Daytona 500 champion Denny Hamlin is doing his part to support those who are still recovering from the devastating floods that hit Greenbrier County and other parts of West Virginia so hard on June 23.
The NASCAR star, an ambassador of The Greenbrier, appeared at the White Sulphur Springs train on Thursday, July 28, handing out toys and school supplies to any Greenbrier County student affected by the flood waters.
“The devastation in West Virginia, especially around Greenbrier County, was heartbreaking to see unfold,” said Hamlin, a regular on The Greenbrier’s golf courses, who wears the resort’s logo on the sleeve of his racing fire suit. “The area is full of hard-working, honest people that, unfortunately, lost a lot. I have seen a lot of other athletes and celebrities help the residents of West Virginia in various ways, and I wanted to give back, as well. Providing area children with new toys is just a small part of the rebuilding process, but hopefully it provides a little relief for the friends, family and neighbors of the Greenbrier.”
Joining Hamlin in the effort is Kyle Larson, who drives the No. 42 Target Chevy in NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series and recently won Aspen Dental Eldora Dirt Derby on NASCAR’s Camping World Truck Series.
“We’re really appreciative of these two drivers for taking time out of their busy schedules to help,” said Jim Justice, owner and CEO, The Greenbrier. “A lot of kids in this area have been through so much over the past month, and this gesture will mean a great deal to them as their recovery continues.”
In February, Hamlin won NASCAR’s ultimate race when he took the checkered flag just ahead of Martin Truex Jr., at the Daytona 500. The 2006 Nextel Cup Rookie of the Year has won 27 Sprint Cup races over 12 years and finished second in the points race in 2010. Hamlin drives the No. 11 FedEx Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing and is currently locked into The Chase for the Sprint Cup, which kicks off at Chicagoland Speedway Sept. 18.
