MOORESVILLE, N.C. — A motivational letter that Kyle Busch received during the off season from Kyle Savoie, a 12-year-old fan, has inspired Busch to develop a program that will recognize children for experiences and achievements that had a positive effect on their lives.

The “Riding Shotgun with Kyle Busch Motorsports” Essay Contest will allow one child, age 5 to 12, to have a decal with their name and 2.5-inch by 3.5-inch photo above the passenger window of Busch’s No. 18 Traxxas Toyota Tundra for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series VFW 200 at Michigan International Speedway Saturday, Aug. 20.

“The message behind Kyle Savoie’s letter was how dreams are important and to never give up on your dreams,” reflected Busch. “He even sent us his five dollar-allowance with the letter in an effort to help support our KBM truck team. He suggested that if other kids followed his lead, they could serve as the sponsor for a race. In return, he suggested that we would put their names and school pictures on the truck. I obviously don’t want kids to send us their allowances, but I loved the idea of recognizing kids for positive experiences and achievements by putting their name and picture on my truck. Too many stories in the news these days are about negative issues. This essay contest will be a great way to create a positive news story with the help of children that live near Michigan International Speedway.”

To recognize Kyle Savoie for inspiring the contest, a decal with his name and picture adorned the area above the passenger window of the No. 18 Dollar General Toyota Tundra driven by Busch in the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 18.

The Michigan International Speedway race will be the fifth of 10 select races throughout the 2011 season that an essay contest winner will follow in Savoie’s footsteps and “Ride Shotgun” with Kyle Busch Motorsports. The remaining races scheduled are Bristol (Aug. 24), Chicagoland (Sep. 16), Talladega (Oct. 22), Texas (Nov. 4) and Homestead-Miami (Nov. 18).

The topic of the essay is to describe an experience and/or achievement that occurred in the last 12 months that has affected your life in a positive way using 150 words or less.

The deadline to submit an essay for the Michigan International Speedway race is Aug. 6. Entries can be submitted via email to essay@kylebushmotorsports.com or mailed in to:

Kyle Busch Motorsports

351 Mazeppa Rd.

Mooresville, N.C.  28115

Attn: “Riding Shotgun” Essay Contest