Martin, Ginn Racing aid tornado relief efforts

MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- Ginn Racing driver Mark Martin will lead a charitable effort to benefit residents of Central Florida whose lives were devastated last week when three deadly tornadoes tore through the area.

Race fans have opportunity to bid for the "Ultimate Mark Martin/Daytona 500 Dream Package" and come away the winner of a race to provide relief to those in need.

Among the items included in the package are the hood of Martin's No. 01 U.S. Army Chevrolet race car, two VIP suite tickets to Daytona Speedweeks, a day as honorary crew chief at the Daytona 500, and laps in a pace car with Martin around the famed Daytona International Speedway 2.5-mile oval.

The package will be auctioned off on eBay. Bidding is currently under way and closes Feb. 12. All proceeds will go directly to the American Red Cross Central Florida relief programs.

"So many people's lives have been turned upside down, and I am happy that Ginn Racing and Ginn Resorts are joining me in helping the disaster relief fund of Central Florida," said Martin, driver of the No. 01 U.S. Army Chevrolet. "I'm a proud Florida resident, as is our team owner, Bobby Ginn, and we both feel a deep compassion for the devastating toll this tragedy has taken."

"Being a Central Florida company, it is only fitting that we would participate in this relief effort," said Bobby Ginn, president and CEO of Ginn Resorts, a Central Florida-based developer. "It is our company's mission to assist those in the communities in which we develop in times of need."

The winner of the "Ultimate Mark Martin/Daytona 500 Dream Package" will receive the following:

• Honorary pit-crew chief for Martin's No. 01 U.S. Army Chevrolet
• The hood of Martin's No. 01 U.S. Army Chevrolet
• A ride with Martin in a pace car on the famed Daytona International Speedway
• The fire suit Martin will wear in this year's Daytona 500
• Two VIP suite tickets to the Orbitz 300 Busch race and the Daytona 500
• Attend Daytona 500 driver/crew chief meeting as Martin's guest
• Accommodations for three nights at Ginn Reunion Resort