Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
Released by the Governor's Office
Date: January 06, 2003
Contact:
Governor Warner Announces NASCAR Driver Ward Burton to Appear in Virginia State Park Spots
RICHMOND — Governor Mark R. Warner announced today that NASCAR Winston Cup driver and current Daytona 500 champion Ward Burton will serve as a spokesperson for Virginia State Parks in public service announcements to begin airing February 1st.
Jan. 6, 2003. Governor Mark Warner (right) and NASCAR Winston Cup driver and current Daytona 500 champion Ward Burton (left) appear at a news conference at the State Capitol in Richmond. Burton, of South Boston, Va., will serve as a spokesperson for Virginia State Parks in radio and TV advertisements.“Ward Burton’s popularity as a NASCAR personality and his lifelong commitment to the outdoors will be a tremendous benefit to promoting Virginia State Parks,” said Governor Warner. “Ward and the parks are a natural fit. He is a Virginia native who is deeply involved in his community. Virginia State Parks are family-oriented attractions that entertain guests from around the country and also are vital parts of the local communities they serve.”
The spots will run on more than 80 radio and nearly 30 television stations across the state as part of a multi-year agreement between the Virginia Association of Broadcasters and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.
The name of the spots featuring Burton is “That Winning Feeling.” Burton, a native and current resident of Halifax County, is the first Virginian to win the Daytona 500. He has five career victories on the Winston Cup circuit and was a two-time winner in 2002, adding the New England 300 to his Daytona win.
Virginia State Parks are the current holder of the Gold Medal Award as the best managed state park system in the country. The National Sporting Goods Association’s Sports Foundation, Inc. in cooperation with the National Recreation and Park Association presents the award.
“Virginia State Parks are tremendous places for the entire family to go and enjoy the outdoors,” said Burton. “My family and I frequently visit Staunton River State Park. It’s an experience I would recommend to anyone.”
Burton, an avid outdoorsman, established the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation to promote wildlife conservation and the proper stewardship of our natural resources. The foundation currently manages land along the Staunton River to maintain suitable wildlife habitat. It is currently raising money to acquire an adjoining tract of land and to develop an environmental education center on the property.
Information on the Ward Burton Foundation will be available in Virginia State Parks and in information packets used to respond to inquiries generated by the “Winning Feeling” campaign.
Visit the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation for further information. For more information on Virginia’s award winning state parks, call toll-free 1-800-933-PARK or visit the DCR web site.
-30-
Governor of Virginia - Mark R. Warner
Copyright 2003
Share this news release:
