Smoke’s Pup Crew consists of 9 golden retriever puppies born on June 14 (well, 2 didn’t get the memo & arrived just before midnight on June 13!). Parents Cleo & Bohdi produced outstanding puppies ready to enter the Indiana Canine Assistant Network program (ICAN). Tony’s fans from throughout the U.S. submitted names through a contest format. The top 25 names were placed on a voting ballot & guests of long-time corporate sponsor, J.D. Byrider, voted for their favorites at their annual event held July 23, 2009 at O’Reilly Raceway Park.

Chosen by popular vote, the names were matched with each puppy’s personality – (the girls) Bella, Bristol, Charlotte, Dora, Lilly, Riley joined (boys) Dega, Hunter and Racer – to become Smoke’s Pup Crew. Bella, named for a childhood family pet; Bristol named for Bristol Motor Speedway – one of Tony’s favorite race tracks; Charlotte, named for the North Carolina hub of NASCAR; Dora named for Tony’s Eldora Speedway (OH); Lilly named for home state corporation Eli Lilly; Riley named for Riley Hospital for Children & Camp Riley; Dega named for Talladega Speedway; Hunter named the “hunt” of the annual Sprint Cup Chase; and Racer named for Tony who races anything on wheels!

On August 4th, the nine began their pup-start training at the Plainfield Men’s Correctional Facility (IN). Pup Starting is dedicated to teaching the dog “Fundamentals 101”. This type of pup starting in prison versus outside of prison will NOT negatively impact the pup's future probability at success.

The Tony Stewart Foundation will follow our 9 puppies through 2011 & keep fans updated on their training success with stories, photos and the pups’ blog. When these pups reach about 15 months old they will go to the Indiana Women's Prison for their “college-level” service dog classes! And, in the spring of 2011, we will be proud to introduce Smoke’s Pup Crew with the children & young adults that they will serve as assistant dogs!