When it comes to granting wishes, NASCAR^® star Jeff Gordon belongs in the winner’s circle. Despite a lifestyle that rarely gives him a chance to slow down, he’s helped the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® bring an incredible amount of joy to wish kids.

Gordon has granted more than 160 wishes through the cooperation of his own charitable organization, The Jeff Gordon Foundation; during the 2006 race season, he has pledged to meet with wish kids each weekend. He also supports the Foundation through generous annual giving and donating signed memorabilia for the Foundation to auction.

In July 2006, Gordon also revved up audiences who tuned in to ESPN’s SportsCenter and its highly popular “My Wish” series. In a memorable segment, he granted an incredible wish to 11-year-old Johnny, who has been treated since birth for stuck twin syndrome. Johnny received a tour of the garage where mechanics keep Gordon’s #24 car in top shape, and he even sat in the famed driver’s seat.

Though each wish he grants is a one-of-a-kind experience, Gordon makes sure every wish is up to his standards. Each wish kid parts company with incredible memorabilia: a team hat, an official “I met Jeff Gordon” T-shirt designed specially for the wish child and a commemorative gold coin.

“It’s great that the Make-A-Wish Foundation offers the opportunity for children with life-threatening medical conditions to have their wishes and dreams come true,” Gordon said. “It’s an honor to think their one wish is to attend a race and meet drivers, and to meet me. This gives them the chance to enjoy a NASCAR weekend and hopefully forget about their illness for a while. Seeing the smile on their face puts a smile on mine.”

Even as he steers through his considerable commitments each week (not to mention chasing the checkered flag), Jeff puts his heart into every wish. The winning smiles from every wish kid he meets are a moving victory, whatever the time.