October 25, 2008 - Kevin Harvick presented Robert Ard, son of two-time NASCAR Nationwide Series Champion Sam Ard with a 2007 Chevrolet Van. This Chevrolet van was used in the Shell fuels commercial featuring the No. 29 Shell-Pennzoil driver Kevin Harvick and the “Passionate Experts” from Shell.
Ard, who won the NASCAR Nationwide Series title in 1983 and 1984, has been going through the fight of his life battling Alzheimer’s disease and facing financial woes. The 69-year-old former champion was diagnosed at the age of 66. The doctor’s believe that that the onset of the disease was likely quickened by severe head injuries that Ard sustained in a career-ending 1984 accident. Despite missing the final event of that season, he still won the championship by more than 400 points. In addition, Ard’s wife Jo has been diagnosed with a degenerative eye disease that is slowly taking her vision.
Legends Helping Legends fundraiser to benefit Ard (NASCAR.com)
With
no pension plan, NASCAR's first stars are easily forgotten (Associated
Press)
Richmond International Raceway Raises More
Than $36,000 for Sam Ard
June 6, 2006 – As part of the 25th
anniversary of the NASCAR Busch Series, Richmond International
Raceway joined with NASCAR President Mike Helton, former champions,
series greats, current drivers, teams and fans for an auction
to benefit former NASCAR Busch Series champion Sam Ard during
the May 2006 NASCAR weekend. The two-day auction raised
more than $36,000 to help assist Sam and Jo Ard with medical
expenses. (complete release)
