One way to support the camp is through the online purchase of VJG logo items at the Victory Junction E-Store. Visit (www.SportsDesign.com) for official VJG hats, t-shirts, polo and denim shirts and more. Enter the initials VJGC in the fan club info box for a savings of $3.00 per order. One of the many unique items in the store is a pair of VJGC racing gloves featuring a design worn by most of the pit crews in a previous Rockingham race. The gloves, which are both practical and collectible, sell for $25 - with $20 going to the VJG charity.

The Wish List:

If you prefer to make non-monetary contributions, the VJG website provides a list of items and materials needed on a regular basis. A review of the list really offers a glimpse into what it takes to keep an all-expenses-paid camp up and running. According to the website, "The following items are invaluable in order to create the safe, memorable and one-of-a-kind camp experience. With a summer under our belts, we now have a better idea of what items are truly useful." If you would like to donate wish-list items, contact Development Assistant Alana Holyfield at aholyfield@victoryjunction.org. Here are just a few of the desired items, many of which may be purchased at minimal expense. Please visit the VJGC website for complete details and a more comprehensive list of items:

• Insect Repellent
• DVDs
• Sunscreen
• Stage props
• Disposable cameras
• Musical instruments
• Large clear plastic containers
• Pens
• Kitchen platters of all sizes
• Paper plates
• Handheld can openers
• Brooms
• Balloons
• Streamers
• Fimo or sculpy clay
• NASCAR race videos
• Two-way radios
• Tupperware bins

Partnering with Your Driver

Operation Marathon

An exciting way to help the camp is by supporting the fundraising activities of your favorite driver. Many of NASCAR's top drivers have become regular contributors to the VJG Camp. For example, Michael Waltrip has made a commitment to donate $1 million to the camp through the Michael and Buffy Waltrip Charitable Fund and Operation Marathon. Michael is putting his money where his feet are, raising funds through his participation in the 26.2 mile Las Vegas Marathon on January 30th. On his website, (www.MichaelWaltrip.com), the #15 NAPA Chevy Driver explains, "I realize that $1 million is a lofty goal, but so is running 26-plus miles. Making a commitment to run that far pushes my limits, and in turn I want to push the limits of NASCAR fans, my corporate sponsors and running enthusiasts across the country, by asking them to contribute to this cause. With the amazing fan base that NASCAR has, we can do this.” Fans may contribute to Operation Marathon by visiting Waltrip's website or by calling 1-866-WALTRIP. The VJGC site also provides a list of all drivers who have supported the camp to date. See if your driver is on the list, then visit his website for additional ways to help.

Local Events and Corporate Donations:

Check in regularly at (www.VictoryJunction.org) for the latest news on events and other opportunities to support the camp. One example: Wilkes County Choppers is raffling off a unique race-inspired custom motorcycle, with raffle proceeds going to the camp. The bike will be on display at bike shows around the country, and when not on tour, it may be viewed at the Richard Petty Museum in Randleman, NC. Just $25 buys a chance to win this one-of-a-kind cycle; visit (www.WilkesCountyChoppers.com) for more information or to purchase tickets.

In addition, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's Specialty Plate Program is raising funds for the camp. According to the VJGC site, "Each of the 33 different NASCAR plates will display a colorful graphic image of the selected NASCAR driver's number and logo on the left side of the license plate. The cost of the plates is $54. Victory Junction receives a significant contribution from the sale of each plate. The plates will be available for purchase in January 2005."

These are just a few of the ways to help ... of course, financial contributions are gratefully accepted, too. Options include cash and credit card donations, tribute gifts, gifts of securities, and capital contributions. Visit the "How to Donate" link on the VJGC website for details.

Where Does the Money Go?

Due to the tremendous generosity of everyone who supported the camp during the construction phase, $24 million dollars was raised for the initial Capital Campaign. Now, the fundraising focus is geared toward ongoing camp operations. It will take an estimated $2.7 million a year to keep the camp going. "We are frequently asked what percentage of funds raised go toward administrative and fundraising costs," the camp website reports. "In 2003, before camp opened, we spent only 6% of money raised on fundraising activities. This meets our goal of staying under 10% overhead." Clearly, we can all feel comfortable donating to the Victory Junction Gang Camp.

Resolve to Support Victory:

As we near the start of the 2005 NASCAR season, make it your personal goal to visit the Victory Junction Gang website on a regular basis and look for new ways to help. Doing so will provide unlimited opportunities to fulfill the camp's inspiring motto: "Feel your heart race!"

The thoughts and ideas expressed by this writer or any other writer on Insider Racing News, are not necessarily the views of the staff and/or management of IRN. Although we may not always agree with what is said, we do feel it's our duty to give a voice to those who have something relevant to say about the sport of auto racing.