Jayne Lynch and Kate Upton have been named the grand marshals for the Daytona 500.

CHARLOTTE, NC (February 9, 2012) - With under a month to go before the green flag drops on the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, America Israel Racing (AIR) has unveiled its unique paint scheme for the No. 49 Robinson-Blakeney Racing Toyota that will be driven by JJ Yeley at the Daytona 500.

Inspired by AIR's mission of promoting the importance of America supporting Israel, the design prominently displays both the United States and Israel flags as well as a striking image of a bald eagle holding both nations' flags in its claws and an olive branch in its beak on the hood.

"We wanted to ensure our car design was not only eye-catching, but properly conveyed the mission and values of America Israel Racing," said AIR co-founder Rich Shirey. "The eagle in particular contains a great deal of symbolism - it has a determined look on its face, because we are determined to voice the importance of America's support of Israel.

"However, we wanted to be sure to include the olive branch, because it is a universal sign of peace and above all else, America Israel Racing's message is a peaceful one."

Images of the No. 49 America Israel Racing Robinson-Blakeney Toyota is attached. Additional photos are available on America Israel Racing's Facebook page at facebook.com/AmericaIsraelRacing or by request.

American Israel Racing has teamed with Robinson-Blakeney Racing of Monroe, North Carolina, to place a car in the 2012 Daytona 500 field on February 26 at Daytona International Speedway in Florida. AIR hopes to continue its partnership with Robinson-Blakeney Racing beyond Daytona, and with the support of like-minded individuals AIR will spread its message of American Israeli support by placing a car in the NASCAR Sprint Cup field for the entire 2012 season. Anyone wishing to support America Israel Racing and its cause can make a donation online at AmericaIsraelRacing.com.
About America Israel Racing
America Israel Racing was formed to raise awareness of the importance of America supporting Israel, the only true democracy in the Middle East, as it stands against its enemies. The North Carolina-based race team, founded in 2011, is in the process of fundraising to field a car in the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starting with the Daytona 500. Through strategic partnerships and joint ventures with other organizations, America Israel Racing hopes to spread the message throughout the world that the United States supports Israel.

AmericaIsraelRacing.com facebook.com/AmericaIsraelRacing twitter.com/AmIsraelRacing