NASCAR Day benefit set at Old Dominion Speedway

Manassas, Va. - Local racing fans are in for a big treat on July 17.

NASCAR drivers Mike Skinner, Curtis Markham, Spencer Pumpelly, Timothy Peters and many others will start their engines at Old Dominion Speedway that day to benefit at-risk children at Youth for Tomorrow, Bristow.

Youth for Tomorrow is a private, residential school and counseling center for homeless and at risk children ages 11to17 and has provided care for more than 1,000 boys and girls.

The home was founded by Hall of Fame football coach and NASCAR team owner Joe Gibbs.

The benefit is the brainchild of Old Dominion track owner Steve Britt and YFT trustee Ron Devine.

According to Britt, the event is something he and other track officials have wanted to present for some time.

"I am pleased to have the opportunity to use Old Dominion Speedway's facility and race program as a fundrasier for such a worthwhile cause," he said.

Major sponsors in addition to the Speedway include Toyota, Burger King, the Devine Family Foundation, Springfield Financial, Lustine Toyota and Interstate Van Lines.

Gates at the track will open at noon for a wide variety of fun-filled activities for families. Attendees can try out their racing skills in the Toyota and Nationwide simulators.

The Joe Gibbs Racing trailer and M&M show car and the Gillette Race team van will be on site. CBS Sports "In the Pits racing radio" will present several games to try the skills of car enthusiasts including the Pit Stop Challenge and Guess the Car.

Dodge's monster truck "Raminator" will showcase its car-crushing ability. Hot rod and stock cars will be on display. Chef Robert Hesse of "Hell's Kitchen" fame will prepare drivers' favorites and meet and greet the crowd. There will be live music all day.

Numerous child-friendly rides and activities are planned and food and drinks will be available for pur-chase.

Races begin at 7 p.m. and will include oval track racing at its best on the track where some of the greatest NASCAR legends have raced. The featured race of the evening will be the Joe Gibbs Youth for Tomorrow 150. At least eight NASCAR driver are scheduled to participate; others are being added daily. It will be a great opportunity to see some of the racing stars of tomorrow.

Admission for the entire event is $25 and includes all daytime activities and racing. Daytime only tickets are $10. There is no charge for children under 3. For event information and advance ticket purchase, go to www.youthfortomorrow.org or call 703-361-7753 or 703-368-8415.

The speedway is located across from the Prince William County Fairgrounds and includes a 1/8 mile drag strip and 3/8 mile banked oval asphalt track. It features drag racing on Friday nights and NASCAR races on Saturday night. The grandstand holds about 6,000 fans.

Staff writer Bennie Scarton Jr. can be reached at 703-369-6707.