THREE-TIME INDY 500 WINNER TEAMS UP WITH CAMP FIRE USA TO SUPPORT AMERICA'S YOUTH

FOR RELEASE ON
December 10, 2004 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT
Vanessa E. Adams
Communications Manager
Telephone: 816 756 1950, ext. 206
E-mail: vanessa.adams@campfireusa.org

THREE-TIME INDY 500 WINNER TEAMS UP WITH CAMP FIRE USA TO SUPPORT AMERICA'S YOUTH
"Lone Star J.R." auctions off last remaining racing memorabilia online to help build caring, confident youth and future leaders across the nation.

(Kansas City, Mo.) - Racing enthusiasts and philanthropists, start your computers! Don't miss this once in a lifetime online opportunity to collect incredible Indy Car racing memorabilia while supporting America's youth and families.

Johnny Rutherford, nicknamed "Lone Star J.R.," has donated the last of his collectible racing memorabilia for auction to support Camp Fire USA, one of the nation's leading not-for-profit youth development organizations. 100 percent of the final auction value will go to Camp Fire USA. Proceeds from the auction will help Camp Fire USA in fulfilling its mission to build caring, confident youth and future leaders, teaching America's youth to be considerate, productive members of their families, communities and country.

"My family and I have been involved with Camp Fire USA in Dallas/Fort Worth and nationally for many years," said Rutherford. "I've seen firsthand the positive impact Camp Fire has on kids, their families and their communities, and I'm happy to be able to give racing fans and humanitarians the opportunity to own a piece of history while giving back to a great cause."

Auction items include:

• Autographed Simpson driving gloves and driving shoes, worn by Rutherford in May 1994 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during practice laps;
• Autographed Pennzoil racing jacket and hat, worn by Rutherford immediately following his 1994 retirement from racing as he served as the auto racing consultant to Pennzoil Products;
• Autographed copy of Lone Star J.R.: The Autobiography of Racing Legend Johnny Rutherford; and
• A ride with Rutherford in the current Indy Racing League pace car (2005) at winner's choice of seven tracks and two tickets, pit passes and garage passes to chosen race (tracks available include Phoenix International Raceway, Texas Motor Speedway, Kansas Speedway, Nashville Superspeedway, Michigan International Speedway, Kentucky Speedway and Pikes Peak International Raceway).

In collaboration with Mission Fish, the auction will be held on eBay beginning Friday, December 10, and will run for seven days, just in time for holiday gift giving.

Racecar enthusiasts and philanthropists can view the auction items and place bids at www.ebay.com/campfireusa. For a sneak peak at auction items prior to the start date, visit www.campfireusa.org/rutherford.

Johnny Rutherford began racing in 1959, and won the historic Indianapolis 500 three times (1974, 1976 and 1980). In his last two Indy 500 victories, Rutherford also won the pole position-only the second driver to accomplish this feat. Rutherford has been in Victory Circle at every major racetrack in the nation, ranking 7th on the all-time win list. Recognized as the "greatest Ambassador of Auto Racing," Rutherford won the National Driving Championship for Indy Car competitors in 1980, and was inducted into the I.M.S. Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 1987, the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 1995, and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and the Motorsports Hall of Fame in America in 1996.

"Camp Fire USA is honored to call Johnny Rutherford a friend and a supporter. He not only epitomizes greatness on the racetrack, but beyond that, is a true champion for America's kids and families," said Stewart Smith, National CEO, Camp Fire USA.

After retiring from Indy car racing in 1994, Rutherford continues to serve the racing community as a consultant in may arenas and currently serves the Indy Racing League as Special Events Coordinator, driving the Corvette pace car for the IRL series.

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Camp Fire USA is one of the nation's leading not-for-profit youth development organizations, currently serving nearly 750,000 participants annually. Founded in 1910 as "Camp Fire Girls," the contemporary, coeducational Camp Fire USA provides all-inclusive, outcome-based programs in hundreds of communities across the United States. By design, Camp Fire's programs, including small group experiences, after-school programs, camping and environmental education, child care and service learning, build confidence in younger children and provide hands-on, youth-driven leadership experiences for older youth. For more information, visit www.campfireusa.org.