Brian Thiel's Top Alcohol Funny Car to support Speedway Children's Charities

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Mon, 26 Oct 2009, 05:30 PM

Courtesy of John Bisci

LAS VEGAS --

Drag racer Brian Thiel will fly the colors of Speedway Children's Charities on his Top Alcohol Funny Car at this weekend's NHRA Las Vegas Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The body of Thiel's 2002 Chevrolet Camaro Funny Car will feature a paint scheme created by graphic artist Eddie Hollon.

For Thiel, a rice farmer from Pleasant Grove, Calif., the decision to support the charity was an easy one.

"It's all about the kids," said Thiel. "When I learned of how many children this foundation has helped over the years, I had to be involved. We hope everyone who sees this car will find it in their heart to support Speedway Children's Charities. It's a real honor to be involved and I'm all in."

The car will make its debut at the sixth annual SCC Cards for Kids Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament on Wednesday evening at the Cannery Hotel & Casino. NHRA drivers Brandon Bernstein, "Fast Jack" Beckman, Cory McClenathan, Gary Densham, Shawn Langdon, Morgan Lucas, Greg Anderson, Jason Line and many more will be on hand for an evening of high stakes and bragging rights.

Fans will have the opportunity to see how long they can outplay and outlast their favorite NHRA stars. Entry fee (buy-in) is $250 and players will receive $1,000 in tournament chips. Players also will receive complimentary hors d'oeuvres and drinks throughout the evening.

A total prize purse of $5,000 will be up for grabs at the event, with a guaranteed first-place prize of $1,400. The top nine players each will receive a piece of the cash prize while other players will have the opportunity to win a variety of other prizes donated by local businesses. Participants and observers also will have an opportunity to purchase raffle tickets to win exciting door prizes throughout the night. The casino will offer specials on Budweiser and Bud Light bottles courtesy of Nevada Beverage.

For entries and information, please contact Rachel Commeford at Speedway Children's Charities' Las Vegas office at (702) 632-8242 or rcommeford@lvms.com.

Making a difference in a child's life is the focus of Speedway Children's Charities. SCC strives to do this in collaboration with the non-profit organizations it supports nationwide. Individually, SCC's local chapters identify the needs of children in their communities and award grants to organizations that address them. Last December, the Las Vegas Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities granted $314,000 to 67 local children's causes during its annual grant distribution ceremony.