Posted: May 14, 2008

From aftermarketNews Staff & Wire Reports

SAN ANTONIO – The bidding has closed on the auction of a helmet worn by Patrick Carpentier during the April 20 NASCAR Nationwide Series race. The proceeds from the auction, almost $2,000, were donated to the Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Charity Cars Campaign.

The helmet, a one-of-a-kind scheme, was worn by Carpentier as he took the wheel of the No. 9 Auto Value Dodge in the aftermarket giant’s first international racing appearance at the Autodromo in Mexico City. The eBay auction opened May 2, with fans starting an early bidding war to own a piece of NASCAR history.

Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper have joined forces with The Original 1-800-Charity Cars in a massive project to seek, secure and refurbish vehicles to be presented to qualified recipients. Their goal is donate 1,000 vehicles by the end of 2008.

“We’ve been asking our customers and their neighbors for vehicle donations but while not everyone has a car to give they still want to help and cash donations are just as important for a program this size,” said Steve Marks, senior vice president, advertising/marketing for Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper. “By holding this eBay auction everybody wins!”

For more information or to donate to I-800-Charity Cars, visit: www.1800charitycars.org.