GARDENA, Calif. – April 5, 2016 –When veteran NASCAR driver Aric Almirola takes the wheel of the Biagi-DenBeste Racing No. 98 Ford Mustang at Texas Motor Speedway this weekend, he will also represent the Carroll Shelby Foundation at the O’Reilly Auto Parts 300 on Friday April, 8. For the Lone Star race only, the Mustang will wear the Carroll Shelby Foundation and Carroll Shelby Automotive Technology Program logos to raise awareness for the two non-profit organizations.
“Carroll Shelby was one of the world’s greatest competitors, so we’re pleased that his spirit will carry on through a high profile race in his home state,” said Joe Conway Co-CEO of Carroll Shelby International, Co-Trustee of the Carroll Hall Shelby Trust and Board member of the Carroll Shelby Foundation. “It’s wonderful that the Foundation and School will be featured so prominently in front of a global audience. Carroll would be proud if he were with us still.”
The Carroll Shelby Foundation was created to provide medical assistance, as well as educational opportunities through automotive and other training programs. It also benefits the Shelby Automotive Museum in Southern California.
“Since Carroll was from North Texas and most of our family still lives here, it’s fitting to celebrate his legacy at the Texas Motor Speedway race,” said Aaron Shelby, Board member of the Carroll Shelby Foundation. “Carroll was so committed to helping young people that he created the Carroll Shelby Foundation and the Carroll Shelby Automotive Technology Program. We’re grateful for the Biagi-DenBeste Racing team’s support and everyone is confident that they will be a contender.”
For many years, Bill DenBeste and Carroll Shelby worked and enjoyed motorsports together. Carroll played an important role in shaping DenBeste’s pursuits and encouraged him to open DenBeste Motorsports, the largest Shelby Cobra dealer in the world.
“Carroll Shelby was a very close friend,so we chose his hometown to unveil this special livery,” said team co-owner Bill DenBeste. “Our goal at the O’Reilly Auto Parts 300 is to help raise money for two organizations that he loved so much through the powerful platform of the racing community.”
Heading into the sixth race of the NASCAR XFINITY series, the No. 98 Mustang will be piloted by veteran NASCAR driver Aric Almirola. Joining Biagi-DenBeste Racing are members of the Shelby family, as well as executives from the Carroll Shelby Foundation.
During April, every $10 donation will give fans the chance to win a Shelby Racing Package including:
- A tire from the race at Texas Motor Speedway signed by the driver, Shelby family and team
- A DenBeste NASCAR die-cast
- A Shelby Foundation Hat
- A $100 Gift Card to the Shelby Store
“Carroll loved helping others just as much as he loved racing,” said Jenni Shreeves, Executive Director, Carroll Shelby Foundation. “The Foundation represents Carroll’s passion for helping young people enjoy life at the fullest. We’re honored to partner with the Biagi-DenBeste Racing team as we continue Carroll’s legacy at Texas Motor Speedway.”
Donations to the Carroll Shelby Foundation can be made at www.donate2shelby.com
About The Carroll Shelby Foundation
The Carroll Shelby Foundation was created by legendary racer and automotive manufacturer Carroll Shelby. Headquartered in Gardena, Calif., the Foundation is dedicated to providing medical assistance for those in need, including children, educational opportunities for young people through automotive and other training programs and benefitting the Shelby Automotive Museum. For more information, visit http://www.shelby.com/?topic=csf.
About Biagi-DenBeste Racing
Biagi-DenBeste Racing is owned by Fred Biagi and Bill DenBeste, with Lori DenBeste serving as President. Though racing is their passion, their careers have been driven by 18 wheels instead of four. Fred Biagi owns Biagi Bros Transportation with his brother Greg in Napa, CA. They started in 1978 as a transportation company but have evolved over the years into full service transportation, warehousing and logistics company offering expert 3PL services to clients across North America. You can find out more at www.biagibros.com
For more information go to: www.biagidenbesteracing.com
###