DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – NASCAR, Swan Racing and two-time Daytona 500 champion Michael Waltrip have announced a special tribute to raise awareness of and contributions for the Sandy Hook School Support Fund.

Following a meeting with town officials, community leaders, first responders and victims’ families last week in Newtown, Conn., it was decided that the No. 30 Lean1 Swan Racing Toyota that's entered for Waltrip in this year's season-opening Daytona 500 would instead carry the number "26" and feature the Sandy Hook School Support Fund.  The car will honor the 26 victims of the December school shooting and display a call-to-action decal encouraging the NASCAR community to make $10 donations by texting the word "NEWTOWN" to 80888.

The Sandy Hook School Support Fund, established jointly by United Way of Western Connecticut and Newtown Savings Bank, supports the healing process for children, teachers, first responders, families, residents, mental health professionals, counselors and others.  One hundred percent of the funds raised will go to meet the needs of the Newtown community.

“Americans everywhere are heartbroken about the tragedy in Newtown," said Swan Racing team owner Brandon Davis.  "We're proud to join NASCAR and the United Way of Western Connecticut to help the community move forward."

Waltrip also confirmed today that all three Michael Waltrip Racing entries will run the “text NEWTOWN to 80888” decal in the upcoming Daytona 500 with drivers Clint Bowyer, Mark Martin and Martin Truex Jr.

“This is like nothing I've ever been part of in my NASCAR career,” Waltrip said.  “It will be an emotional week knowing that we have the potential to do so much good for the Newtown community.  I’m racing for a reason.”

NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France and his wife Amy will personally kick off industry support with a $50,000 donation to be matched by The NASCAR Foundation.

“Being in Newtown last week and delivering a moment of happiness to that community was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced,” said France.  “Looking out at a room of smiling faces amidst the aftermath of a tragedy was powerful.  The NASCAR industry and our passionate fan base have an unbelievable opportunity to rally around this cause and make a huge difference for a community in need.  I'm excited to witness firsthand the NASCAR community’s embrace and support of the Sandy Hook School Support Fund.”

"There'll be a whole lot of people in Sandy Hook and Newtown rooting for Michael and the No. 26 car," said Fire Chief Bill Halstead.  "It'll be something positive to rally around and there will be smiles on faces that haven't smiled in quite a while."

The NASCAR community can contribute to the Sandy Hook School Support Fund by texting "NEWTOWN" to 80888.  For fans without short-code texting plans with their wireless carriers, there are two additional opportunities to donate: online at newtown.uwwesternct.org or by mail to:

Sandy Hook School Support Fund
c/o Newtown Savings Bank
39 Main Street, Newtown, CT, 06470