While high-octane racing is all we need on some days, it is important to deflect our attention to society as well. NASCAR may be engrossed with Kyle Larson’s sterling Cup Series stats or Shane van Gisbergen’s road racing skills. However, sports executives are also intimately involved with serving a noble cause for the community. They are collating their resources for the federal government for this purpose.
The United States Department of Homeland Security is seeking childhood freedom. More specifically, it is on a mission to curb online child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSA). For this initiative, the US security wing is enlisting the help of big sports leagues like NASCAR and the NFL.
NASCAR signs up for a noble mission
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In the age that we are living in, one social problem soars above the rest. With global digitalization and ballooning social media platforms, people find it too easy to communicate with each other. This lax situation allows children to easily fall prey to cyber criminals. This is the message that the US Department of Homeland Security is trying to send to the public. It announced its latest PSA or Public Service Announcement, titled “It only takes 19 seconds.” It shows an online conversation between a child and a stranger on a gaming platform that turns dangerous in 19 seconds. And NASCAR is part of this awareness effort.
Homeland Security partnered up with both NASCAR and the NFL for this PSA. Through its partnership with the Know2Protect campaign, NASCAR has already played the PSA at several NASCAR Cup Series race venues.
These include Talladega Superspeedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Martinsville Speedway, and Phoenix Raceway. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas expressed his gratitude, “The best way to protect kids and families is to reach them where they are, and our partners play a critical role in sharing the campaign’s educational resources with their audiences. I am grateful to the NFL and NASCAR for uniting with us to help their fans understand how to keep kids safe online and prevent this horrific crime.”
Every year, one in five children gets an unwanted sexual solicitation online. Lack of awareness and skyrocketing technology use places little ones at more risk than ever. So Tom Bryant, NASCAR‘s Vice President of Racing Operations, acknowledged the importance of supporting this cause. “NASCAR is proud to continue its support of the US Department of Homeland Security’s Know2Protect initiative that provides valuable resources to families across the country. This program represents an important commitment to helping ensure that parents and children know how to recognize and respond to potential threats online.”
NASCAR has already enlisted for community initiatives in recent times.
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Helping to get a roof above one’s head
Last year in October, Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc across North Carolina. It claimed more than 100 lives and washed away countless homes in its trail of destruction. However, things could have been way worse if not for the good samaritans of society. The NASCAR Foundation donated around $150,000 towards the relief efforts. Veteran racer Greg Biffle operated his helicopter to deliver crucial supplies to afflicted families. Then teams like Joe Gibbs Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, and 23XI Racing helped the victims either by supplying resources or contributing vast sums of money to the cause.
NASCAR did not stop its efforts more than three months after the natural disaster. Around Christmas last year, the sanctioning body collaborated with Lowe’s and local volunteers to build small, towable houses. The purpose was to provide distressed North Carolinians with roofs above their heads for the holidays. Over 100 such portable homes were delivered in December 2024 and January 2025. This displayed the immense commitment that the sport has towards its community in times of disaster. Similarly, engaging in Homeland Security’s initiative further solidifies NASCAR’s presence in the broader society.
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Battling cyber crime and natural disasters while preparing for a hectic Cup Series season is an extraordinary feat. And NASCAR is doing it, without any regrets.