Wed, 5 Oct 2005, 06:23 PM Shelly Howard Memorial Low ET Challenge and Fundraiser

VERNON, N. J. --

Shelly Howard Memorial Plaque

David Smith will be hosting a Shelly Howard Memorial Low ET Challenge during the O'Reilly Fall Nationals at the Texas Motorplex located in Ennis, Texas, September 22-25. Shelly Howard, a well liked and talented alcohol dragster driver, and her son, Brian, were killed on April 2, 2005 in a devastating racing accident in Tulsa, OK. The Low ET event and fundraiser will serve as a tribute to them and all they've done for the racing community. A plaque and $250 will be awarded to the lowest ET's through qualifying for Blown Alcohol Dragster, A/Fuel Dragster, and Top Alcohol Funny Car.

David is also sponsoring a fundraising effort through the sale of T-shirts honoring Shelly. The shirts cost $15 each and all proceeds go to Racers for Christ and the Special Olympics in honor of Shelly and her son Brian. Racers for Christ is a non-denominational ministry to the world of motorsports. The Special Olympics provide year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Being a friend of Shelly, he wanted to make this Low ET Challenge and fundraiser special. The shirts are being made in collaboration with Phoenix Custom Apparel.

David, an avid drag racing fan and photographer of NHRA events, started the Low ET challenge in 2004 after he found out that money was no longer available for low ET qualifiers in the alcohol classes. The Alcohol drivers always treated David well, so this was his way of saying thank you. David sponsored four Fan Appreciation challenges last year, with the help of George Turner and Steve Loewen, and a Darrel Russell Memorial Low ET Challenge at the Ennis race.

If you'd like more information or would like to order T-shirts, please go to David's new web site (which is dedicated to Shelly and Brian Howard), www.davesdragpics.com, Information is also available at www.shellyhowardracing.com, www.speedzonemagazine.com, and www.insidetopalcohol.com. Contact David Smith at tadfan@earthlink.net. Specify quantity, sizes, and shipping information. Money orders and Paypal will be accepted. The T-shirts will be available for shipping in October.