NEW YORK, N.Y. (Sept. 10, 2026) – The NASCAR Foundation celebrated two decades of giving back to racing communities, hosting The NASCAR Foundation 20^th Anniversary Honors Gala at the Ziegfeld Ballroom on September 8th in New York City.

The Gala was hosted by The Foundation and the France family in collaboration with the evening’s Leadership Sponsors, including Brown & Brown, Kaulig Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, and Next League. 

Various current and former NASCAR drivers, team owners, and executives as well as special guests across the sports and entertainment industry were in attendance including Emmy and Tony Award winning actress and singer, Kristin Chenoweth, and Pro-Football Hall of Famer and Emmy and Peabody Award winning journalist, Michael Strahan. 

During the evening’s celebrations, The NASCAR Foundation honored Chief Executive Officer and Executive Producer of FOX Sports Eric Shanks with the Champion for Children Award as well as the Chairman of the Board of The NASCAR Foundation Mike Helton with the Founders Award. 

The evening culminated with the announcement of the 16^th annual Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award winner, Lyette Reback, founder and volunteer of Believe With Me. The winner’s nonprofit organization supports families of fallen military service members by providing financial help and emotional support.

“Lyette is the kind of person who doesn’t just talk about making a difference, she gets to work and makes it happen,” said Nichole Krieger, Vice President and Executive Director, The NASCAR Foundation. “As a mother of 16, she has a huge heart, and she has made it her mission to make sure the children of our fallen heroes know they are remembered and cared for. It’s that reason which makes Lyette such a deserving recipient of the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award. We’re thrilled to celebrate her and the incredible work she continues to do.”

Key details and information regarding the event and the captured video are listed below.

• NASCAR Cup Series and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Drivers, NASCAR Executives, Team Owners and Special Guests walk the red carpet ahead of the Gala

• Chairman of the Board of The NASCAR Foundation Mike Helton and NASCAR Chief Executive Officer Steve O’Donnell welcome guests and pay their respects to the 25^th Anniversary of September 11^th.

• Pro Football Hall of Famer and Emmy and Peabody Award-winning journalist Michael Strahan gives remarks and presents the Champion for Children Award to Eric Shanks.

• Chief Executive Officer and Executive Producer of FOX Sports Eric Shanks accepts the Champion for Children Award. 

• NASCAR Executive Vice Chair and Vice Chairperson of The NASCAR Foundation Lesa France Kennedy and former NASCAR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Brian France announce Mike Helton as the winner of the Founders Award. 

• Mike Helton accepts the Founders Award and gives remarks. 

• Drivers Ross Chastain, Zane Smith, Connor Zilisch, Jesse Love and Joey Logano introduce the four finalists for the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award – Mary Caruso, James Ford, Jim Osborn and Lyette Reback. 

• Lyette Reback is announced as the winner of the 16^th Annual Betty Jane France Award, presented by the nieces of Betty Jane France and members of The NASCAR Foundation Board of Directors Amy Lea France and Jennifer Bates.

• Vice President and Executive Director of The NASCAR Foundation Nichole Kreiger gives closing remarks and announces total fundraised amount for the evening – over 2.3 million dollars. 

The 20^th Anniversary celebrations will continue tomorrow on Wednesday, Sept. 9, with The Speedy Bear Brigade Powered by Kaulig Giving, where drivers and representatives from both The NASCAR Foundation and Kaulig Racing will deliver NASCAR-themed Speedy Bears to children at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone. 

About The NASCAR Foundation

The NASCAR Foundation is a leading charity that works to improve the lives of children who need it most in NASCAR racing communities through the Speediatrics Children’s Fund and the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award. The NASCAR Foundation, designated as a 4-Star Charity by Charity Navigator for its strong financial health and ongoing accountability and transparency, has contributed more than $50 Million to impact the lives of more than 1.8 million children nationwide since 2006. Follow The NASCAR Foundation on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/NASCARFoundation or on X at @NASCAR_FDN