Long before NASCAR rolled out its Driver Ambassador Program (DAP), several drivers were already going the extra mile with initiatives in their communities. And with Joey Logano winning the first DAP term, there is a palpable and renewed energy and eagerness among drivers to broaden the sport’s reach. And some of them are now rallying behind Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Driven to Give campaign.
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The Driven to Give campaign, organized by The Dale Jr. Foundation, is an annual fundraiser for Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The effort centers around the symbolic skeleton-glove initiative, where NASCAR drivers wear custom gloves in-race to generate visibility and rally financial support.
Recently, Ryan Blaney spotlighted the effort on his Instagram story, posting a snapshot of the now-iconic skeleton-print gloves. “The Driven to Give Proceeds benefit the Dale and Amy Earnhardt Fund at Nationwide Children’s Hospital,” wrote Blaney.
“Bid on these gloves autographed by Dale Jr. & Me,” he added, linking the text to the Pristine Auction platform. And, during the Atlanta race weekend, 70 Cup and Xfinity drivers joined the movement, wearing Junior-inspired gloves to raise awareness and funds for Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
Among the names lending their support were Michael McDowell, William Sawalich, Carson Hocevar, Erik Jones, Ty Gibbs, Christopher Bell, and Brad Keselowski. Each pair was signed by the driver who wore them and by Dale Jr. himself before being made available for auction on Monday, July 1.
Ryan Blaney’s race-worn pair, too, will feature signatures from him and Dale Jr. It will also bear a Certificate of Authenticity from JR Motorsports.
The proceeds benefit the Dale and Amy Earnhardt Fund, which supports brave pediatric patients and their families through injury rehabilitation, prevention, and groundbreaking research.
Last year’s Driven to Give Gala on September 24, the 14th edition, raised more than $460,000. Held at Dale Jr.’s Whisky River and presented by Bass Pro Shops and its founder, Johnny Morris, the event welcomed 320 guests for an evening of spirited auctions, raffles, food, drink, and a live performance by country music star Chris Janson.
Since its launch in 2017, Junior, Amy, and their loyal fanbase have raised more than $2 million through the campaign.
