Erik Jones, renowned NASCAR Cup Series driver, energized young readers in Henry County today by partnering with the Atlanta Motor Speedway and the Henry County Library System to encourage children’s literacy through a unique and rewarding initiative. Kicking off at the Fortson Library in Hampton, Jones celebrated the Summer Reading Program’s success, reading to children, visiting schools, and offering NASCAR race tickets, all with the goal of fostering a love of reading among area youth between May 15 and August 15.
During his appearance, Erik Jones highlighted his passion for reading and explained the importance of literacy for young people.
“I grew up a big reader and I’m still a big reader. As I got older and learned a little bit more about literacy rates in the country it really made me want to get involved and hopefully get kids interested and excited about reading,”
Jones shared, emphasizing the deeply personal connection he has to the cause. He praised Atlanta Motor Speedway for its efforts, remarking,
“Giving out a couple of tickets for reading is a pretty neat thing. Having a track that’s promoting literacy along with the Erik Jones Foundation is a pretty special cause.”
The current Summer Reading Program in Henry County, championed by Erik Jones, rewards children ages 0-18 who reach their reading milestones with two complimentary tickets to the upcoming Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart, set for June 28. This annual partnership, ongoing since 2023, rallies families and students to read throughout the summer and enjoy the excitement of live NASCAR racing as extra motivation.
Brandon Hutchison, Executive Vice President and General Manager at Atlanta Motor Speedway, underscored the community’s enthusiasm for this effort, stating,
“We’re excited to be a part of the Summer Reading Program in Henry County. We’re in this community 365 days a year and we want to make sure that we’re pillars of the community. Literacy is a big part of that and this reading program is something that we can do to not only reward kids for reading, but also help cultivate the next generation of race fans.”
The day’s activities for Erik Jones also included a meaningful visit to Rocky Creek Elementary School in Hampton, where his foundation installed a book vending machine in 2023. Having already supplied thousands of books, Jones returned to restock the machine and, alongside Speedway Children’s Charities Atlanta, presented Principal Sonya Ayannuga with a $2,500 check to ensure the machine remains filled for students. Erik Jones spent time interacting with 1st and 3rd grade classes, reading stories and participating in a lively Q&A session.
This initiative led by Erik Jones promises lasting benefits for Henry County, not only by nurturing children’s reading habits but also by strengthening connections between the sport of racing and the local community. With countless books distributed, engaging library and school visits, and the commitment to increase literacy, Jones’s involvement makes a vital impact on young lives. As anticipation builds for the upcoming NASCAR race and more children set their sights on reading milestones, the partnership between Jones, local libraries, and the speedway may serve as a compelling model for other regions eager to blend sports, education, and community spirit.
