QUINCY, Mass. — The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) announced that Joey Gase, with NY Racing, will compete on behalf of NFPA at the Jack Link’s 500 NASCAR Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday, April 26.
Gase will be behind the wheel of car #44 emblazoned with Sparky the Fire Dog, NFPA’s beloved fire safety mascot, marking Sparky’s 75th birthday. Since 1951, Sparky has helped educate generations of people on the importance of fire prevention and safety.
NFPA is celebrating the milestone with activities throughout the year highlighting Sparky’s continuing role in promoting fire safety for children and families, according to the association announcement.
Why is Joey Gase Teaming with NFPA?
“Having Joey back on the track at Talladega is another important opportunity to bring NFPA’s safety message to NASCAR fans throughout the country,” says Lorraine Carli, NFPA vice president of outreach and advocacy, in the association announcement.
“As we share that message this week, it is also important to recognize that our hearts are with the Birmingham community following the tragic loss of three family members in a recent home fire,” she says. “We extend our deepest condolences to all those affected by this tragic event, which only underscores the importance of home fire safety.”
When is the Jack Link’s 500?
Sunday’s Jack Link’s 500 race will begin at 2 p.m. CST and will be carried on FOX and HBO Max. Radio coverage will be available on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Talladega marks another stop in NFPA’s ongoing racing sponsorship with Gase. His team represented NFPA last month at Darlington Raceway and at Martinsville Speedway as part of the NFPA 250, “further extending NFPA’s safety reach, impact and audience,” according to the association announcement.
