ANN ARBOR, MI -- MAHLE Clevite has pledged its support of NASCAR Day by making a donation on behalf of every one of its employees.

NASCAR has officially designated May 18 as a day dedicated to supporting the many charitable causes of the NASCAR Foundation. The NASCAR Foundation welcomes donations of any amount, yet it asks fans to donate just five dollars in order to receive a commemorative pin showing their support for the selected causes. MAHLE Clevite stepped up by making a contribution for each of its more than 500 employees located throughout the country by writing a check payable on their behalf to the NASCAR Foundation. MAHLE Clevite encourages all of their employees to proudly wear their NASCAR Day pin, not only on May 18, but also beyond, displaying MAHLE Clevite's commitment to the Foundation and the causes it supports.

MAHLE Clevite's brands of Clevite engine bearings, Victor Reinz gaskets, and Perfect Circle piston rings are official NASCAR Performance p rod ucts.

"NASCAR has always been about much more than great stock car racing," said Jesse Jones, responsible for marketing at MAHLE Clevite Inc. "The community of NASCAR teams, suppliers, and fans has always been a true family, and that spirit of family is evident in the caring and support that's seen whenever it's called upon. That includes supporting seriously ill children along with funding research to find cures for life-threatening illnesses for children and adults.

"We are long-time supporters of NASCAR racing and the causes supported by the organization, and we're happy to back up our technical and p rod uct support with money that will go toward comforting and healing children and adults that need our help. We encourage everyone -- fans, sponsors, weekend racers and those in the automotive parts and service businesses to support this cause as well," said Jones.

You can find a link to the Foundation at MAHLE Clevite's enthusiast website: http://www.motorheadheaven.com.