Local NASCAR team and VCU School of Nursing team up for Richmond Busch race

By Michael Ford
University News Services

WHAT:         The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Nursing and Richmond-based Beahr Racing Enterprises have embarked on an association that will kick off the Week of the Nurse on May 3, continue through the NASCAR Busch Series Race at Richmond International Raceway on May 14 and beyond.

The VCU School of Nursing has signed on as an associate sponsor for the May 14th, Funai 250 race. A "VCU School of Nursing" logo will appear on the rear side panels of the number 94 Ford Taurus, driven by Eddie Beahr. Eddie Beahr, Chad Beahr, his Beahr Racing teammate and brother, and one of the team cars will join VCU nursing students and faculty for the university's kick-off events celebrating the Week of the Nurse on Monday, May 3.

The collaboration between Beahr Racing and the VCU School of Nursing was the result of work by Alexa Merchant, president of the VCU Student Nurses' Association, who is interested in becoming a NASCAR nurse. For weeks now, Merchant and other SNA members have been working with this local racing team, donating time, energy and knowledge to help them stay healthy and safe. The student nurses have organized and updated the team's medical records. In addition, SNA members have agreed to be the team�s healthcare unit at trackside during time trials and the race, on May 13 and14.

VCU Student Nurses' Association members will sell newly designed racing-themed SNA tee shirts and raffle Busch race tickets to support the School of Nursing sponsorship at the Week of the Nurse kick-off.

WHEN:          Monday, May 3, 10:30 a.m.

WHERE:        1217 E. Marshall St.

WHO:          •    Eugene P. Trani, president, VCU
                    •    Nancy Langston, dean, VCU School of Nursing
                    •    Alexa Merchant, president of the VCU Student Nurses
                    •    Association
                    •    Eddie Beahr, driver, Beahr Racing Enterprises, # 94 Ford
                    •    Chad Beahr, driver, Beahr Racing Enterprises, #90 Dodge

BACKGROUND:

One of 84 comprehensive nursing schools in the country, the VCU School of Nursing traces its history back to 1893. Ranked 48th among America�s best graduate schools by U.S. News & World Report and ranked 26th among nursing schools in NIH funded research, the School of Nursing is a resource for nurses and nursing throughout Virginia. 

Proud that the owner, driver and crew chief are all from Richmond and Hanover County, Beahr Racing is the only Busch series team based in Richmond.

Located at 600 E. Laburnum Ave., Richmond International Raceway is a three-quarter-mile D-shaped oval track that accommodates more than 105,000 fans. RIR hosts five NASCAR sponsored events each year, two in May and three in September.