Many fans are familiar with Brad Keselowski’s work with military veterans and first responders and their families through his Checkered Flag Foundation. ​ What they may not know is how the foundation has transformed over the last year and the number of new initiatives it has planned this year, in particular focused around the upcoming Memorial Day race weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway and later this fall during the NASCAR playoffs.

We took a step back last year and, over the course of about six months, re-focused our mission statement and defined the direction and our plan for 2017 and beyond,” said the foundation’s Executive Director, Suzanne Boyd.

“In the past, much of the Foundation’s efforts have gone toward hosting activities that benefit a specific (and typically small) group of people. Our plan moving forward is to have an increased focus on fundraising. Throughout the year, we will offer a variety of opportunities for both corporate and public fundraising.

“We will then provide grants to foundations that have well-established programs that help the people who fit our mission – those people who have sacrificed for our country.”