The Rebuilding of Ground Zero, Part 76

The 9/11 WTC Preview Center is now open on Vesey Street between Broadway and Church, across from St. Peter's Cemetery. It's in the space previously leased by World Trade Camera, and now serves as an access point to information about the ongoing construction at Ground Zero.

Today brought some interesting visitors to the site. Benny Gordon brought his NASCAR crew and vehicle, and they were parked outside the center. The car is adorned with 9/11 themed phrases - Always Remember, Never Forget, and is intended to assist in fundraising for the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum.

Gordon will race the car on Sept. 11 at the Richmond International Speedway in Virginia. It also bears the phrase "9/11 Memorial," a reference to the National Sept. 11 Memorial and Museum.

Gordon co-owns the North South Motorsports team, based in DuBois, Pa. It's near the memorial site for United 93, one of four hijacked jetliners that crashed on Sept. 11, 2001.

"It's a real honor and privilege for us to do this," said Gordon, adding that hearing the stories of firefighters and police officers has been "incredible."

The car is a black, blue and white Ford Fusion with patriotic stars and stripes. After being delivered in a 53-foot-long truck, the hood was removed so trade center responders could sign its underside.

"I don't know much about NASCAR, but now I've become a huge fan," said retired fire Lt. Mickey Krofs, who survived the collapse of the trade center's north tower.

The unveiling took place at the museum preview site, where visitors can use interactive computers and view photos and a model of what the ground zero site eventually will look like.

1010wins.com has a photo of Gordon posing with the car along with firefighters from Engine 10 with the Freedom Tower (aka 1WTC) rising behind it.

I will be posting photos of the car and the Preview Center shortly.

UPDATE:
Here are the photos of the Benny Gordon car and some interior shots from the new WTC Preview Center: