NASCAR Champion Mike Skinner Looks to Share Hope with Hope For The Warriors®

Mike Skinner, 1995 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Champion, will return to late model competition for the first time in approximately a decade this weekend at New Smyrna Speedway.  Driving the American Auto / Hope For the Warriors® / Management Resource Systems late model, the Volusia County resident will compete in the 100-lap Pro Late Model race on Saturday, January 2, 2016. Hope For The Warriors supporters Andrew Franzone, American Auto’s EJ Wilcoxon and Management Resource Systems’ Mike Swaim joined forces to support Skinner, while allowing him to represent the national military nonprofit. 
 
“I’m really excited for the opportunity to represent Hope For The Warriors and their Drive For Hope program this weekend at New Smyrna Speedway,” said Skinner. “Hope For The Warriors has so many great programs that support our service members, veterans and military families, and I’m honored to race with their decal on our racecar and help increase their exposure. I think it’s been about a decade since I last drove a late model, but it’s going to be a really special weekend. With my boys working on the car, my friend Mike Swaim spotting, and having Andrew Franzone, EJ Wilcoxon and Mike Swaim all join forces to support Hope For The Warriors–I think it’ll be a great race.”
 
Due to the generosity of Franzone, Swaim and Wilcoxon, Skinner’s race at New Smyrna Speedway will serve as the kick-off event for the Hope For The Warriors’ 2016 Drive for Hope program. Continuing Hope For The Warriors’ mission to restore hope, the Drive For Hope program specifically targets service members in transition, and introduces them to prospective career opportunities as they work to navigate the transition to civilian life. In 2015, the Drive For Hope program incorporated more than 25 NASCAR, ARCA and late model racing events.
 
“The Drive For Hope program has proven to be a powerful program for Hope For The Warriors when it comes to restoring hope for our service members, veterans and military families,” said Travis Hanson, Hope For The Warriors, Senior Director of Sports and Recreation. “It’s been a great resource for service members in transition, introducing them to prospective careers and getting them to see opportunities in areas they may not otherwise consider. Likewise, it’s been a great resource for Hope For The Warriors to form new partnerships and relationships with potential donors. Having Andrew Franzone, Mike Swaim and EJ Wilcoxon come together to put our logo on Skinner’s car this weekend is just one example of that.”
 
Skinner will race the No. 33 American Auto / Hope For The Warriors / Management Resource Systems pro late model in what is sure to be a memorable night in his career, as the effort is surrounded by the support of friends and family. Skinner’s car was prepared by him and his sons at Racecar Solutions, a company they co-own and work at side-by-side on a daily basis. The race will also mark Swaim’s return to the spotter’s stand. Coming out of retirement for the weekend, Swaim will take back his post as Skinner’s spotter–a position he held for several years while leading Skinner to countless wins in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
 
The Zack Donatti Memorial Pro Late Model 100 will take place on Saturday, January 2 at New Smyrna Speedway in New Smyrna Beach, Fla. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. EST with races beginning at 7:30 p.m. EST. Twitter users can visit @Hope4Warriors or @SkinnerRoundUp for updates throughout the evening.
 
To learn more about Hope For The Warriors, or to make a contribution to support the Drive For Hope and several other great programs offered by the organization, visit HopeForTheWarriors.org. Gifts may be made online, by phone at 877-246-7349, or by mail to 5101C Backlick Road, Annandale, VA 22003. Text the word WARRIORS to 20222 to donate. 

Hope for Warriors PR