Comcast is proud to announce the finalists for the 2025 Comcast Community Champion of the Year Award, the prestigious annual award created to recognize the extraordinary philanthropic efforts of individuals across the NASCAR industry.
These extraordinary individuals have shown unwavering dedication and selfless service, creating lasting ripples of positive change in their communities and beyond that reach far beyond the racetrack. From rallying to support their community in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, to breaking the stigma around mental health and suicide by providing education and vital resources, to ensuring students and families have access to nutritious meals when school is not in session, the 2025 finalists embody the true spirit of giving back.
The 2025 finalists are:
- Jerry Caldwell, President, Bristol Motor Speedway (Speedway Children’s Charities – Bristol Chapter)
- Daniel Dye, Driver, Kaulig Racing (Race to Stop Suicide)
- Wayne Auton, Former NASCAR Xfinity Series Director (The Corner Table)
Comcast’s Xfinity brand entered NASCAR as entitlement partner of the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2015 and is now also Premier Partner of the NASCAR Cup Series. Since the program’s inception, Comcast has donated over $1 million to 30 nonprofit organizations, amplifying the impact of the philanthropic efforts of all finalists and champions.
“We are inspired each year by the incredible stories of individuals making a lasting impact through the NASCAR community,” said Matt Lederer, Vice President of Brand Partnerships & Engagement, Comcast. “This year’s finalists embody the true spirit of the Comcast Community Champion of the Year Award through their unwavering commitment to service and making a difference in the lives of others.”
The 2025 Comcast Community Champion of the Year will be selected by a panel of esteemed Comcast and NASCAR executives, along with 2024 Comcast Community Champion Erik Jones.
2025 Comcast Community Champion of the Year finalists:
Jerry Caldwell (Bristol, TN) – Jerry Caldwell, President and General Manager of Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS), has built a legacy of leadership centered on community impact and philanthropy. Under his guidance, BMS has grown into a year-round sports and entertainment powerhouse, hosting more than 500 events annually, including two major NASCAR races, an NHRA national event, and the beloved Speedway in Lights holiday festival. This signature event is the largest fundraiser for Speedway Children’s Charities – Bristol, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting children in need across 18 surrounding counties. With Caldwell’s leadership assistance, SCC-Bristol raised a record-breaking $1,028,325 last year, bringing its lifetime total to over $21 million donated directly to more than 70 child-focused organizations throughout the region.
Caldwell’s commitment to serving others goes beyond fundraising. During times of crisis, he has mobilized BMS as a vital community resource. Following the devastation of Hurricane Helene in 2024, Caldwell worked directly with Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and his team to establish a first-of-its-kind regional relief center at BMS. This hub united nonprofits, government agencies, and volunteers to deliver essential aid across Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and Western North Carolina, becoming a model now studied by FEMA for future disaster response efforts.
Continuing to elevate BMS on a national stage, Caldwell spearheaded plans for the MLB Speedway Classic -- the first American and National League regular-season Major League Baseball game ever played in Tennessee -- this past August between the Atlanta Braves and the Cincinnati Reds. That game now holds MLB’s highest attendance record for a regular-season game (91,032). In keeping with Caldwell’s mission of service, MLB announced a $50,000 donation from ticket sales to Hurricane Helene relief efforts, linking a historic sporting event to meaningful community support.
Through visionary leadership and a deep commitment to giving back, Jerry Caldwell has ensured that Bristol Motor Speedway is not only a world-class racing venue but also a beacon of hope, creating unforgettable experiences for fans while driving transformative impact across the Appalachian Highlands.
Daniel Dye (Daytona Beach, FL) – Daniel Dye is a rising NASCAR star whose journey on and off the track has been defined by purpose and a passion for saving lives. In 2018, as an eighth grader with dreams of racing at the highest level, Daniel founded Race to Stop Suicide, a nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide. Inspired by conversations with his peers and his own heartbreaking family experience, the loss of his cousin to suicide at just 23 years old, Daniel began using his racing platform to spark tough conversations and provide resources to those in need. Through speaking engagements at schools, conferences, and churches, as well as grassroots racing initiatives, Daniel and his father, Randy Dye, have grown Race to Stop Suicide into a national movement. To date, the organization has raised critical funding for mental health facilities like SMA Health and the Halifax Health Adolescent Behavior Center, offering hope and lifesaving support to countless families.
Daniel’s impact reached new heights with the creation of The March to Stop Suicide, an annual event held at Daytona International Speedway. Participants walk the track for 98 minutes and 8 seconds in honor of the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 988. The 2025 event exceeded all expectations, raising nearly $230,000 for Beyond the Brotherhood, a nonprofit supporting Navy SEALs transitioning to civilian life, and local mental health resources.
While living out his dream racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Daniel continues to carry the message of Race to Stop Suicide nationwide. During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September 2025, Daniel showcased his support for mental health awareness by racing his No. 10 Chevrolet with Kaulig Racing featuring the impactful “Race to Stop Suicide” paint scheme at World Wide Technology Raceway. During Mental Health Awareness Month in May 2025, his No. 10 Chevrolet prominently featured the initiative, including in international competition at Mexico City’s Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. This visibility has made Race to Stop Suicide a beacon of hope for those struggling, with families sharing stories of loved ones saved and inspired by Daniel’s message.
By combining his passion for racing with his mission to change lives, Daniel Dye is not only breaking barriers in NASCAR but also creating a legacy of compassion, awareness, and action, proving that even the fastest cars can help slow the race against time when it comes to mental health and suicide prevention.
Wayne Auton (Newton, NC) – Wayne Auton has spent more than 40 years in the NASCAR industry, leaving a lasting legacy on the sport through his leadership and dedication. After retiring from his storied career, Wayne wasted no time channeling his energy into another passion close to his heart, giving back to his community. In September 2024, he began volunteering with The Corner Table, an outreach ministry in Newton, North Carolina, dedicated to fighting hunger and supporting those facing hardship through multiple feeding programs.
Wayne quickly became an integral part of The Corner Table’s operations, dedicating two days each week throughout the year to supporting its three core programs: the Backpack Program, which provides weekend meals for children across 40+ local schools; the Community Kitchen, which serves hot meals five days a week; and the Debbie Payseur Frozen Meals Program, which distributes meals to individuals and families in need throughout the community. His role includes everything from loading and delivering food bags to schools, to managing donation pickups from retail partners like Sam’s Club and Lowes Foods, often handling entire pallets of food.
As a certified forklift operator, Wayne is also essential in unloading and organizing large food deliveries, ensuring operations run smoothly and efficiently. Always willing to go above and beyond, he steps in whenever additional help is needed, whether it’s a last-minute delivery or an emergency food run.
Wayne’s commitment, compassion, and reliability have made him a vital member of The Corner Table’s mission to combat hunger. Just as he left a meaningful mark on NASCAR, Wayne now brings that same dedication to serving his community, proving that true leadership extends far beyond the track.
