Florida Division of Emergency Management Celebrates the “Hurricane Awareness Machine” Racing in the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series at Daytona Speedway
DAYTONA, Fla. - Today, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (Division) announced their participation in the 2024 season-opening race, the NASCAR Xfinity Series United Rentals 300. In partnership with Mike Boylan from Mike's Weather Page and FIRMAN Power Equipment, the Hurricane Awareness Machine will race for its second year during the Daytona racing events of February 16-19, 2024.
"There’s a need for speed when it comes to making sure you and your family are prepared for hurricane season," said Division Executive Director Kevin Guthrie. “Thanks to Mike and FIRMAN Power Equipment for including us in this event. We hope that the Hurricane Awareness Machine reminds everyone to prepare for hurricane season sooner rather than later!”
“Always great to know that the state of Florida has our backs and it’s great to partner with them for another year!” said Mike’s Weather Page owner Mike Boylan.
"FIRMAN is proud to partner with the Florida Division Of Emergency Management and Mike’s Weather page again for a great day of racing at Daytona!” said Vice President of FIRMAN Power Equipment Jason Sutton. “We're looking forward to a safe and FAST race for Dawson Cram in the #4 JD Motorsports car - LET'S GO!"
"I am excited for this weekends season opener in Daytona, racing at this historic race track is a blessing." said driver Dawson Cram. "I am honored to help spread the mission of my great partners at the Florida Division of Emergency Management and to help spread the message of the importance of hurricane preparation."
The Hurricane Awareness Machine is set to compete in the NASCAR Xfinity Series team JD Motorsports season-opening United Rentals 300 on Monday, February 19 at 9 p.m. Members of the Florida State Emergency Response Team (SERT) participated in pre-race events by handing out hand-crank weather radios as well as informational handouts covering tornadoes, flooding, special needs, extreme temperatures, as well as other safety and preparedness options available to residents. Flashlights and hand sanitizers were also among the materials handed out to attendees, along with reminders for residents to have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts. Division members were available to answer questions regarding ways to stay safe during severe weather season and share preparation tips ahead of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season.
Sponsors and partners include Mike's Weather Page, FIRMAN Power Equipment, Coastal Claims, and Paratec Door Solutions. The 'Hurricane Awareness Machine' was driven by Dawson Cram (#4), an NASCAR Xfinity Series rookie of the year candidate who is in his first year as a full-time driver with JD Motorsports. The son of former NASCAR Cup Series crew chief Kevin Cram, the 22-year-old Cram turned heads racing a part-time schedule in the Xfinity Series in 2023.
For information on hurricane preparedness, visit FloridaDisaster.org and be sure to follow the Division @FLSERT on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram.
###
Updated: Monday, February 19, 2024
