South Boston Speedway Donates Speedy Bears to Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital for Pediatric Patients

By Joe Chandler

Director, Public Relations

South Boston Speedway

SOUTH BOSTON, VA (September 9, 2026) – There is something about a soft, cuddly teddy bear that brings instant comfort, joy and warmth.

For children hospitalized due to an illness or injury, the comfort and joy a cuddly teddy bear can bring helps brighten the day and create a positive outlook.

To celebrate National Teddy Bear Day on Wednesday, September 9, South Boston Speedway General Manager Brandon Brown delivered NASCAR-themed Teddy Bears known as Speedy Bears to Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital in South Boston, Virginia.

The Speedy Bears were donated by the speedway through the NASCAR Foundation’s Speedy Bear Brigade Powered by Kaulig Giving program.

“We’re so grateful to be part of Speedy Bear’s journey and to see this wonderful tradition continue to bring comfort and smiles to our patients and families,” said Teyona Sanford, Emergency Department Nurse Manager at Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital. “A visit from Speedy Bear is a simple but meaningful reminder that healing is more than medical care.  It’s also about compassion, connection, and creating moments of joy. We’re proud to partner with South Boston Speedway and look forward to welcoming Speedy Bear back to our hospital.”

Brown pointed out South Boston Speedway appreciates the opportunity to donate the Speedy Bears and help brighten young patients’ day and outlook.

“We’re proud to once again partner with the NASCAR Foundation to deliver Teddy Bears to Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital and brighten the days of children who are going through some difficult times,” said Brandon Brown, General Manager of South Boston Speedway. “Everyone here at South Boston Speedway is appreciative of all the work the NASCAR Foundation and Kaulig Giving does, and it means so much to us to bring smiles to these children’s faces.”

The Speedy Bear Brigade Powered by Kaulig Giving is a collaborative program between The NASCAR Foundation and Kaulig Giving that provides NASCAR-themed teddy bears to children in hospitals across the country. This year 5,600 Speedy Bears will be delivered to children in 155 hospitals in all 50 states and 63 military communities.

“The Speedy Bear Brigade is a special program because it gives us an opportunity to bring comfort and joy to children and families when they need it most,” said Matt Kaulig, NASCAR team owner and founder of Kaulig Giving. “We’re incredibly proud to have been part of the growth of this program and to help bring the NASCAR community together to reach more children each year. Seeing the smiles these bears bring is what makes Speedy Bear so meaningful to all of us.”

While 2026 marks 20 years of The NASCAR Foundation as a whole, it’s also the 10th anniversary of The Speedy Bear Brigade Powered by Kaulig Giving, celebrating a decade of delivering NASCAR-themed teddy bears to hospitals across all 50 states, as well as Mexico and Canada.

About The NASCAR Foundation

The NASCAR Foundation is a leading charity that works to improve the lives of children who need it most in NASCAR racing communities through the Speediatrics Children’s Fund and the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award. The NASCAR Foundation, designated as a 4-Star Charity by Charity Navigator for its strong financial health and ongoing accountability and transparency, has contributed more than $53 Million to impact the lives of more than 1.8 million children nationwide since 2006. Follow The NASCAR Foundation on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/NASCARFoundation or on X at @NASCAR_FDN.