Jim Osborn Named Finalist for NASCAR Foundation Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award
Former racer & co-founder of Austin Hatcher Foundation is in the running for a $100K award to fund programs for children with cancer, survivors & their families…
Jim Osborn, co-founder and medical director of the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer (AHF), an official charity of IMSA, and a former racer in the SPEED World Challenge Series, has been named a finalist for the NASCAR Foundation 2026 Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award. The award is given annually to individuals making a lasting impact in their communities. The winner is determined by public vote and will receive a $100,000 donation for their charity.
Before AHF, Osborn raced in the SPEED World Challenge Series, and that connection to racing never left him, company officials stated. It’s part of why AHF’s Industrial Arts Therapy program, the only one of its kind in the country, includes automotive therapy, driving simulation for cognitive recovery, and diversionary therapy sessions held trackside for families impacted by childhood cancer. For Osborn, the track has always been more than a place to compete; it’s a place families come to heal.
“Jim has dedicated his life to serving the Austin Hatcher Foundation, always focused on the mission rather than the spotlight. That’s exactly why this honor means so much,” said Amy Jo Osborn, CEO and co-founder of the Austin Hatcher Foundation. “This is far more than a tribute to him; it means more families receive life-changing services that can alter the trajectory of their lives.”
Other Finalists
Other finalists for the NASCAR Foundation Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award include:
- Mary Caruso of Corning, New York, is the executive director and volunteer of Corning Community Food Pantry (CCFP), an organization that focuses on eliminating hunger in the region through the distribution of food and information. Caruso has been a volunteer with CCFP for 23 years and has served as executive director since 2020. Under her leadership, 1.25 million pounds of food have been distributed to more than 85,000 individuals.
- James Ford of Richmond, Virginia, is a volunteer of Ronald McDonald House Richmond, supporting their mission by providing essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families and promote healing when children need healthcare. Ford has been a volunteer for eight years, after the organization supported his family during his siblings’ illnesses.
- Lyette Reback of North Palm Beach, Florida, is the founder and volunteer of Believe With Me, an organization that supports families of fallen military service members by providing financial help and emotional support. Under Reback’s leadership, the organization has delivered more than 25,000 gifts to 12,000-plus children of the fallen. In addition to her work with Gold Star Families, Reback is the mother of 16 children and is a prominent advocate for foster care and adoption awareness.
How to Vote
Voting is open now through Sept. 6, 2026, with voting allowed once per day. Text VOTE to 423-243-3471 for a daily voting reminder or vote directly at NascarFoundation.org.
