Love’s announced the donation this week to support immediate and long-term relief efforts in Oklahoma following the devastating tornado that impacted the communities of Moore, Shawnee and surrounding areas.

The first $1 million will be designated to the OK Strong Relief Fund established by Governor Mary Fallin to meet the long-term needs of victims in partnership with the United Way of Central Oklahoma. Another donation of $500,000 will be given to Catholic Charities. The remaining $1.5 million will fund a benefit event to honor those impacted by the storm and to raise additional relief funds.

“Our company has been engrained in the fabric of Oklahoma since 1964. Our hearts are saddened by the news of this tragedy affecting so many of our friends and neighbors,” said Tom Love, Chairman and CEO. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and all those impacted by this horrific event.”

Front Row Motorsports was eager to donate space on the car to help raise additional funds.

“Anything we can do to help, we’re obviously happy to do it,” Ragan said. “You feel so helpless when you watch the footage on TV and you wish you could do something more for those folks. The best way to help is to donate money and we hope NASCAR fans will follow in Love’s footsteps in doing so.”

To join Love’s in helping to provide relief over long-term for those affected by the Oklahoma tornadoes, visit www.unitedwayokc.org and click on the Governor’s OK Strong fund to donate.

Wise is a triathlete, with both Half Iron Man and Full Iron Man competitions on his schedule this year. He says his physical conditioning has him ready to run the extra mileage in Sunday night’s Cup race. He’s preparing mentally with racing simulators, video and a little help from his teammates.

Wise has just one Cup start at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway and seven Nationwide Series starts.

Comments from MDS Transport team driver Josh Wise heading to Charlotte:

“The Coke 600 is obviously going to be a long night. I’ve never run it, so 600 miles is going to be a long race, particularly for me since it’s my first time. Mentally, it’s a long time to focus. Luckily, I’ve put a lot into my conditioning over the winter and leading up to this point in the season, so I shouldn’t experience any physical fatigue in the car. But it’s definitely a learning process as far as how much focus you have to put in and how to run such a long race strategically.

“A lot of these races, I’m still a rookie really. So I go into them with an open mind and I try to prepare as well as I can with simulator racing on iRacing, watching videos, talking to my teammates, looking at last year’s scouting reports, understanding race histories and things like that. And I’ll take that same approach into the 600 and know that it’s going to be 100 miles longer than what I’m used to.”

Ragan and his No. 34 Dockside Logistics Ford will both be tested in their return to Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway Sunday night for NASCAR’s longest race.The long-running Coke 600, held in NASCAR’s hometown of Charlotte, helps mark the Memorial Day weekend every year.

Ragan has celebrated some solid results at the 1.5-mile oval in his Cup career, including one top-five and three top-10 finishes. Sunday night’s race will be his 13th career start at Charlotte.

Comments from Dockside Logistics team driver David Ragan heading to Charlotte:

“Half-way into the Coca-Cola 600, you’re 300 miles in. And in a typical race you don’t have much longer to go. In fact, that’s about the standard distance of a Nationwide race. But in the 600, they tell you you’re just half-way and you’ve got to do 300 miles all over again. So, it is a long night.

“I’ve had some really good racecars there where the night flies by. But I’ve also gotten wrecked early on and just rode around for points the rest of the day, and that can be a long night. The Coca-Cola 600 always has a huge crowd. It’s an important race – our longest race of the year. So it’s good for the guys who build our cars and our engines to finish the race and take the checkered flag. That’s cool for everyone to get through that and experience that sense of accomplishment.

“The length of the race is a test for both man and machine. It’s been around this sport for a long time, obviously. The Daytona 500, the Brickyard, and even Darlington and Martinsville, are known for being the longest running races around, but this one has some history, too. Charlotte is the center of our sport, besides Daytona, and is home for a lot of the NASCAR teams, the companies and organizations that make this NASCAR world go around. It’s important and there are a lot of people here watching. Memorial Day weekend is an important weekend for all Americans, so it’s a fun weekend to run well.”

The driver of the No. 38 Long John Silver’s Ford says adjustability is the key to making it through Sunday night’s 600-mile event at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway – being ready to adapt the car to the changing conditions over the course of the night. Gilliland also points to the importance of not losing focus and making mistakes during the extra 100 miles of the marathon race.

