MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Sept. 13, 2017) – To honor the remarkable achievements of Dale Earnhardt Jr. throughout his NASCAR career both on and off the track, Chicagoland Speedway has come up with a unique parting gift for the 42-year-old, third-generation star. The speedway, in conjunction with PAWS Chicago, will hold a donation drive for pets during the race weekend at the 1.5-mile oval in Joliet, Ill.

The event taps into Earnhardt Jr.’s love for his dogs, Gus and June Bug, and benefits PAWS Chicago, the largest no-kill humane organization in the Midwest, will continue its efforts to end the overpopulation and euthanasia of homeless pets. In addition to the collection of needed materials, the speedway will also make a cash donation to PAWS Chicago in Earnhardt Jr.’s name.

In the wake of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, which displaced thousands of pets and their human companions, PAWS Chicago is assisting the effort to rescue and evacuate animals in the storm-affected areas. The animal shelter finds homes for more than 5,100 pets each year, and massive amounts of wet dog and cat food and kitty litter are needed to keep up with the influx of new arrivals.

Fans are encouraged to bring any of the items listed below to any of the four races during this week’s NASCAR Cup/NASCAR Xfinity Series weekend at Chicagoland Speedway. Donations can be left at the Raceway Ministries Tent located on the northwest corner of the midway, before they are all transported to PAWS Chicago by the Chicagoland Speedway staff.

Items for dogs:

• Pill pocket treats
• Biodegradable poop bags
• Kong brand toys and Kong stuffing
• Nylon leashes
• Collars
• Stainless steel dog bowls
• Dog treats
• Dry and wet dog or puppy food (any brand)
• Dog crates
• Dog brushes (new)
• Virbac Epi-Soothe shampoo
• Large or long rope toys
• Puppia brand soft harnesses for small dogs.

Items for cats:

• Pill pocket treats
• Cat toys
• Dry and wet cat or kitten food (any brand)
• Litter boxes (9” x 13” x 2”) or aluminum disposable trays
• Stainless steel cat bowls
• Cat litter
• Plastic cat carriers
• Cat brushes (new).

General:

• 10-, 30- and 55-gallon garbage bags
• Clean, new or used towels
• Flat sheets and blankets (microfiber or fleece)
• Mop heads
• PETCO gift cards
• Gas gift cards
• Small paper plates
• Rubber cleaning gloves
• Paper towels
• Window cleaning products.

To ensure prompt use and allow for quality assurance, Chicagoland Speedway and PAWS Chicago ask that all donations be new, unused and unopened.