Catchfence

CONCORD, N.C. (July 13, 2010) – Kurt Busch wasn’t the only one in the winner’s circle during the May races at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Speedway Children’s Charities was also a big winner, as charitable events surrounding the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and the Coca-Cola 600 at the Mecca of Motorsports combined to raise more than $300,000.

The AutoTrader.com 30th Annual Speedway Children’s Charities Gala and cocktail reception sponsored by ACN, INC. is one of the biggest fundraising nights of the year in Charlotte, N.C. The 2010 event was held at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in May and lived up to its reputation this year, raising more than $200,000 for the charity. The event included a live auction with an autographed firesuit from NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kasey Kahne and a silent auction with more than 75 additional items.

Joe Gibbs Racing partnered with Charlotte Motor Speedway and Speedway Children’s Charities to host Taylor’s Finish Line Festival on the Sunday following the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. The carnival was held at zMAX Dragway and ticket sales helped raise more than $30,000 for the Make-a-Wish Foundation and Levine Children’s Hospital. The festival included race simulators, show cars, appearances by NASCAR drivers and a concert by Toby Mac.

May race week wouldn’t be complete without Food Lion Speed Street. Thanks to the 600 Festival Committee, the three-day event raised $75,000 for children in the Charlotte area. This year’s event included seven headline musical acts and access to both rising race stars and long-time heroes.

Race fans raised more than $12,000 for the chance to experience the rush of a parade lap around Charlotte Motor Speedway with their favorite NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver through the Ride of a Lifetime online auction and Charlotte Motor Speedway Experience. On the Friday before the Coca-Cola 600, the Coca-Cola Family Track Walk raised more than $20,000.

“Speedway Children’s Charities is a great way to give back to the community and help many children who might not have the same opportunities as other children,” said Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway and president of Speedway Children’s Charities.

Speedway Children’s Charities works year-round raising money for hundreds of non-profit organizations throughout the nation, meeting the direct needs of children. More than 90 non-profit organizations in the Charlotte area benefited from more than $850,000 donated in 2009.

For more information about the Charlotte Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities or to donate, log onto www.charlotte.speedwaycharities.org.

About Speedway Children’s Charities

The mission of Speedway Children’s Charities remains true to the ideals it was founded upon in 1982: To care for children in educational, financial, social and medical need in order to help them lead productive lives. SCC provides funding for hundreds of non-profit organizations throughout the nation that meet the direct needs of children. Our vision is that every child has the same opportunities no matter what obstacle they are facing.

- Charlotte Motor Speedway, Press Release