In the midst of the excitement surrounding the final races of the NASCAR season, the nation is grappling with a devastating tragedy. Earlier this week, after Hurricane Helene slammed into Florida and swept inland, severe destruction spread across the southern United States, hitting North Carolina—the heart of NASCAR—especially hard. With the local community in distress, NASCAR teams quickly sprang into action, organizing efforts to provide resources for those affected. Team Penske was among the first to respond, pledging a significant donation to aid those suffering from the hurricane’s aftermath. However, while fans appreciated the gesture, their outrage was directed toward the government.
After Hurricane Helene left North Carolina in ruins, it was only a matter of time before NASCAR stepped in. Earlier in the week, Greg Biffle, along with Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing, set the pace by sending helicopters to different regions to assist in rescue efforts and distribute relief materials. North Carolina, a state with deep roots in NASCAR’s history, is home to many teams and drivers, and fans anticipated that the sport’s community would rally to help in the state’s time of need. Team Penske responded to the call, partnering with Samaritan’s Purse to provide substantial aid. As part of their effort, the team donated $1 million to Samaritan’s Purse, based in Boone. These relief efforts have been heartening, as the NASCAR community gives back to North Carolina, a state that has played a pivotal role in shaping the sport. While this generosity is deeply appreciated by fans, there is also a growing undercurrent of frustration.
Though NASCAR teams are leading the charge in relief efforts, fans have expressed disappointment, believing that the government should be more involved in the recovery. While they acknowledge and appreciate the teams’ contributions, many feel that the government should be at the forefront of disaster relief. One fan remarked, “It’s kinda sad companies are donating a ton of money because our own government chose to waste it.” This sentiment has grown louder as NASCAR’s donations continue to roll in. Before Team Penske made its pledge, two other major figures in NASCAR, Joey Logano and Michael Jordan, had already committed to helping.
Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Team Penske car, pledged $250,000 earlier in the week, with $25,000 of that amount already going to ‘Convoy of Hope.’ Logano’s contribution to North Carolina is personal, as it’s the state where he built his NASCAR career. His commitment to disaster relief goes deeper, however. In 2011, after helping with the rebuilding efforts in Missouri, Logano was profoundly impacted by the experience and subsequently founded the Joey Logano Foundation, which focuses on helping people recover from catastrophic events like Hurricane Helene. Over the past decade, the foundation has donated $5 million to assist those in need. Reflecting on Logano’s generosity, one fan commented, “Doing more than our own government is for NC.”
Similarly, Michael Jordan, co-owner of Team 23XI and a North Carolina native, also joined the relief efforts. Jordan expressed his commitment to the state, stating, “While the process of recovery will take a long time, as a proud North Carolinian, I know firsthand the strength and resilience of the people in the state we call home, and we will get through this together.” Jordan and Team 23XI pledged $500,000 to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund and the Second Harvest of Metrolina. Fans shared their frustration on Team Penske’s Instagram post, criticizing the government’s response to the crisis. One fan commented, “It’s crazy how NASCAR teams are doing more than the government.”
North Carolina holds a special place in NASCAR’s history, with its rich ties to the sport’s heritage. Many teams are headquartered there, and countless drivers, including legends like Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt, have proudly called the state home. As Team Penske made their pledge public, one fan expressed gratitude, saying, “Thank you, Penske! Our government should take notes,” urging the authorities to step up in the face of this disaster.
As donations continue to pour in from the NASCAR community, some fans believe the sport is doing more for North Carolina than the government. NASCAR teams have been partnering with organizations like the Red Cross, urging people to contribute to various non-profits that are supporting relief efforts. One fan remarked, “When a race team does more than the government.”
While some fans express frustration with the government, it’s important to acknowledge that local authorities have been mobilizing resources to aid those affected. The National Guard has been working tirelessly to rescue people stranded in flooded areas. The Asheville Regional Airport has been transformed into a central hub for distributing supplies across the state, with military aircraft like the C-17—typically used for military transport—now repurposed for air-dropping aid. With many roads blocked due to flooding, these airlifts have become a critical lifeline for delivering assistance.
So far, 26 aircraft have been deployed to North Carolina, and over 1,100 National Guard members and airmen are actively involved in the relief effort.