Gilliland has 13 career starts at the 1.5-mile oval. His best finish came last fall when he finished 23rd at the October Sprint Cup event.

Comments from Long John Silver’s team driver David Gilliland about heading to Charlotte:

“It’s a long race. You get about 400 miles into it and you start to think, ‘Man, it’s got to be getting close to the end.’ It’s a long race and definitely a very challenging race as well. The track changes a lot over 600 miles, so it can be challenging to build adjustability into your car throughout the race, and staying focused and not making a mistake for that extra 100 miles longer than we usually run. It’s a lot of hours to try to get everything perfect, but that’s what we do.

“It’s a great race. I love Charlotte Motor Speedway. It’s one of my favorite racetracks. And, of course, it’s another ‘home game’ for us, which makes everybody happy because we get to be home for two weeks. It’s a holiday weekend, people have Monday off, so it’s really a fun party atmosphere at the track for all the fans. And they do a great job of filling the stands in Charlotte. People tend to come from all over because they can see so many other things while they’re here, like visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame, check out the race shops. It’s always a fun weekend, so I’m really looking forward to that race.”

For the first time, Front Row Motorsports put a driver into the All-Star Race based on a team win, with David Ragan earning a starting spot after winning two weeks ago at Talladega. Ragan lined up 14th for the Saturday night exhibition event, which featured four 20-lap segments and a final 10-lap dash.

From the get-go, Ragan said his CSX Ford felt tight through the turns and did not grip the track as well as he’d have liked. Concerns about the car were put on hold after eight laps, though, when a rain shower moved in and forced a 41-minute red-flag period.

When the field returned to green-flag racing, Ragan was 19th. Throughout the first four segments, the team made numerous adjustments to help the car turn better in the center and get more overall grip. The efforts helped, but not enough to make a significant charge through the field.

When the green flag waved on the 10-lap final segment, Ragan was in 20th. He was able to climb one additional spot to finish the race in 19th.

Comments from CSX team driver David Ragan after the All-Star race:

“It was a good effort by our CSX team. We never really had the grip we needed all night, though. But I’m proud of this team for making the All-Star Race based on our Talladega win. The guys did a good job on pit road and we learned some things that will definitely help us out next week. And thanks to CSX. It was great having them aboard for such a big event.”

David Gilliland, No. 38 Long John Silver’s Ford
Showdown Starting Position: 14
Showdown Finishing Position: 13

David Gilliland started Saturday night’s Sprint Showdown in 14th, hoping to race his way into one of the top-two spots in order to transfer to the All-Star Race immediately afterward.

The Showdown consisted of two 20-lap segments with an optional pit stop in between. During Segment 1, Gilliland said his Long John Silver’s Ford was tight through the turns. So during the half-way caution period, the team brought their driver down to pit road to make a two-tire change, along with air pressure and chassis adjustments to try to free up the car.

As the second 20-lap segment got under way, the driver reported the two-tire change had made his car tighter. After making a charge in the top 10, Gilliland dropped back as far as 16th with 11 laps to go. A late surge in the final six laps allowed him to pick up three more spots to cross the finish line in 13th.

Comments from Long John Silver’s team driver David Gilliland after the Showdown:

“It would’ve been great to race our way into the All-Star Race, but we were just a bit too tight to be as competitive as we wanted to be. We made a two-tire stop at the half-way point to get some track position, and I think it just affected the car’s handling too much. But it was helpful to be out there tonight in similar conditions that we’ll see next week for the 600. It gives us an idea of what we’ll need to concentrate on.”

Ragan earned his spot in the All-Star starting line-up with his dramatic win at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway on May 5 – the first victory in Front Row Motorsports history. The All-Star race will feature all of the race winners from 2012 and 2013 to date.

Saturday night’s non-points event will be the second time this season that CSX will use the entire Front Row Motorsports No. 34 Ford to promote safety around railroad tracks and crossings. The car will feature a special “Play it Safe” paint scheme, including a bumper sticker on the back that says “I brake for trains,” the “Play it Safe” logo and a hood that says “Beats Goliath, Brakes for trains,” as a nod to Ragan’s status as the last driver to qualify for the prestigious All-Star Race.

