Irvan was joined on the racetrack at MIS with fellow NASCAR celebrities, members of the Michigan Army National Guard, traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors and their supporters in the quest to conquer the epidemic of TBI in America.

"AAA is proud to be a part of the success of this year's LAPS Walk," said Mike Yost, AAA Motorsports Director. "Sponsoring this event is an extension of our mission to increase awareness for transportation safety and TBI prevention."

The third year for LAPS Walk proved to be highly inspirational, interactive, and successful in terms of an increased number of participants and awareness generated. Additionally, in 2007, the focus of LAPS Walk was expanded beyond transportation and helmet-related safety to honor our American military with a portion of the funds raised helping provide support for soldiers returning from the current wars who have sustained TBIs.

"With TBI being the signature injury of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, I want to commend Race2Safety and the Brain Injury Association of Michigan for the 2007 LAPS Walk as we attempt to raise awareness of traumatic brain injury and demonstrate their support of our American Heroes," said Brigadier General Carol Ann Fausone of the Michigan Army National Guard.

The 2007 LAPS Walk was an amalgamation of many elements that created a truly compelling setting for the message of TBI awareness and prevention. The festivities kicked off with an energetic musical performance by country singer and TBI activist Christi Bauerlee and a display of military vehicles including the number 25 National Guard car. Irvan took the stage to welcome the crowd at 10:30a.m.,followed by remarks from Brigadier General Carol Ann Fausone of the Michigan Air National Guard, NASCAR legend Bobby Allison, former NASCAR driver Jerry Nadeau, Jerome Marks representing Governor Jennifer Granholm, and Mike Dabbs, president of the BIAMI.

Opening ceremonies included the national anthem and Color Guard presentation; a tribute lap with the LAPS Walk pace car, MIS pace car, police cruisers, and military humvees; Christi Bauerlee's stirring rendition of God Bless America; and a moment of silence for those who have been affected by TBI. Following the opening ceremonies, Irvan lead the crowd with Bobby Allison, Jerry Nadeau, Larry Mc Reynolds, and Jeff Hammond of Speed Channel at his side on the 1.25 mile route that allowed participants to walk on the same track where Irvan experienced both his greatest racing victory and his career-ending crash.

In an expression of gratitude, prizes were awarded to select individuals who raised funds above and beyond the minimum requirement. Suzy Durso from Greensburg, Penn., won the drawing for those who raised over $100, the prize being on-air interview with Ernie Irvan on 106.7 The Fox during LAPS Walk. For raising $250 or more, Jeff Rumfield of Sunfield, Mich., won the drawing for a stock car driving experience for two, care of Track Time Driving Schools, Inc.

The top LAPS Walk fundraising team was Ciara Smiles, headed by Tricia Morris from Traverse City, Mich., which successfully raised over $3,200 in honor of Tricia's two daughters, Jena and Ciara, who sustained TBIs in a car crash. As top fundraiser, Tricia's team won the opportunity to fly over the Busch race at MIS on Saturday, August 18th in a WWII B-25 bomber, care of Yankee Air Museum.

"We participate in LAPS Walk every year in order to help prevent other families from experiencing this life-altering injury," said Tricia Morris. "Jena and Ciara often miss out on regular childhood fun due to their brain injuries, so it was truly priceless to climb aboard the B-25 bomber with them for the ride of a lifetime."

Other teams that raised significant funds included Helmets Save Cherished Memories headed by the Garbo family, Ben Smith's Crew, and RPC Women's Group headed by Teri Cooke.

For more information on LAPS Walk please visit www.lapswalk.org or call the Brain Injury Association of Michigan at 810.772.4323.

About the Brain Injury Association of Michigan The Brain Injury Association of Michigan (BIAMI) was founded in 1981 by family members, persons with brain injury and persons in the brain injury profession. At the time, brain injuries were largely misunderstood and services for those affected were hard to find. In the years since its inception, much progress has been made in treating brain injuries, and the BIAMI has expanded its focus to include prevention programs. The BIAMI's mission is to enhance the lives of those affected by brain injury through education, advocacy, research and local support groups and to reduce the incidence of brain injury through prevention.

About Race2Safety Race2Safety was formed in 2004 to make a positive difference in the lives of men, women and children across America by informing and educating them about the latest transportation-related head protection equipment and technologies and actively promoting the everyday use of such equipment. Race2Safety works closely with safety equipment manufacturers, head injury prevention and treatment associations, as well as state and federal transportation safety organizations to help dramatically reduce the number of transportation-related traumatic brain injuries that occur every year.