New NASCAR Campaign Seeks to Help Millions of Americans Breathe Easier

Think NASCAR is all about fast cars and Dale Earnhardt, Jr.? Think again.

The sport might have a need for speed, but they clearly have a need to give back, too. And today comes news that the fine folks at the National Association for Stock Car Racing — better known as NASCAR — have embraced the cause of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and are working hard to help eradicate a widespread problem that does not always garner national media attention.

According to a press release, DRIVE4COPD will become the "Official Heath Initiative" of NASCAR – and they plan to educate fans about the disease and provide screenings at NASCAR Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series races.

"COPD is the fourth-leading cause of death in the U.S., affecting an estimated 24 million people – half of whom are undiagnosed," Steve Phelps, NASCAR's Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer said in the release. "NASCAR fans have a history of being receptive to and involved in health initiatives, and we believe we can make a difference in this unique partnership with the DRIVE4COPD."

So what exactly is COPD? Basically, it's a catch-all phrase encompassing a range of conditions that adversely affect breathing and lung capacity, like chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Part of NASCAR's DRIVE4COPD campaign includes the "Race for the Missing Millions," a 4-day cross-country "race" to identify the millions of people who may be at risk for COPD and don't know it. Stars including Danica Patrick, Bruce Jenner, Jim Belushi and Michael Strahan signed on to participate.

Want to learn more? Check out the DRIVE4COPD Web site here, and let's thank NASCAR for trying to help all American breathe a little easier.

U.S. Air Force photo by Larry McTighe courtesy of Wikimedia Commons