NASCAR Driver John Andretti Visits Rainbow Center

Wilkesboro, NC - March 24, 2009 – This year's Saint Patrick's Day was especially lucky for children and youth of Rainbow Center – Children & Family Services (RCCFS) because they received a special visit from NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Driver John Andretti.

"Visiting the children is an exciting opportunity for me. I love talking to kids and telling them about racing," says Andretti.

Andretti, who drives the No. 34 Window World Chevrolet as a part of the Front Row Motorsports and Earnhardt Ganassi Racing partnership, gave a presentation about professional racing. He showed the children his uniform including shoes, gloves, and helmet and explained that all were specially made to be fireproof. He also mentioned that race cars are typically 40 degrees hotter than the outside temperature with the only cooling system coming from cool air blown through his helmet. Children also got to see a driver's seat and learn about the car's many seatbelts.

Andretti adds, "I started racing in NASCAR at the North Wilkesboro Speedway. It was my very first race. I loved it, loved the track, and I knew I wanted to continue racing in the NASCAR series."

The audience was able to ask Andretti about sportsmanship, his favorite race track, influences in his life, and other questions. After the presentation, Andretti autographed Window World hats, t-shirts, and collector photos, and he also took several pictures with the children.

Andretti, a native of Bethlehem, PA, has two victories at Daytona International Speedway (24 Hours of Daytona & Pepsi 400), and is a two-time winner in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competition. One of the most versatile drivers active today, Andretti has driven and won in nearly every major form of auto racing including, stock car, IndyCar, sports car and even top fuel drag racing. Andretti, who began racing go-karts at age 9, is the son of Aldo Andretti, the twin brother of IndyCar racing legend Mario Andretti.

"We are thrilled to have our Window World Racing partnership with a driver of John's caliber. He believes like us that it's not just what happens on the track that is important. It's what you can do off the track to influence young people in a positive manner that can truly make a difference in the lives of so many. Like the Window World family John Andretti has long been a supporter of children's causes and shares our enthusiasm for the great work being done at the Rainbow Center," says Todd Whitworth, Window World CEO.

Headquartered in Wilkes County, Window World is the largest replacement window company in the United States with over 200 stores in 46 states. Additionally, through its charitable foundation Window World Cares, the Window World family provides funding for commendable community causes including Rainbow Center – Children & Family Services (RCCFS). For more information about Window World or Window World Cares please visit, www.windowworld.com and www.windowworldcares.com.

"We very much appreciate Mr. Andretti's visit. The shy smiles of the older kids and the genuine excitement of the younger ones was really something to see. Window World has been a great supporter of Rainbow Center, and I would like to especially thank our Board Member Tammy Whitworth and her husband, Todd, for making this event possible," says RCCFS Campaign Chair John Matthews.

Rainbow Center – Children & Family Services is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization that provides an array of human services to at-risk children, youth, and families throughout Northwestern North Carolina. Programs include Residential Care (group homes), Family Counseling, Foster Care, Outpatient Therapy, High Country Academy (day treatment), and High Country First in Families (services for developmentally disabled). For more information about Rainbow Center, visit www.rainbowcenterforchildren.org or call (336) 667-3333.

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