“We’re very proud of David and his amazing victory at Talladega, and wanted to use the opportunity to further show our support of this great team and bring attention to a very important message that can save lives,” said Terry Ludban, CSX Director-Community Affairs and Safety. “Motorists should look both ways at crossings, and always expect a train, and pedestrians should stay well clear of railroad tracks.”

The All-Star start will be Ragan’s third appearance in the annual event, but the first earned with a Front Row win. Saturday’s race will comprise four 20-lap segments and a mandatory four-tire pit stop before a final, 10-lap dash to the finish. The winner earns a $1 million prize – plus an extra $1 million bonus if he leads all five segments.

Comments from CSX team driver David Ragan heading to the All-Star race:

“We’re thrilled that CSX is back on our No. 34 Ford for this event. We had a great week with them a couple weeks ago, going to visit the trainyard and CSX employees in Jacksonville and then promoting the ‘Play It Safe’ message throughout the race weekend in Richmond. After we won at Talladega and earned our spot in the All-Star race, they called and said they wanted to be a part of it. So we couldn’t be happier that they’re going racing with us again. There will be a lot of eyes watching Saturday night’s race and it’s a great way for CSX to get out their message of playing it safe around railroad tracks.

“It’s huge to be in the Sprint All-Star Race, and it especially means a lot to a team like Front Row Motorsports. It’s NASCAR’s showcase of the best teams in the sport, and to be included in that is a big deal. Bob Jenkins has been building this team over the last several years and making it better and more competitive every year. Qualifying for the All-Star Race as a result of a Front Row win just shows that he’s doing things right and all the hard work is paying off.

“You don’t realize how important the actual All-Star Race is until you’re in it. I didn’t make the All-Star Race until my third or fourth year in the Sprint Cup Series, and then I realized what a big deal it was to be in that line-up. Even before the green flag waves, you’re proud just to be on the starting grid, representing your team and getting a shot at racing for a million dollars.

“The All-Star Race is something we really look forward to. It’s a little less of a pressure-packed weekend because you don’t have points on the line and it’s a little shorter race. You get to sleep in your own bed for a few nights. So, the All-Star event for the Sprint Cup Series is probably one of the best all-star formats in all the major-league sports.

“Charlotte Motor Speedway was one of the early tests that we had with this Generation-6 car back in December. It’s something that we’ll definitely learn from during our first weekend there coming up and we’ll see how things changed. Really, December seems like an eternity ago with these Gen-6 cars. So we’ll definitely learn a lot that will help us for the 600-mile race the following week.”

The qualifying race comprises two 20-lap segments with an optional pit stop. The top two finishers will transfer to the All-Star race immediately following the Showdown. The winner of a fan vote will also transfer.

Gilliland has two top-10 finishes in six Showdown starts.

Comments from Long John Silver’s team driver David Gilliland about the Showdown:

“There’s definitely less pressure involved when you’re racing in the Showdown. If something happens, there are no points on the line. So, that’s a good feeling going in there, knowing that we can go try stuff that maybe we can’t try on a normal weekend. Frank Kerr, my crew chief, has a lot of great ideas, and I think it’s shown in our performance throughout the year even if we haven’t gotten the finishes we’ve wanted. This All-Star weekend is a great opportunity for us to try some new stuff under less pressure.

“It’d be super special to race our way into the All-Star line-up. I’ve watched that race many times on TV but haven’t yet been able to race in it. We’ve been close, definitely close to transferring in a couple of times. We’ve had fast race cars. We just have to finish off the deal. And I have more confidence this year going in than I’ve ever had.”

Kretschmar donated over $100,000 to Make-A-Wish in 2012 and is helping grant three wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses this year. In Illinois, Kretschmar partnered with Kirby Foods to aid in supporting Elias’ wish. Kirby Foods raised additional funds for Make-A-Wish with sales of paper stars that were sold at its stores’ registers for $1, with proceeds going to Make-A-Wish. The retailer also named a sandwich the Elias Hero Sub on its deli menu in honor of Elias with proceeds also benefitting Make-A-Wish. Kirby Foods presented several video game-related wish enhancements to Elias as part of its support.

“It has been amazing to see the impact of our Legendary Wishes campaign,” said Chuck Gitkin, VP, Marketing, Innovation and R&D, John Morrell Food Group. “It’s extremely fulfilling to know that we’re able to make a difference in the lives of some really great kids and their families. That’s the most important thing. We’re very honored to work with Make-A-Wish and Kirby’s to help fulfill these wishes and appreciate all of their support.”

