SEASON OF GIVING
Sorenson Complements on-Track Performance with off-Track Highlights in 2007
By Patrick Rogers,December 20

CONCORD, N.C. -- Reed Sorenson scored his first career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series pole position at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2007. By doing so he became the youngest pole winner in history at the 2.5-mile track also known as “The Brickyard.”

Sorenson, a native of Peachtree City, Ga., also posted his career best finish of third place at his hometown track – Atlanta Motor Speedway – and recorded a fourth place finish in the series longest race of 600 miles at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. While Sorenson’s on track performances certainly turned some heads, his off track philanthropic efforts stole the show.

At 21-years of age, Sorenson displayed a veteran-like understanding for the importance of helping out those in need. Throughout the season, when his hectic schedule permitted, Sorenson participated in as many charitable events as possible. From television shows, to golf tournaments, to hospital visits, the young driver did whatever he could to benefit great causes.

“I’m very fortunate to be where I am today, and it’s an honor for me to be able to help raise awareness and funds for many great charitable organizations that are affiliated with NASCAR and some that are not,” said Sorenson. “The NASCAR community as a whole and its fans do a tremendous amount throughout the season and it’s a pleasure to be associated with such a caring group of individuals.”

In April, Sorenson filmed an episode of “NASCAR Angels” on ABC with Rusty Wallace and Shannon Wiseman. The show is dedicated to helping families and communities with their transportation needs, and the particular episode in which Sorenson participated awarded a Make-A-Wish child with a life threatening brain tumor the car of his dreams – a vintage 1973 Camaro LT.

Throughout the summer months Sorenson participated in a number of golf tournaments to benefit charities, most notably FOX and SPEED Channel analyst Larry McReynolds’ Celebrity Golf Tournament in August.

Sorenson’s charitable efforts picked up steam as the season drew to a close, much like his on-track performance did. In the final eight events of the season Sorenson and his Target team recorded one top-five and three top 10 finishes, which included his career best at Atlanta. More importantly, Sorenson hosted his Inaugural Charity Golf Classis and developed a donation pledge and helmet/firesuit auction to coincide with the “Pink Car” he was driving during the month of October. Those events help raise over $75,000 to benefit Speedway Children’s Charities, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Project Pink House.

To round out the year, Sorenson attended the Target Wish List event held at the Danny Thomas/ALSAC Pavilion at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The event was truly a holiday delight for the children and families of St. Jude, with each child getting to select a gift from their “Wish List” to take home.

“All of the charitable events we as drivers either host or attend during the season touch very special people and the feeling we get from doing so is overwhelming at times,” continued Sorenson. “I’m glad that I’m able to contribute to some great causes and I look forward to doing even more in 2008.”

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