NASHVILLE-Greg Biffle, driver of Roush Fenway Racing’s No. 16 Ford Fusion, signed on again as a Red Cross spokesperson this 2009 racing season to help raise awareness about the ongoing need for blood donations.

“I’m proud to be an American Red Cross blood donor,” said Greg Biffle, driver of the No. 16 3M Ford Fusion. “I give blood because it’s easy to do and helps support the community. I hope NASCAR fans across the country will join me this racing season by giving lifesaving blood as often as they can.”

Biffle, a Red Cross blood donor and member of its National Celebrity Cabinet, will help get the word out to the 75 million passionate NASCAR fans across the country about the importance of blood donation through a program called Red Cross Racing. Red Cross Racing is designed to encourage loyal NASCAR fans to donate blood through the Red Cross.

Thanks to a generous donation by 3M, Biffle will wear the Red Cross fire suit and drive the No.16 Ford Fusion with the full Red Cross paint scheme at the Sprint Cup Series races in Charlotte on Memorial Day weekend and Atlanta on Labor Day weekend.

The Red Cross is also engaged with NASCAR through a number of initiatives, including partnerships with Clorox, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Sunoco, The NASCAR Foundation and the multiple drivers and race tracks that hold blood and bone marrow collections.

Last year’s efforts were a great success as more than 28,000 people joined Red Cross Racing, resulting in nearly 22,500 blood donations. The 2009 program is revamped to offer participants new and exciting rewards for blood donation activities. Registrants have the chance to get points and exchange them for NASCAR-themed prizes, such as limited edition die-cast cars. Fans can join the program by visiting redcrossracing.com. Once registered, individuals can begin accruing points.

Additionally, all fixed center and specified Red Cross Racing drive donors that report their donations on redcrossracing.com will receive a chance to win a VIP trip to the Labor Day race in Atlanta. This prize package includes VIP tickets to the race as well as airfare, and hotel. To be eligible, donations must have take place between May 22, 2009 and August 16, 2009.

Locally, your next opportunity to donate blood and earn Red Cross Racing points is Wednesday, June 17, from 12 noon to 5 p.m. at Celina Community Center located at 145 Cordell Highway in Celina. Plus, anyone presenting to donate blood at this Donor Appreciation drive will enjoy free food and be eligible to win door prizes.

“We hope NASCAR fans will follow Greg Biffle’s lead and support the Red Cross by donating blood,” said Stephen J. Brown, Vice President, South Central Division, American Red Cross. “Red Cross Racing is a great opportunity for loyal NASCAR fans to become dedicated Red Cross blood donors.”

Red Cross Racing is a donor rewards program designed to increase the number of blood donors and the number of times they donate. Participants of this program can get points for a variety of activities including giving blood and/or platelets, and recruiting other blood donors.

–About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation’s blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The American Red Cross is a charity, not a government agency, and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission.