Irwindale holds "Christmas in July"

Irwindale, Calif. - - (July 1, 2000) Irwindale Speedway, teaming up with ABC7 and the Southern California Firefighters, has declared this month to be the first "Christmas in July" at the Speedway. The three entities together with the L.A. County Department of Children and Family Services and other non-profit agencies will link up to collect holiday toys for less fortunate kids at each of the track's five racing events during the month of July.

"We'll have uniformed firefighters at each race to accept new, unwrapped toys of sporting goods," said Captain Steve Valenzuela of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. "The track will return the favor with either a child's ticket (worth $5.00) to the event or a $5.00 gift certificate (redeemable at the track's gift shop) for each toy donated. In addition each person bringing a toy will get a free copy of that night's racing program (a regular $4.00 value). "Irwindale Speedway is such a great place for family fun and excitement, we think that the fans will really respond to this idea." Track officials had indicated in their newsletter that they'd like to see fans bring "racing-related" toys, but all toys will be gratefully collected at the raceway and happily passed out just before December 25.

"The Speedway's staff got involved with the 'Spark of Love' very late in the season last year," said Bob DeFazio, the track's VP/COO. "In fact, we called up to offer some toys only one day before they were to be distributed to the kids. It all worked out well though, and so we asked if we could become more involved and a little earlier this year. That's were the idea for 'Christmas in July at Irwindale Speedway' came from."

2000 marks the 8th year for the program which has collected well over 1 million toys and sports equipment items at southern California fire stations, Sav-on Drug Stores, and Subway Sandwich Restaurants. "Adding five July NASCAR nights at Irwindale Speedway brings something unique and exciting to this year's drive," said Valenzuela.

All NASCAR fans are encouraged to take part these very special nights by making plans to visit IS on any Saturday night in July. "We hope that all of our regular fans will take part and that many new fans will be encouraged to come out and become a part of this worthy cause," DeFazio concluded.

The five Saturday night July race dates at Irwindale Speedway include just about every type of race car that runs at track. From one of NASCAR's top touring series to Race Trucks, from Late Models to Figure 8 racing, and from Super Late Models to USAC TQ Midget openwheelers, there's guaranteed great racing every Saturday night at Irwindale. Add in a special 4th of July fireworks show after the races on July 1, and you've got a spectacular month of family-friendly action entertainment at the beautiful "1/2-Mile Super Speedway".