A newly-formed local race team hopes to bring a unique message to NASCAR, beginning with the Daytona 500 later this month.
Charlotte-based America Israel Racing (AIR) was created to raise awareness of the importance of America supporting Israel through a unique and very public forum – the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. AIR will team with Robinson-Blakeney Racing of Monroe to place a car in the 2012 Daytona 500 field on February 26.
“This is a critical time in our nation’s history as it pertains to our relationship with Israel,” said Rich Shirey, co-founder of AIR. “As the only true democracy in the Middle East, we feel it is critical that the United States reaffirms its commitment to stand beside Israel. By fielding a car in the most-watched race of the year, we hope to show Israel just how many Americans feel the same way.”
The No. 49 America Israel Racing Robinson-Blakeney Racing Toyota will be driven by JJ Yeley at Daytona. Inspired by AIR’s mission of promoting American Israeli support, the car’s design prominently displays both the United States and Israel flags as well as a striking image of a bald eagle holding both nations’ flags in its claws and an olive branch in its beak on the hood.
“We wanted to ensure our car design was not only eye-catching, but properly conveyed the mission and values of America Israel Racing,” said Shirey. “The eagle in particular contains a great deal of symbolism – it has a determined look on its face, because we are determined to voice the importance of America’s support of Israel.
“However, we wanted to be sure to include the olive branch, because it is a universal sign of peace and above all else, America Israel Racing’s message is a peaceful one.”
An image of the No. 49 America Israel Racing Robinson-Blakeney Toyota is attached. Additional photos are available on America Israel Racing’s Facebook page at facebook.com/AmericaIsraelRacing or by request.
AIR hopes to continue its partnership with Robinson-Blakeney Racing beyond Daytona, and with the support of like-minded individuals AIR will spread its message of American Israeli support by placing a car in the NASCAR Sprint Cup field for the entire 2012 season. Anyone wishing to support America Israel Racing and its cause can make a donation online at AmericaIsraelRacing.com.
“If enough people make a stand, the world will take notice,” said Shirey.
About America Israel Racing
America Israel Racing was formed to raise awareness of the importance of America supporting Israel, the only true democracy in the Middle East, as it stands against its enemies. The North Carolina-based race team, founded in 2011, is in the process of fundraising to field a car in the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starting with the Daytona 500. Through strategic partnerships and joint ventures with other organizations, America Israel Racing hopes to spread the message throughout the world that the United States supports Israel. AmericaIsraelRacing.com facebook.com/AmericaIsraelRacing twitter.com/AmIsraelRacing 
America Israel Racing was formed to raise awareness of the importance of America supporting Israel, the only true democracy in the Middle East, as it stands against its enemies. The North Carolina-based race team, founded in 2011, is in the process of fundraising to field a car in the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starting with the Daytona 500. Through strategic partnerships and joint ventures with other organizations, America Israel Racing hopes to spread the message throughout the world that the United States supports Israel. AmericaIsraelRacing.com facebook.com/AmericaIsraelRacing twitter.com/AmIsraelRacing
