckle Up America Challenge facilitated by BLU MOON Foundation. BLU MOON Foundation serves the public interest through creating, managing and collaborating on cause-related educational programs and national campaigns. For more information about the NASCAR race weekend, please visit: www.chicagolandspeedway.com and for more information about the Buckle Up America Challenge, please contact BLU MOON Group.