Garcia travels to NYC for special cause

Alex Garcia To Attend The American Foundation For Suicide Prevention Lifesavers Dinner

Transnet Racing & Hooked on Driving Donate A Day At The Track With NASCAR Nationwide Series Driver

NEW YORK, New York (Friday, May 9th, 2008) -- Amidst preparations for his second race of the 2008 racing season, NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Alex Garcia will be traveling to New York City for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Lifesavers Dinner.

The annual event, which is in its 20th year, is held to honor those in the medical, psychological, and entertainment fields which have impacted suicide prevention through research, education, treatment, or representation in the media. Survivors of suicide, those left behind by loved ones who have taken their own life, are also honored.

The event also serves as a major fundraiser for the AFSP, which uses money earned through ticket sales, donations, and a silent auction to fund scientific research, educational initiatives, and the promotion of legislation and policies which impact suicide prevention.

Contributing to the silent auction, Transnet Racing has donated a High Performance Driving Experience at Pocono Raceway hosted by Hooked on Driving. Garcia will take the winner around Pocono's road course circuit, teaching them the course and instructing how to safely and quickly navigate the track. The winner will then take the driver's seat with Alex as their coach, receiving approximately 2.5 hours of track time to perfect their driving skills.

Garcia, who became the first Venezuelan to race in NASCAR when he debuted in Mexico City, Mexico in 2007, became involved with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention due to the loss of his friend to suicide in 2002. After dealing with the loss for nearly half a decade, in 2007 Transnet Racing began a relationship with the organization in hopes of bringing light to the tragic and misunderstood issue of suicide.

"I am truly honored to be invited to the Lifesavers Dinner," says Garcia. "The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is such a great organization, and I am very happy to help contribute to their efforts in educating, researching, and assisting those affected by suicide. Suicide and its causes are such complex issues, but I know that the AFSP's initiatives are far-reaching, and will prevent countless others from having to suffer the feelings of hopelessness or the loss of a loved one."

"I am really looking forward to taking the winner of the silent auction out on the track," he continues. "I have to thank Hooked on Driving for allowing me the opportunity to work with them and participate in their day at Pocono Raceway. I hope that we're able to raise a lot of money for the foundation with this."

This year's dinner, hosted by 9-time Olympic gold medalist Greg Louganis, will be honoring actors Marcia Gay Harden and Joe Pantoliano, and writer/director Joe Greco with the AFSP Public Education Award for the film Canvas, which depicts a family's struggle with schizophrenia. The evening will also include a performance by Emmylou Harris.

The next race for Transnet Racing comes at the Milwaukee Mile on June 21st. The 250 lap race on the legendary 1 mile track will be the first race on a NASCAR oval for Alex Garcia, as well as his first night race in a stock car. Dixien Automotive Stampings and OmniSource will continue their support as sponsors of the 98 Chevrolet.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Lifesavers Dinner will be held Wednesday, May 14 at 6:30 PM with cocktail reception and auction, followed by dinner, awards, and entertainment at 7:30 PM.

For more information about the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, visit www.afsp.org or call 646-861-6616.

For more information about Hooked on Driving, or to participate in the High Performance Driving Experience, visit www.hookedondriving.com.

For more information about Alex Garcia, visit www.transnetracing.com.

For more information about our sponsors, visit www.dixien.com and www.omnisource.com.

-credit: tr