Ward Burton's lifelong love of the outdoors, a passion he learned from his father and grandfather, stimulated him to start his own wildlife foundation. It was the most effective gesture he could make to help preserve lands that otherwise might be lost to development and commercialization.

Burton, a veteran NASCAR driver and one of his sport's good guys, is serious about this pursuit. His foundation already has purchased or has control of more than 2,000 acres of prime habitat in southern Virginia, where it maintains wildlife food plots. More than 800 acres of this land contain 90- to 130-year-old hardwood trees that are being protected in part for the benefit of migratory fowl. Burton also has funded an educational program about nature and wildlife for elementary schools and is working to protect black bears and elk.

Other drivers also are active in the community.

Jimmy Spencer sponsors a golf tournament to raise money, which he in turn contributes to organizations with specific needs. His foundation has bought thermal imaging cameras for a fire department, installed an alarm system at a woman's shelter and equipped a horse used for therapeutic riding. Bill Elliott raises money for a cancer fund in honor of his nephew and is one of the most active drivers in making hospital and community visits. Jeff Burton raises money for the Duke Children's Hospital, and Jeff Gordon does likewise for various cancer agencies.

TSN'S GOOD GUY PICK: Derek Jeter

GOOD GUYS BY SPORT:
MLB: Carlos Delgado | All
NFL: Jerome Bettis | All
NHL: John LeClair | All
NBA: Alonzo Mourning | All
NASCAR: Good guys

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