Back to The Roots Daytona

Daytona Beach, Fla. - The Victory Lane Racing Association, a charitable organization group, will kick off a 4-day celebration Monday afternoon, February 18 with its inaugural Back to The Roots Daytona at Main Street Station, located at 316 Main Street in Daytona Beach, which happens to be the location of a service station/garage owned and operated by NASCAR and Daytona International Speedway founder, Bill "Big Bill" France.

According to VLRA founder Zetta Baker, the purpose of the celebration, which begins at 5p.m., is to givea chance for fans to meet many racing legends and to look at several vintage cars as well.

The afternoon will begin with an autograph session with the celebrity guests and at 6:15p.m. a plaque will be placed in the exact spot where France operated his station. The autograph session will end at 7p.m. Those expected for the session are: NASCAR historian Buz McKim, who will serve as Master of Ceremonies and RacersReunion owner Jeff Gilder.

In addition, music will be provided and a checkered flag dance is planned. The highlight of the evening will be an auction, offering many items pertaining to the sport of auto racing. Proceeds from the auction and the sale of caps will go to the Racers Helping Racers Fund.

There is no admission charge but there is a cost for food. Valet parking will be available for $5 per car.

For more information, you make contact Baker at 386-566-3539 or you may go on line at www.victorylaneassociation.com

One of the most talked about attractions at the celebration is the showing of the 100th anniversary Indianapolis 500 race car.

The founders of Window World Cares, Todd Whitworth, late CEO of Window World and his wife Tammy Whitworth, knew firsthand how difficult it can be as struggling young parents with a child that requires medical care. Following the birth of their premature daughter, the Whitworths received lifesaving neonatal care that inspired their commitment to childrens causes and helping others in need.

In 2008 the couple founded Window World Cares, the charitable foundation of Window World, Americas largest replacement window company. With the passing of Todd Whitworth, the company is humbled and honored to continue its support in part on behalf of St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital and the Veterans Airlift Command. In celebration of a century of legends at the centennial of the Indianapolis 500, Window World Cares proudly presents the 2011 Stinger concept car. Combining their passion for auto racing with their spirit of philanthropy, the Stinger by Window World is a modern day interpretation of the 1911 Marmon Wasp, and a platform to provide inspiration and hope. As the legendary living drivers from the 100 years of Indianapolis 500 history place their insignia on the 2011 Stinger, they leave more than an indelible mark for those in need.

For every signature, Window World Cares will make a donation of support in honor of the 268 veterans and 2011 current and rookie drivers, and in honor of the legends that inspire us the children and their families battling life-threatening diseases, and the wounded or special needs veterans and their families facing difficult journeys. Window World Cares was honored to be selected as the 2010 New Corporate Partner of the Year by St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital and to support the Veterans Airlift Command who provides free aircraft transportation to wounded soldiers, veterans and their families who have battled for our freedom.

Its these legends that inspire us to do much more than provide windows to communities.

The No. 100 Stinger is a single-seater with a rear-view mirror certainly not outlandish for a racecar in 2011, but definitely two defining aspects of its modern day interpretation of the 1911 Marmon Wasp the first winning car of the Indianapolis 500. Window World made no compromises in creating the Stinger concept car to commemorate the centennial of the Indianapolis 500. The Stingers yellow and black color scheme and wasp-like tail in honor of its namesake pays homage to history. And with the support of Indianapolis 500 legends, the Stinger becomes a part of that history.

The signatures of over 200 drivers, dating back to 1949, make the Stinger a priceless salute to a century of excellence and the race of all races. Every signature of every driver tells a story a story of exceptional achievement, and boundless hope. For each signature, the Window World Cares foundation is making a donation of support in their honor. Window World Cares is a proud supporter of St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital and the Veterans Airlift Command.

The story of the Stinger is a story of hope for children battling life-threatening diseases, and for wounded or special needs soldiers who have battled for our freedom. Honor is a defining aspect for the 1911 Marmon Wasp, our legendary Indianapolis 500 drivers, American families, and those who have fought to protect us.

Window World is honored to present the 2011 Stinger in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500.

I hope to be there for such a great group and such a great cause.

Would you like to bring both of your cars and match them upon each side ofthe Indy car?

Thanks for the invite but will only have one car there for Sat. and Monday. I'll see that the #20 car is there.

I'm speaking of the Monday afternoon Back to the Roots affair.

Confirmed celebrities who will be there for the meet-and-greet session are: Linda Vaughn, Ricky Ehrgott, Jeff Gilder, Ray Wallace and Jack Cook.

Jeff Gilder replaced Ned Jarrett as a celebrity at the Back To The Roots Daytona Celebrationand will be available for autographs. These two men have a few things in common. Both are former drivers. Jarrett was a radio announcer, Gilder owns a radio network. Jarrett can write his name and Gilder prints his. And finally both love racing.