Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR superstar and philanthropist, is known to always make the right moves both on and off the track. The reigning three time Sprint Cup champion has decided to try to get the school systems in the Charlotte area back in the race with a sizeable donation through his charity, the Jimmie Johnson Foundation. Being bit by the automotive bug at a young age, Jimmie was always fascinated with cars and how they work. Seemingly born with an automotive engineer’s eye, he knows how to get the most out of what he’s driving. Well, he knows that America’s children are driven by the quality of their schools, which is precisely why he’s made a $150,000 donation in order to give each student an opportunity to come in first. In these days of thunder, Johnson knows that giving back is the best way to quiet the raging storm of this recession.

Jimmie Johnson launched the Jimmie Johnson Foundation in February 2006. A joint endeavor with his wife, this couple has provided financial assistance to initiatives such as Make-A-Wish and the American Red Cross. However, in this time of great need in the education system, the Johnsons decided to focus their attentions on trying to give back to schools. With that said, this $150,000 donation is coming just in time to help the school budgets of the Charlotte area. “Due to the budget cuts, there are some things we used to do that we can’t do any more,” said Charlotte-Mecklenburg Superintendent Peter Gorman. “A wonderful gift like this will help us in a big way.” Susie Wiberg, a partnership coordinator, stated that “This program helps fill many gaps. Parent-teacher organizations have been hurt by the bad economy, the same as the school systems have. These grants can help in a big way.”

Run through the “Toolbox for Education” program, this latest donation will make the total contribution from the Johnsons a whopping $500,000. Each dollar bill is exactly the right tool for this very important job, a theme that Johnson knows is invaluable in his philanthropy as well as his profession. Johnson has been racing competitively since he was 5, and he knows the importance of a strong crew of automotive specialists on his team in order for him to have success. “Jimmie Johnson’s performance on the track was matched with near perfection on pit road by the pit crew. The result was a third consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship for Johnson and the Hendrick Motorsports team which equaled the 30-year record established by Cale Yarborough” said one commentator. The idea of driver and automotive technician are inseparable when talking about attaining success, which is why Jimmie Johnson has always held automotive training in such high regard.

It was this marriage of driver and automotive technician that gave Johnson the victories to give back to the community in this way. As the Johnsons continue to launce programs like this one (already having similar initiatives in El Cajon, California and Muscogee, Oklahoma), they hope that every dollar donated helps the school systems get back on their feet and back in the contest. “We know there is so much need in these areas and the great thing about our program is it’s a part of what Lowe’s is doing,” said Johnson. “Lowe’s has a much broader program that’s in effect throughout the entire country, so hopefully between our program and there’s we can hit the hot spots and hopefully make a difference.” Perhaps a career in education or an automotive degree can make all the difference in your life. Take a look at all the opportunities that are available to you now.