THE NASCAR FOUNDATION HOLDS ONLINE AUCTION
BENEFITING NASCAR FOUNDATION SUPPORTED CHARITIES AND RADD®

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 25, 2006) – The NASCAR Foundation will host an online auction benefiting its supported charities and Recording Artists, Actors & Athletes Against Drunk Driving (RADD: The Entertainment Industry’s Voice for Road Safety). NASCAR fans and supporters of Red Hot Chili Peppers will have the opportunity to bid, starting today, on autographed NASCAR items and a custom made Simpson firesuit created just for the band during their visit to Charlotte for the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge last weekend.

The 7-day auction will feature autographed memorabilia by NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series drivers Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon and Dale Jarrett, and will include a limited edition Wilsons Leather jacket signed by Ryan Newman. Also up for bid are 13 autographed commemorative 2002 Coca-Cola bottles displayed on an engraved wooden stand, the custom Simpson firesuit, a CD pack which includes the band’s latest number-one release Stadium Arcadium and their Greatest Hits CD, and an Apple iPod autographed by the band.

Red Hot Chili Peppers performed at NASCAR’s first-ever mid-race concert on Saturday night in-between race segments and served as Grand Marshal for the race.

"Simpson Performance Products was very excited to be able to provide firesuits for Red Hot Chili Peppers during their visit to the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge," said Debbie Bishop, corporate marketing manager for Simpson.  "This is a fantastic opportunity for Simpson to be involved with the sport as well as the work NASCAR is doing to benefit RADD."

The proceeds from the online auction will benefit The NASCAR Foundation’s supported charities and RADD: The Entertainment Industry’s Voice for Road Safety. 

For more information or to find out how to participate in the online auction, visit www.nascar.com/foundation.      

About Simpson Performance Products
Since 1959, Simpson Performance Products has been the leading safety manufacturer to the Motorsports industry.  In addition to our Auto line, Simpson also manufactures safety products for the Motorcycle industry, both off road and street, as well as karting. We believe in putting safety first and are dedicated to elevating the standards of racing safety through continuous development, refinement and testing.  The one thing that remains constant is Simpson’s commitment to racer safety. Gear up safe with Simpson.

About RADD
'The Entertainment Industry's Voice for Road Safety', is an internationally recognized non-profit organization that empowers celebrities and media partners to create positive attitudes about road safety. Founded in 1986, RADD advocates the use of designated drivers, seatbelts and safe driving through control behind the wheel, making responsible behavior the norm.  RADD’s messages are non-judgmental, hip and positive.  For more information about RADD, please visit www.radd.org.

About The NASCAR Foundation
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. (NASCAR) launched The NASCAR Foundation in January 2006.  The Foundation is a 501 © (3) non-profit entity that embodies the compassion of the NASCAR Family and its commitment to serving communities.  The Foundation supports a wide range of charitable initiatives that reflect the core values of the entire NASCAR Family.  The NASCAR Foundation will use strength of the sport and its people to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.  For more information on The NASCAR Foundation, please visit the website:  www.nascar.com/foundation.  

Contact: Debbie Bishop
Marketing Manager
(704) 662-3366
dbishop@teamsimpson.com