Florida man wins Martin dream package

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Myron Bowlin, of Ocala, Fla., scored the highest bid on eBay to win the Mark Martin/Daytona 500 Dream package that will benefit Central Florida's tornado victims.

The "Ultimate Mark Martin/Daytona 500 Dream Package" was the creation of Martin, the NASCAR icon and Florida resident, Ginn Racing, Martin's Nextel Cup team, and Ginn Resorts, a Central Florida-based developer.

Bowlin's high bid of $13,600 will be matched by Ginn Resorts. The total gift of $27,200 will go directly to the American Red Cross Central Florida relief programs.

"Mark Martin has been my favorite driver since I started following NASCAR 10 years ago," Bowlin said. "He is a first-class driver and a first-class person. This is the experience of a lifetime. I've never been more excited to attend a race than I am about this weekend's Daytona 500. Plus, it's great to know that I'll be helping the victims of the tornadoes."

Bowlin will receive the following:

• A day as honorary 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 Cup race
• Guest pass to the Daytona 500 driver/crew chief meeting, as Martin's guest
• Accommodations for three nights at Ginn Reunion Resort

"I'm thrilled that the auction will help those in need in Central Florida," Martin said. "I've lived in this area for many years and was just devastated to see what these people went through. I'm also looking forward to meeting Myron. My fans mean everything to me and I truly appreciate all their support so spending some time with him the day before the race will be really special."

"It is so great to see someone fulfill their lifelong dream and at the same time, help people that need it the most," said Bobby Ginn, president and CEO of Ginn Resorts and owner of Ginn Racing. "Ginn Resorts puts a premium on assisting those in the communities where we develop in times of need."