"The Carolinas Nationals will be an exciting time in Charlotte as the NHRA roars into town, and I'm so glad that our fundraising events for B.R.A.K.E.S. will be part of the action," said Herbert, B.R.A.K.E.S. founder and NHRA veteran. "We wanted to do something a little different this year, so we decided on a paintball tournament because we thought it would be a lot of fun. The dinner was a huge success last year and we hope to build on that for an even better event this year."

The benefit dinner, presented by tiwi, will be held in The Speedway Club at Lowe's Motor Speedway at 7 p.m. The event will include live and silent auctions, and feature keynote speaker Mike Minter, retired football player for the NFL's Carolina Panthers.

The PPG Paintball Tournament will be held at Carolina Paintball Park in China Grove, N.C., at 10 a.m. Teams of seven featuring many NHRA drivers will compete in a bracket-style tournament.

"I can't think of a better way to kick-off the Carolinas Nationals at zMAX Dragway than to support this great cause," said Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Lowe's Motor Speedway and president of Speedway Children's Charities Charlotte Chapter. "Doug [Herbert] has been instrumental in bringing awareness to the importance of safe driving and we are proud to be a part of these fundraising events."

Tickets for the B.R.A.K.E.S. and Speedway Children's Charities benefit dinner presented by tiwi and the PPG Paintball Tournament are still available. To register or obtain further information, please contact Stacy Ellis by calling (704) 732-8950 or visit www.putonthebrakes.org.

About B.R.A.K.E.S.
B.R.A.K.E.S., which stands for Be Responsible and Keep Everyone Safe, is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization founded by NHRA Top Fuel drag racer Doug Herbert in memory of his two sons who were killed in a car accident. By training and educating teenage drivers and their parents, the foundation aims to promote safe driving in an attempt to prevent injuries and save lives. To volunteer, obtain more information or donate, please visit www.putonthebrakes.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. For more information visit www.charlotte.speedwaycharities.org.


Courtesy of Sara Fensterer