WELLINGTON, FL--(Marketwired - September 23, 2013) - SERKET Racing, Operation Homefront, Wells Fargo Capital Finance and Wells Fargo Home Mortgage took their home giveaway program south to Austin, Texas for veteran Travis Clennon.

Working with philanthropic partner Operation Homefront and sponsor Wells Fargo Capital Finance, SERKET Racing presented the keys of a mortgage-free home to Clennon and his family during the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patròn (ALMS) pre-race ceremonies at Circuit of the Americas (COTA). In a unique celebration, Clennon was enlisted for a quick hot lap around the track in the SERKET Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car for the start of the race in honor of being a new homeowner and his dedication to our country.

Clennon is a Purple Heart recipient and Army veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. While deployed, his primary duty as a platoon sergeant was leading his soldiers. During his deployment to Afghanistan, Clennon suffered injuries that would eventually lead to his medical retirement. He currently works at Ft. Hood providing training support. He is also involved in multiple non-profit organizations. One in particular he enjoys is Heroes on the Water, which allows him to take other veterans out kayak fishing as a form of therapy. Clennon takes care of his six-year-old son, Koa, and his mother who suffers from multiple sclerosis.

"The new home is going to be a huge relief for me," said Clennon. "It is going to help with not only the financial aspects of owning a new home, but it also is the exact type of home that I have been looking for in terms of assisting me with my injuries and more. I am extremely thankful for this wonderful gift and to finally own my own place."

SERKET Racing, Operation Homefront, Wells Fargo Capital Finance and Wells Fargo Home Mortgage recently gave away a home at the Grand Prix of Baltimore where they made a first-time homeowner out of veteran Army Specialist Joseph Saunders. The home was the first of three for the partnership, all of which have been given, or will be given, to veteran families. Having the ability to continue to give, and spread their mission of goodwill as far west as Austin, Texas, was exciting for each of the parties involved.

"We had a great time competing in Austin, but more importantly, we're excited to have the opportunity to help one of our own," said SERKET Racing driver and former Marine Mark Llano. "Too many of our veterans are struggling to make ends meet, too many of them have been told no, and this is our chance to say 'yes' and give someone a helping hand towards making the first step in achieving the American dream: owning a home."

Operation Homefront, whom prides itself on serving those who serve, is no stranger to helping veterans conquer the challenges they face upon their return home. Now, the organization is no stranger to giving homes away through a racing platform.

"We're excited to continue our relationship with SERKET Racing and give a home to a deserving military family," said Tim Farrell, Chief Executive Officer for Operation Homefront. "Texas is a state with a strong military community, so Austin is a great place to award the second home of this partnership. Most importantly, we're joining together to put a Purple Heart recipient and his family in a wonderful home."

Wells Fargo Capital Finance works alongside Operation Homefront to donate these homes to veterans in need. So far in 2013, Wells Fargo Capital Finance and Operation Homefront were able to organize 35 home giveaways. However, the SERKET Racing home giveaway creates an incredible synergy that few other projects duplicate.

"Wells Fargo is honored to work with SERKET Racing and Operation Homefront on such an important initiative," said JK Huey, Senior Vice President of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. "We have committed to donating $30 million in homes to the extraordinary men and women who have given so much to our country through military service. Wells Fargo is proud to help heroes become homeowners through our donation program."

"This is such a great way to honor members of the military who have so bravely served our country," said Jeff Schumacher, Wells Fargo Regional President, Central Texas "We join with Operation Homefront and SERKET Racing in congratulating Travis Clennon on their new home and hope that it contributes to improving his and his family's quality of life after all he has done to keep America safe."

SERKET Racing's next event is in mid-October in Braselton, Ga., for Petit Le Mans and their third and final home giveaway of the year. This race will also mark the end of the season for the IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge by Yokohama Series.

To join the SERKET Racing mission follow the team on Twitter at @serketracingand on Facebook. To follow the conversation use the hashtag #WarriorsLivebyaCode.

SERKET Racing

SERKET Racing (serketracing.com) is an organization based in Wellington, Florida, that races a 2012 Porsche GT3 Cup car in conjunction with NGT Motorsport (ngtmotorsport.com). SERKET Racing currently competes in the IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge by Yokohama - the largest single-make racing series in North America. Started by former Marine Mark Llano, and Randy Webb, the SERKET Racing team competes with the goal of raising awareness and assistance for those who have honorably served and sacrificed for our country: military veterans and their families. Veteran owned and operated, SERKET Racing is aware of the obstacles that veterans face upon their return home and teams with numerous local, state and national charities to develop and implement innovative programs to assist these veterans and their families in their time of need.

About Operation Homefront:

A national non-profit, Operation Homefront leads more than 4,500 volunteers with nationwide presence, and has met more than 590,000 needs of military families since its inception in 2002. A four-star rated charity by watchdog Charity Navigator, nationally, 94 percent of total revenue donated to Operation Homefront goes directly to assist service members.

For more information contact:
Nick Kaylor
nick.kaylor@operationhomefront.net
210.549.4612

About Wells Fargo Capital Finance:

Wells Fargo Capital Finance, part of Wells Fargo & Company, provides financing solutions for companies in specific industries such as retail, software publishing and high-technology, commercial finance, staffing, government contracting and others. For more information, visit wellsfargocapitalfinance.com.

© 2013 Wells Fargo Capital Finance. All rights reserved. Products and services require credit approval. Wells Fargo Capital Finance is the trade name for certain asset-based lending services, senior secured lending services, accounts receivable and purchase order finance services, and channel finance services of Wells Fargo & Company and its subsidiaries.

About Wells Fargo REO Home Donation:

Real estate property donations are part of Wells Fargo's long-standing to giving back and revitalizing communities. Since 2011 we have donated more than 3,000 properties through our REO Home Donation program and have committed $35 million over the next three years to support military service members and veterans. $30 million of that commitment will go toward home donations to veterans. Wells Fargo's donations to Operation Homefront help to provide homes for deserving heroes, through the organization's Homes on the Homefront program.

For more information contact:
Trisha Schultz
Trisha.Schultz@wellsfargo.com
310.453.8232

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