In the Pits- MB2

Marlin's Pepsi 400 car designed by Camp Boggy Creek kids

When Sterling Marlin climbed behind the wheel of his Ginn Clubs & Resorts Chevrolet for the summer classic Pepsi 400, he stepped into a piece of art.

Three campers from Camp Boggy Creek, a summer camp for seriously ill children, started their creative engines and put their own design to the Ginn Clubs & Resorts car for the July 1 event. With only a blank template in hand, the three children let their imaginations race, collaborating to make their vision become a reality with millions of spectators viewing the creation.

Camp Boggy Creek, based in Eustis, FL, falls under the Hole In The Wall Camps umbrella, which is also home to Randleman, NC-based The Victory Junction Gang Camp.

“That special Ginn Clubs & Resorts Chevrolet looked spectacular,” said Marlin. “It was such an honor to drive that race car knowing such hard work was put into it by the Camp Boggy Creek children. I also applaud the Ginn Company for helping make those children’s dreams come true and allowing them to design our race car for such a prestigious event.”

Tori Tiger (15), Jake Westfield (13) and Zachary Robinson (10) were the three lucky children from Camp Boggy Creek chosen to participate in the creation. Tori and Zachary were able to attend the official unveiling of the paint scheme the week of the race.

Complete with flashy colors, racing stripes, polka dots and stars, the No. 14 Chevrolet definitely stood out as it roared around Daytona International Speedway.

“Helping to design the Ginn Club & Resorts car for the Pepsi 400 was a huge thrill for our campers,” said Sarah Gurtis, vice president of marketing & corporate development for Camp Boggy Creek. “Everyone involved made it a magical experience from start to finish.”

The deck lid of Marlin’s No. 14 Chevrolet carried an Easter Seals logo. The nonprofit organization won a spot on the Ginn Clubs & Resorts car in a charity go-cart event between Marlin and Bill Elliott.

“Ginn Clubs & Resorts put so much energy into making that car special for so many different people and organizations,” said Marlin. “It really shows what a standup group of people they are. It was a special experience for me, and I hope my new friends from Camp Boggy Creek enjoyed it as much as I did.”

Photo caption: Sterling Marlin with Tori Tiger and Zachary Robinson from Camp Boggy Creek, designers of his No. 14 Ginn Clubs & Resorts Chevrolet for the July 1 Pepsi 400 NASCAR Nextel Cup race.