IRL: Speedway Children's Charities Ready at TMS

SPEEDWAY CHILDREN'S CHARITIES REVS UP FOR RACE WEEK ACTIVITIES

As race preparations continue for Lone Star 500 week, so do the plans of the local chapter of the Speedway Childrens Charities who have several events of their own.

Race fans who've always wanted to take a spin around the 1.5-mile superspeedway will have the chance -- and help local kids at the same time. Team Texas High Performance Driving School based in Justin, donated driving schools and rides in their Winston Cup cars to raise money for the SCC. The schools are sold out, but a few rides are still available on Friday evening, Sept 11 beginning at 4:30 p.m.

"Were just so pleased that Team Texas has been so generous in helping us raise money for local childrens charities," said Rusty Vaughn, vice president of the Texas Chapter of SCC. "This event already appears to be a great success Im sure well try to do something similar in the future."

The three-lap rides are $90 each.

Those who would love to compete against one of the talented drivers of the IRL may get their wish after all well, sort of. The Pep Boys Indy Racing League zooms into SpeedZone as several drivers and their teams are scheduled to appear Thursday, Sept. 17 from 7-10 p.m. Drivers will be on hand to meet and greet fans and compete against fans for charity. Several special race events will take place throughout the evening with all proceeds going to SCC. So challenge your favorite driver and help kids in need. The SpeedZone calendar girls will also be on-hand for the release of the 1999 SpeedZone calendar.

The calendar includes the 1999 NASCAR schedule and features the March 28 Primestar 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. Proceeds from calendar sales will go to SCC as well. SpeedZone is located in Dallas at I-35E and Walnut Hill.

Those who would rather eat than compete will get their wish and still help the SCC and Championship Auto Racing Auxiliary (CARA) efforts. The "Raceway Romp with a Taste of IRL", sponsored by Young Chevrolet, allows patrons to enjoy a "progressive dinner" through the IRL drivers RV area on Friday evening, Sept 18 from 6-10 p.m. The chefs of the IRL will prepare a variety of delicious treats for guests who will get to dine and visit with many of the competing drivers.

Tickets are $50 each for the Taste of IRL event.

For more information on these and other Speedway Childrens Charities events, please call (817) 833-0061.