Washington, DC - Before the green flag was dropped to signal the start of the Neighborhood Excellence 400 Race in Dover, DE on Sunday, June 4, NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne had two things on his mind -- speed and service.

As a driver, Kahne was focused on victory atDover's Monster Mile, but as a member of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation he stayed true to the race’s theme of community pride and volunteer service.

Throughout the week before a major race, time trials and qualifications are standard form. But, in the run-up to The Neighborhood Excellence 400, presented by Bank of America, volunteer service was a key theme. Kahne joined other NASCAR drivers throughout the week to shine a spotlight on volunteer service through community service projects, charity walks, and other public awareness activities.

In a video message on race day, President George W. Bush commended the NASCAR community for answering his call to service. "This year’s Neighborhood Excellence 400 offers more than just great racing. For the first time, NASCAR has dedicated an entire race weekend to encouraging every American to volunteer in their neighborhoods and communities. NASCAR is spreading the word that by serving our neighbors in need, we answer the universal call to serve a cause greater than ourselves."

The President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation was pleased to be a part of NASCAR’s focus on community service. A proclamation released by the Council on June 4 honored the NASCAR community, including drivers, industry sponsors, and the millions of fans who give back to their communities through volunteer service. A copy of the Council’s proclamation can be found here.

Also during the week, the NASCAR Foundation announced its own Volunteer Network giving fans the opportunity to seek volunteer opportunities through their driver’s foundations and industry organizations. More information may be found at http://www.nascar.com/foundation.

“NASCAR has a proud history of giving back and strengthening communities. The Neighborhood Excellence 400 and the new Volunteer Network are reminders that the individuals and corporations associated with NASCAR share a common belief in reaching outand giving back to their neighbors,” said Kari Dunn, Executive Director of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation.

In February, as 21 member’s of the President’s Council were sworn in and assumed their new roles, each was given a charge by President Bush to promote an ethic of service and to recognize the millions of Americans who are giving back to their communities through theirgenerous acts of service. To date, more than 16,000 organizations are part of the Council’s network and together they have honored nearly 500,000 of America’s volunteers with the President’s Volunteer Service Award.

The President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation strives to promote and recognize outstanding volunteer service and raise awareness of the many ways in which Americans can help meet the vital needs of individuals within their communities and around the world. Administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, together with the USA Freedom Corps, the Council brings together leaders from the worlds of business, entertainment, sports, education, government, nonprofits, and the media to promote their efforts. To learn more about the Council, its members and the President’s Volunteer Service Award Program please visit http://www.volunteer.gov/.

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