Extra: NASCAR vehicle revs up public support for U.S. agriculture
Contact: David Ferroni (612) 805-8718
DENVER, Colo., Aug. 16, 2010 - The paint scheme on Regan Smith's No. 78 Furniture Row Racing Chevrolet at this weekend's NASCAR Sprint Cup race in Bristol, Tenn., will once again pay tribute to the American farmer and rancher.
The No. 78 Farm American Chevrolet during Saturday's Irwin Tools Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway is designed to promote the importance of U.S. agriculture, which is responsible for employing more than 22 million people in the American work force - approximately 1 million people in Michigan alone.
The launch of Furniture Row Racing's Farm American program in last month's Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway is being applauded by members of the American agriculture industry.
"Agriculture is the heart and soul; it is the ethics, moral and social values of this nation," said Colorado Farm Bureau President Alan Foutz. "People are four and five generations removed from the farm, and food for them is in the supermarket. Therefore they've lost connection with this important part of their daily life and where the food and fiber they depend on really comes from. That's why I think it is particularly important the Farm American program exists. There is no doubt in my mind, after being part of the Farm American launch last month at Indianapolis, this program will succeed at reconnecting millions with America's farm families."
Paul Kindinger, executive director of the North American Equipment Dealer's Association (NAEDA) is equally passionate about Furniture Row Racing's Farm American program.
"The North American Equipment Dealers Association is proud to be partnered with Furniture Row Racing on the Farm American program," said Kindinger. "We see the potential to reach and engage millions of American consumers every week, and believe Farm American has what it takes to begin building a bridge with America's consumers.
NAEDA's members and their employees are convinced Farm American will deliver a positive, well-deserved message about the real heroes of American agriculture."
Furniture Row Racing's objective for providing its support to the U.S. agriculture industry has been clearly stated by Barney Visser, team owner and executive officer of Furniture Row Companies.
"The number of job losses in the American furniture industry due to unfair competitive practices by international governments has been devastating," said Visser in last month's news release announcing the Farm American program. "To see the same trends occurring in our food supply, leaving us subjected to possible interruptions and unequal standards is something we see as worth fighting for.
"I don't want America to fall asleep on this issue - this is where America needs to come together. I believe in the free market system, but we're not free when we ask our farmers and ranchers to compete against foreign governments and potentially harmful standards that put us and our families at risk."
Smith, whose parents grew up on a farm in central New York, said the Farm American paint scheme is inspiring to him and his family.
"Farmers, ranchers and the entire agriculture community have been a major part of our family for many years so it's a truly special honor to drive the Farm American Chevrolet," said Smith. "We had a good run going in the Farm American car at Indy until a breakage occurred. I want to turn that around and come away with a solid outing at Bristol that our farmers and ranchers deserve."
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Editor's note: Click here to see a photo of Regan Smith's No. 78 Furniture Row Racing Farm American Chevrolet.
