Smiles everywhere as NASCAR driver wins for Give Kids a Smile

Greg Biffle wins the NASCAR Sprint Cup™ Race in the No. 16 Give Kids A Smile 3M Ford Fusion.

When NASCAR driver Greg Biffle competes this weekend at Pocono Raceway, his Roush Fenway car will be sporting a 3M throwback logo on the hood.

But Biffle, who races the 3M Car No. 16 in the Sprint Cup Series, had the ultimate success recently while his Ford was sporting a Give Kids A Smile logo.

Biffle’s Ford Fusion made its way to Victory Lane after a great showing on Father’s Day at Michigan International Speedway.

On that day, Biffle had a smile on his hood-and on his face-when he pulled his car into Victory Lane.

Not only did Biffle share the Give Kids A Smile message with millions of race fans watching the race, he gave the Give Kids A Smile program a big victory in the race for good dental health.

The American Dental Association's (ADA) Give Kids A Smile® program, ADA Foundation, Henry Schein Inc. and 3M ESPE Dental have teamed up with NASCAR’s Biffle for the third year to put good oral health on the fast track for young NASCAR fans.

Across the country, Biffle is helping deliver the message to children about healthy habits, such as brushing for two minutes twice a day, flossing, visiting the dentist regularly and making smart food choices.

Biffle’s No. 16 Ford Fusion featured the Give Kids A Smile logo on the hood, roof and bumper, along with the logos for 3M ESPE and Henry Schein Cares on the bumper, to help share the important dental health message. 

In addition, thousands of race fans visited the 3M display in the midway the day before the race, where they were treated to fun family activities, education about healthy dental habits, prizes and a chance to meet Biffle.

3M ESPE and Give Kids A Smile also hosted the Lewanee Boys & Girls Club at the track on Saturday for a special education program.

“It is a pretty special day for us all together,” Biffle said of his win.  “We were able to make a lot of kids smile with our Give Kids A Smile car today. It was (my daughter) Emma’s first Victory Lane on Father’s Day, so that was even more special. This program is great in that it helps teach parents and kids about good dental care for children, and provides education, screenings and treatment for thousands of kids in need each year.  It’s an honor to be part of Give Kids A Smile and to take them to Victory Lane.”

After starting 16^th, Biffle worked his way up through the field. By halfway, he was running in the top 10 and still moving up.

A late-race charge by Jimmie Johnson threatened Biffle’s dominance, but Johnson slapped the wall and Biffle went on to take the checkered flag.

His win qualified him for the 2013 Chase for the Championship.

“It was a great day for the Give Kids A Smile program,” said Dr. Robert Faiella, president of the American Dental Association. “You can see the enthusiasm that Greg Biffle has for this program and the way he shares that message with fans of all ages is incredibly powerful. The partnership with Greg and with NASCAR helps shine the spotlight on the need for dental care among our underserved children.  And the children we connect with through NASCAR learn lifelong smart oral health habits that will truly impact their lives.”

“The Give Kids A Smile program loves having the opportunity to work with 3M ESPE Dental, Greg Biffle and NASCAR,” said Dr. Jeff Dalin, co-founder and chair of the Give Kids A Smile National Advisory Committee.

“We spent two days at Michigan International Speedway working with kids from the Boys & Girls Club and giving out thousands of toothbrush kits and dental hygiene instructions to NASCAR fans. We were able to touch thousands of lives with the important message about brushing twice a day for two minutes to prevent future dental problems.  And, we brought home a victory in the race for good dental health.”

In addition to following Biffle on the track, race fans of all ages can put themselves in Victory Lane with him.  

Just visit www.3MESPE.com/givekidsasmile to create a photo with Greg Biffle on pit road or with the race-winning trophy in Victory Lane.

For more smart dental tips, visit www.2min2x.org, www.MouthHealthy.org and www.Facebook.com/GiveKidsASmile.

Roush Fenway has four wins at Pocono, including Biffle’s victory there in July 2010. Earlier this season he ?started 13th and worked his way to a second-place finish at Pocono.?  For this weekend’s race, 3M let fans select the logo, and Biffle will now race with the red oval logo from 1956.