NASCAR racing star Benny Gordon, co-owner of the car, will be racing the car on Richmond International Raceway. He was ranked as the seventh best professional driver in the world by National Speed Sports News in 2008, USAR Pro Cup Champion in 2005, and Rookie of the Year in 2003.
“I consider it a real honor to race this car in commemoration of 9/11,” said Gordon in a news release. “I hope that racing this car will not just be a way to mark the anniversary, but will help remind others that we have an obligation to remember.”
The black, blue, and white car bears an inscription “Always Remember” and a 9/11 logo for the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. The car will be racing as No. 72.
At the launching ceremony on Monday, 9/11 Memorial President Joe Daniel, Gordon, 9/11 Memorial board and family members, 9/11 survivors, and representatives from Fire Department and Port Authority Police Department signed on the inside of the car’s hood in commemoration.
“I hope that [the car] will help re-awaken a spirit of unity that was so important in the aftermath of the attacks, because that sense of togetherness helped carry us through those dark days,” said Anthoula Katsimatides, 9/11 Memorial board member and family member. She lost her 31-year-old brother, John, who was working in the North Tower.
New York Fire Department retired Lieutenant Mickey Kross, who is 9/11 First Responder and survivor, will present the American flag that was flowing over ground zero to fly at the racetrack.
Gordon said that he hopes NASCAR's popularity and the paint job will attract more support for the planned $610-million memorial and museum.
The National September 11 Memorial and Museum is the nonprofit corporation designated to manage the design, fundraising, programs, and operation of the memorial and museum, which will take up eight of the 16 acres of the World Trade Center site.
It will remember the nearly 3,000 people who died in the attacks on February 26, 1993 and September 11, 2001. Designed by Michael Arad and Peter Walker, two pools will be located in the footprints of the original Twin Towers.
Another way to support, he said, is to participate in a “text to remember” fundraising and awareness program. By texting “WTC” to 30644, the general public will be able to add their name to an honor roll on the 9/11 Web site, www.national911memorial.org, in commemoration of the victims. An optional $5 donation will also be offered.
