Tue, 6 Apr 2010, 10:58 PM Seven-time NHRA Champion Tony Schumacher Named Keynote Speaker at Annual Mel Larson Night

Courtesy of John Bisci Photo copyright 2010 Auto Imagery, Inc. April 14 at Palms Casino Resort

LAS VEGAS -- of Champions

Tony Schumacher

Seven-time NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Top Fuel Dragster champion Tony Schumacher has been named keynote speaker for the annual Mel Larson Night of Champions. The fete will take place Wednesday, April 14, at Rain inside the Palms Casino Resort.

This year's honoree is Las Vegas native and 2004 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Kurt Busch. All proceeds from the dinner will benefit the Las Vegas chapter of Speedway Children's Charities. This is the fifth year for the event in which a community member is recognized for his contributions to motorsports.

Previous Mel Larson Night of Champions honorees include: Mel Larson, Dr. Dale Carrison (LVMS medical director and University Medical Center's chairman of emergency medicine), NHRA Pro Stock championship team owner Ken Black and automotive legend Carroll Shelby.

The speedway also will recognize the 2009 season champions at its drag-racing facility - The Strip at LVMS - and its 3/8-mile oval, the Bullring.

The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and Kurt will participate in a private meet-and-greet reception prior to dinner. Event tickets include dinner and an open bar.

To purchase a table, meet-and-greet passes or tickets for this event, please contact Rachel Commeford at (702) 632-8242. For more information, please call LVMS at (702) 644-444 or visit www.LVMS.com. Follow LVMS on Facebook and Twitter.