Clint Bowyer wins the Darrell Gwynn Foundations ” Hot Rods & Reels” Charity Fishing Tournament at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
The Darrell Gwynn Foundation hosted the Hot Shot “Hot Rods & Reels™” Charity Fishing Tournament at the Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Fla. on November 20. Twenty-one fishing boats paired with NASCAR drivers participated in the tournament. Fishing tournament sponsors and Darrell Gwynn Foundation supporters fished with Carl Edwards, Darrell Waltrip, Ryan Newman, Max Papis, Martin Truex, Dave Blaney, Clint Bowyer, Joe Nemecheck, Regan Smith, Greg Sacks, Jamie McMurray, Bobby Labonte, Richard Childress, Bobby Allison, Kenny Schrader, J.J. Yehley and more. Clint Bowyer defended his title and proved once again he and his team were the best anglers at the event. His bass catch totaled 5.89lbs. giving him the Hot Rods & Reels™ title. Other notables that attended the event include Captain Rick Murphy (Sportsman’s Adventures) and logtime Darrell Gwynn Foundation supporter Bill Goldberg (former WCW/WWE champion wrestler). This year’s Hot Rods & Reels™ was filmed and will be featured on an episode of the Outdoor Channel
During the event, the Darrell Gwynn Foundation presented Gabriel Vergara with a $13,000 custom built wheelchair. Gabriel is diagnosed with muscular dystrophy and his health insurance did not allow him to acquire a life-changing wheelchair that the Darrell Gwynn Foundation provided. Gabriel holds a degree in microbiology and plans to attend Florida International University to further his education. His new wheelchair will allow him to pursue his education and ultimately begin a career.
The proceeds from the event benefited the Darrell Gwynn Foundation’s mission to provide AWARENESS, PREVENTION, SUPPORT and ultimately a CURE for paralysis. To raise awareness for that mission, the foundation lobbied for and secured official adoption of Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week by the Florida State Legislature in 2006 and each year since. The fishing tournament was part of a week of events in fifth Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week is being observed November 15-21, 2010. A portion of the proceeds was also donated to the “Speediatrics” unit at Homestead Hospital.
This special unit, which is brightly decked out in a racing theme helps children and families feel more comfortable amid what can be stressful circumstances.
For more information on Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week, the Darrell Gwynn Foundation’s wheelchair donation program and “Hot Rods & Reels™” and how you can help the foundation’s mission, please visit www.darrellgwynnfoundation.org.
PHOTOS:
1. NASCAR Drivers (Back Row L-R) Joe Nemechek, Greg Sacks, Max Papis, Clint Bowyer, Darrell Waltrip, Carl Edwards, Kenny Schrader, Joey Couture, Todd Kersey (Darrell Gwynn Foundation), Richard Childress, Dave Blaney, Bobby Labonte (Front Row L-R) Gabriel Verdana (Wheelchair Recipient), Matteo Papis (son of Max Papis), Marco Papis (son of Max Papis), Darrell Gwynn, J.J. Yehley, Bobby Allison participate in the Hot Shot Hot Rods & Reels Charity Fishing Tournament. (Photo Credit: Jim Donnelly/Darrell Gwynn Foundation)
2. 2010 Hot Rods & Reels Champion Clint Bowyer poses for a photo with his fishing team including: (L-R) Jason Coulter, Brett Isackson and Michael Reynolds along with Darrell Gwynn and Gabriel Vergara (Wheelchair Donation Recipient). (Photo Credit: Jim Donnelly/Darrell Gwynn Foundation)
3. Carl Edwards and his team shows off their bass catch at the Hot Rods & Reels Tournament. Edwards would win the Ford 400 Championship the next day. (L-R) Tim Nichols, Carl Edwards, Rudy Garcia and Dale Northup. (Photo Credit: Jim Donnelly/Darrell Gwynn Foundation)
Press Release: Ryan Rogers Communications Director