Canadian Heroes to Form NASCAR Race Team - Funding Required

HAMILTON, Ontario, July 14 /PRNewswire/ -- On July 15th, 2010, the Canadian Heroes Initiative will be unveiling the newly sponsored and wrapped NASCAR #13 car at the Toronto Honda Indy. This is a truly remarkable rolling memorial dedicated to our troops.

Unfortunately, this race team has no funding to date.

Hamilton Philanthropist Mr. Chris Ecklund has provided the sponsorship to get the car to the Toronto NASCAR race for this Saturday.

Mr. Ecklund is also the founder of Canadian Heroes and after releasing the song "Canadian Heroes" on Remembrance Day of last year, the project has continued to grow across the Country.

Mr. Ecklund is calling on all Canadians, to help fund this car to be able to drive it in the upcoming races across Canada in honour of our troops.

"The response that we have been getting from Canadians is incredible, it has brought it to a level that we have said the soldiers deserve to have their own race team," said Ecklund.

"It would be a shame that this car is only raced once and then parked forever due to a lack of funding," said Mr. Ecklund. "That would truly be sad," he said.

"We therefore are very proud to announce that we will be forming the Canadian Heroes Race Team and will be racing for our troops from this moment onwards. When we are not racing we will be travelling across Canada with the race cars and displaying them to Canadians and Corporations, looking for sponsors to help them field a team."

"The response so far from Canadians and especially troops serving in Afghanistan has been overwhelming," said Mr. Ecklund. "Just building this car has been a very emotional experience for all involved, we are hoping a Corporate sponsor will fund the car so we can honour our troops."

The car will be driven by Trevor Monaghan, a proud Canadian who is honoured to not only drive in the race but to dedicate it to our troops. Recently Trevor was quoted saying, "I can't wait to race this car in honour of our soldiers. God Bless our Troops and their families!!! Thank you for everything you do and thank you for this opportunity." Rob McConnell, Crew Chief and Team Owner was more than willing to donate his car, crew etc. to support our troops. In recent interviews Rob was quoted saying "It is the most Beautiful Stock Car to ever hit NASCAR. Covering all Divisions. Most importantly, the most beautiful cause to ever hit NASCAR, Without a Doubt  Introducing, the # 13 Canadian Heroes NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Car, So Proud!"

The car reads "Freedom Is Never Free" which is taking directly from the Canadian Heroes song which can be previewed on www.canadianheroes.com. This quote says it all. Chris Ecklund, President and CEO of the Canadian Heroes Initiative couldn't be more proud. This initiative has made Chris speechless on many occasions but was quoted recently stating, "This car is a rolling memorial to all those soldiers that serve our great Country, and also those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Remember those today that have given us the freedom that we enjoy, and the Country that we call Canada!"

Please contact Chris Ecklund or Kim Lindsay ASAP if you are able to help sponsor this beautiful tribute at 905-517-9940 or by email at [email protected]. Additional information about the initiative and photos can be found on www.canadianheroes.com.

SOURCE Canadian Heroes