PPG Teams with Speedway Children’s Charities for Track Walk

PPG said – for the 10th consecutive year – it will serve as the sole sponsor of the Speedway Children’s Charities (SCC) New Hampshire chapter’s Track Walk fundraising event, which is slated for July 21, 2018, at 8 p.m. at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, NH. NASCAR driver Ryan Blaney will lead the walk.

The annual one-mile Track Walk takes place during a weekend of NASCAR racing that includes the XFINITY Series Lakes Region 200 on July 21, and the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series’ Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 on July 22.

“We’ve been doing this since 2009, and we are always excited about the Track Walk,” said Mike Patenaude, PPG regional sales manager, automotive refinish. “SCC genuinely cares about kids and works so hard to give children in need better lives. PPG is honored to participate.”

This is Blaney’s first year on the walk, and the easy stroll around the track will be at a far slower pace than what he is used to when he is behind the wheel of his Team Penske No. 12 Ford Fusion in Monster Series competition. Through the first 16 events of 2018, Blaney has earned three top-five spots, eight top-10 spots and two pole positions. He also picked up a win in one of the 125-mile Duel races at Daytona earlier this year.

“I love the idea of walking the track,” said Blaney. “Walking, talking with fans, not worrying about who might pass me, knowing we’re doing some good by helping an organization that helps kids – it’ll be great. I’m really looking forward to this, and I hope we get a big crowd to walk with me.”

Blaney will be joined on the track by longtime SCC supporter and ESPN commentator Dick Berggren and Gen. Chuck Swannack, SCC executive director.

“We had almost 250 people walking the one-mile track last year,” said Hillarie Scott, director, SCC New Hampshire chapter. “We expect Ryan to have lots of company this year. People love to come out, take a casual walk on a track that sees speeds of nearly 200 mph and know that they’re helping us raise money for a very worthwhile cause.”

Scott also noted that the SCC’s Red Bucket Brigade will be making the rounds during Sunday’s race. The brigade’s approximately 60 volunteers will tote buckets decorated with the PPG logo through the stands during the race to collect donations. Last year, the walk brought in almost $16,000, and the Red Bucket Brigade collected an additional $21,000.

“We are extremely grateful for PPG’s support, as we could not do this without the company’s involvement,” Scott said. “PPG helps make a huge difference in children’s lives, and we invite racing fans and anyone who wants to contribute to join us.”