Elias’ house was filled with many friends and family members on hand to see his big surprise. Kirby Foods provided sandwiches and refreshments for everyone. The retailer also gave Elias an oversized card full of well wishes that were collected over the month of April from the employees and customers at its stores.

“Kretschmar’s generous and enthusiastic support truly allows Make-A-Wish to fulfill its mission of bringing hope, strength and joy to children at a time they need it most,” said Stephanie Springs, Chief Executive Officer of Make-A-Wish Illinois.

Kretschmar is a part of the John Morrell Food Group, a subsidiary of Smithfield Foods, Inc. (NYSE: SFD). For more information about Kretschmar Deli please visit www.kretschmardeli.com.

The driver of the No. 38 Long John Silver’s Ford is in his fourth season with the Statesville, N.C.-based team, has watched it grow and progress every season and has persevered in trying to get owner Bob Jenkins his first win. He did just that on Sunday in Talladega, Ala., and now continues his efforts to achieve his own victory in the Cup series with the next stop being Darlington (S.C.) Raceway for this weekend’s historic Southern 500.

In six starts at the 1.366-mile oval, Gilliland has one top-20 finish.

Comments from Long John Silver’s team driver David Gilliland heading to Darlington:

“We’re still all smiling and in a great mood from Talladega. It was just a huge day for Front Row Motorsports. We’re a little team building. I feel like we’re getting better each and every week. I feel like this new car has really helped us a lot this year to be more competitive at every style of race track that we go to, so it’s definitely big for us. I know Frank Kerr, my new crew chief, has a big wish list of parts and pieces he wants for our race car, trying to make them lighter and faster, and I’m sure he’ll get a couple of those. Hopefully, that will help.

“I was trying to beat (Ragan) for sure, but we had to get there first. Once I pushed him out to the lead, the 99 was on my side and David had kind of got enough of a lead that I wasn’t going to pass him, and at that point I was obviously trying to finish second. I’ve had some great finishes in restrictor plate races in the past and I still obviously want to get that first win, but we’ll take second for sure and a first with our teammate.

“Darlington is an awesome racetrack. It’s unique. Richmond you can relate to Phoenix, Bristol you can kind of relate to Dover. Darlington you can’t relate it to anywhere. It’s its own place, and there’s no other racetrack in the country, at least that I’ve ever raced on, that’s even close. It’s a tough track. It definitely lives up to its nickname each and every year. It’s very challenging, but it’s a lot of fun.

“It’s difficult. The track changes as it rubbers up, obviously, and it’s hard on tires, even after they repaved it. I think it slows down a lot throughout the race and changes a lot between the practices and the race. So you have to look back on and rely on your notes to try to get as close as you can.”

The No. 35 MDS Transport Ford team heads to Darlington for Saturday night’s historic Southern 500 after notching a 19th-place finish in last week’s race at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeeday, in which teammates David Ragan and David Gilliland finished first and second. The top-20 finish was Wise’s best result of the 2013 season and his best-ever finish at the superspeedway.

Comments from MDS Transport team driver Josh Wise heading to Darlington:

“I love Darlington. It’s so cool because it’s truly different. Even just looking at it, you can see it’s different on both ends. You run right up by the wall, which is really cool. It reminds me of running a sprint car up on the dirt back in the old days when you’re right up against the fence, and it’s just like that at Darlington. It’s just a fun, fast track, and the sensation of speed there is really cool.

“It can be difficult, though. Last spring was my first time there in the Cup car. We were fortunate, and we got up to speed pretty quick. The trickiest part of the track, I think, is the entries to the corners because you’re carrying different amounts of speed into Turn 3 versus Turn 1, and the radius of each corner is different. So that was the trick for me – just learning to gauge my speed into the corner versus how good I got off the previous corner.

“I’m so happy for this team, with Front Row Motorsports getting its first win last weekend at Talladega. Our car wasn’t quite as good our teammates – we had a couple issues toward the end of the race – but we still came home with a top-20 finish with the MDS Ford, which is pretty good. There were a lot of busted up cars in that infield last week, and we brought home three clean cars, which is the first time we’ve ever done that. It was a huge day overall, and we all look forward to getting the next one.”