STORK STUDENTS ON TARGET FOR REED SORENSON

As far-fetched as it may seem, fifth- and sixth-grade students at Stork Elementary School in Rancho Cucamonga could impact the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series All-Star Saturday night at Lowe's Motor Speedway.

The school has rallied behind Reed Sorenson, driver of the Chip Ganassi with Feix Sabtes Racing No. 41 Dodge sponsored by Target, for the NASCAR All-Star Fan Vote. If Sorenson doesn't win the Open, the All-Star qualifying race, he knows he has at least 6,000 online votes to get into the main event.

Kenny Wallace was voted in last year thanks to a full-court press on various Speed Channel shows.

Reed's Target Dodge crosses the finish line for the Daytona 500 in the fifth position.  (NASCAR/Getty Images Photo)

With the campaign slogan "Vote Reed in his need for speed," the Stork students, and their parents, will continue to vote today and Friday in their efforts to boost Sorenson.

"It is really unique deal that these students have been voting for the Target team," said the 22-year-old Sorenson, youngest in the field. "It hasn't been that long ago since I was their age. I know how it feels to want to have my opinion count.

"My sponsor Target and I value education and racing, so to see the two mixed together is ideal."

So does Tracey Graf, a nine-year teacher at the school.

"NASCAR is a great way to make the connection between real life and the textbook," Graf said. "What better way is there to teach kids about real live scenarios than bringing it into the classroom? Whether its pit strategies or the stories behind the drivers,

these kids are excited about learning."

There are two central themes in the get-out-the-vote effort.

"We wanted somebody who is not in the spotlight," Graf said, "and he's young enough the students can relate to him. Also, they want to know they can make a difference."

Said student Brianna Gardner: "NASCAR is one of my favorite sports to watch. I think it's great that we can help someone out. It's time that we give someone else a chance to prove themselves."

Having having the red car doesn't hurt.

"I'd recognize that Target car anywhere," Trevor Pertry said. "I see red on the track and know that it's Reed. I think it's cool that kids can make a difference and get their own vote."

Target has responded with goodies for the students - a $500 gift card that Graf and three others will split for classroom supplies. That was not part of their original plan.

"It started out as a fun thing, but it does stress teamwork, which is big at our school," Graf said. "It'll be good if 115 students can make a difference."

Stork Students are pumped to try and get Reed into the NASCAR All Star Race at Lowe's Motor Speedway.