The devastation left behind across the southeast by Hurricane Helene is nothing short of heartbreaking, but the NASCAR community is lending a hand to aid in the recovery efforts in western North Carolina.
The hurricane, which peaked at category 4 strength, made landfall in the Florida panhandle on September 27th and quickly moved throughout the southeast, causing catastrophic flooding especially in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina.
Numerous communities, such as Asheville and Boone, sustained extreme damage and many people remain unaccounted for. Many roads throughout the area have been washed out due to flooding or blocked due to mudslides, creating the need for supplies to be flown in.
Multiple tracks, teams, and drivers have announced or have already begun efforts to help residents in need receive supplies such as food, water, clothing, and generators.
23XI Racing and team co-owner Michael Jordan, a North Carolina native, announced a pair of $500, 000 donations to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund and Second Harvest of Metrolina. The team also announced that their shop will be open from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM from October 1st to October 4th for people to donate supplies.
#ForwardTogether pic.twitter.com/yOYKiMhOyL
— 23XI Racing (@23XIRacing) September 30, 2024
Kaulig Racing president Chris Rice shared a video of him and team employees loading supplies into Rice’s pickup truck to be delivered to areas in need. Rice said the team purchased roughly $3,000 worth of supplies, which included cleaning supplies and diapers among other items. The team is also accepting donations at its race shop.
We’re helping in any way that we can here at @KauligRacing.
Praying for everyone affected by this tragedy. pic.twitter.com/0oz19Vj2Fm
— Chris Rice (@C_Rice1) September 30, 2024
Joe Gibbs Racing announced on social media that they will be accepting drop-offs of water, non-perishable food, and tarps to be loaded into the team’s helicopter to be delivered to towns affected by the hurricane. Hendrick Motorsports is also sending its helicopter to affected areas with supplies.
To help with hurricane relief, JGR will be accepting water (top priority), boxed non-perishable food, and tarps.
Drop off times TODAY SEPTEMBER 30th until 5pm and tomorrow October 1st from 7am-10am.
Address: 13415 Reese Blvd W, Huntersville, NC 28078 pic.twitter.com/1eo2kW4Hc5
— Joe Gibbs Racing (@JoeGibbsRacing) September 30, 2024
Former NASCAR Cup Series driver Greg Biffle teamed up with Youtuber Garrett Mitchell, also known as Cleetus McFarland, to fly in supplies on his helicopter and has generators donated by Polaris being delivered to his shop for further deployment.
Thank you to @PolarisInc and @SpaceX @elonmusk for donating 3 pallets of Starlink systems and many generators for deployment on helicopters and flights to support the communities! THIS IS HUGE. I’ve seen the impact first hand for 3 minutes of WiFi and I’m so thankful for the… pic.twitter.com/Fmwyq4dUKX
— Greg Biffle (@gbiffle) September 30, 2024
Biffle also said Statesville Airport was full of donations and lines of people waiting to donate, with RFK Racing co-owner and 2012 Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski among those showing up to lend a hand.
Additionally, the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour event at North Wilkesboro Speedway scheduled for October 5th has been postponed, and the track has been designated as a drop-off location for people wanting to donate supplies.
Racing to help. ?? #CarolinaStrong
JOIN THE CAUSE ?: https://t.co/ctJutRSdt7 pic.twitter.com/E6tUQwbnie
— North Wilkesboro Speedway (@NWBSpeedway) September 30, 2024
Bristol Motor Speedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway have opened their campgrounds free of charge for evacuees of flooded areas. Charlotte also opened its parking lots to be used as a staging area for Duke Energy as they work to restore power to the area and is also a designated drop-off site for donations.
?EVACUEES WELCOME!?
The Speedway’s Medallion campground is located off Hwy 394 just minutes off of Interstate 81. pic.twitter.com/4t5yO4hUpO
— Bristol Motor Speedway (@ItsBristolBaby) September 30, 2024
The American Red Cross is also responding to areas affected by the hurricane and subsequent flooding. A link to the Red Cross donation page can be found here.
