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GREAT FIELD POISED FOR 10th ANNUAL JOEY COULTER CHARITY 200 TRUCK RACE AT AUBURNDALE SPEEDWAY
A top field of Pro Racing Trucks and great weather are expected for this weekends 10th Annual Joey Coulter Chsrity 200 Truck Race at Auburndale Speedway. The weather forecast is calling for little chance of rain and unseasonably warm temperatures. Friday night activities will see the thermometer in the low-mid 60s. Fans can basically spend all day at the track on Saturday with the temperature expected to top out around 82 degrees with a temperature of around 70 when the 200-lap main event takes the green flag.
This is not just a big race to come out and enjoy but a big fundraiser for three families who have been struggling financially as their children battle life-threatening illnesses. Being helped this year are the family of two-year-old Maci Ashby whose heart problems required three surgeries before she could even attempt to walk. This precious little cutie has fought like a trooper and doctors say the new valves in her heart should last at least ten years. Now she is able to walk and talk and she loves Mickey & Minnie Mouse and her favorite food, Oreo cookies.
Another family receiving help this year is the family of 13-year-old Lucas Grigg who was diagnosed a year ago with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer. Fortunately, with treatment, the cancer is now in remission and Lucas is back in school and also able to enjoy his favorite past time of playing video games.
Also being helped this year is the family of ten-year-old Skyla Monday who, thankfully, is in remission after a difficult three year battle with Leukemia. She still has a long road ahead of her, though, as she still requires therapy to combat the side effects of her chemo and radiation treatments. Despite her family's difficult financial situation, Skyla took it upon herself to be the official spokesperson for the 2015 CARS Racing for a Cause Kids, visiting three states in an effort to raise money for this year's event.
Although all three of these youngsters are doing well, the financial situation for their families, as you can expect, is tough to deal with as they have medical bills that stretch from here to the moon and back. That is why this event is so important, especially during the holiday season. The funds raised will help these families pay those medical bills, other bills and maybe even get the kids a little bit for Christmas. All three families are expected to be in attendance at the track Saturday evening.
Along with ticket sales, there will be event programs and t-shirts on sale all weekend too. There will be a silent auction, a Chinese raffle, 50/50 raffle and more including a car being raffled off. Speedway Auto Sales and the Guy family who own Auburndale Speedway have donated a very nice Chevrolet Camaro convertible that will be raffled off and driven home by the lucky winner.
After moving into the NASCAR ranks from his racing roots that began here in Florida, Joey Coulter began lending his name to the event a few years ago to help further promote the event started by organizer Rick Bristol some ten years ago. This will be Bristol's final race as organizer and promoter although he will remain on the Board of Directors as Kim Scheffler will take on the duties of Event Director in 2016.
A native of Miami Springs, FL, Joey Coulter started his racing career in 1998 driving Karts at West Coast Kart Way in Naples, Florida. Coulter had much success in the Karting ranks with one of his biggest accomplishments coming in 2005 when he won the Summer Nationals at the G & J Kartway in Camden, OH. He also finished second in that year's National Championship and won both State championships in Florida running the Briggs Junior light and heavy classes.
In late 2005 he ventured into the Florida FASTRUCK Series taking four top five finishes in his first five starts. In 2006 Coulter moved up to the FASTRUCK Pro Series competing against more experienced veteran drivers. In his first eight races he won four times and ultimately finished fourth in the final points standings. He was a mainstay in the first several Charity Truck events held at Orlando SpeedWorld. Coulter started racing stock cars in 2007 entering the USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series. In 2009 Coulter moved to the ARCA Series and his rookie season was met with much success. Coulter accumulated seven top-five's, 13 top-tens and won two poles along with leading 156 laps. He finished fourth in ARCA Series points as a rookie. On August 7, 2010, Coulter won his first ARCA race, The Berlin ARCA 200 at Berlin Raceway in Michigan.
Richard Childress Racing announced at the end of the 2010 racing season that Coulter would drive a second full-time Camping World Truck Series entry in 2011. Coulter finished seventh in points at the end of the 2011 season. With 13 top-ten finishes, he won the Truck Series Rookie of the Year award. In 2012, Coulter won his first career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Pocono (PA) Raceway on August 4, where he came from third to first on the final restart to score the victory. The following race at Michigan International Speedway, Coulter collected his first career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series pole.
After finishing third in series points in 2012, Coulter moved to Kyle Busch Motorsports for the 2013 season, driving the No. 18 truck. For 2014, he moved to GMS Racing's No. 21, and took seventh in points. He left the driver's seat in 2015 as GMS Racing moved him to the Team Relationships Coordinator position. But Coulter continues to race on the side "for fun" while waiting to fill another top-notch NASCAR seat driving for his family-owned race team Coulter Motorsports on his off weekends. He can be found at many dirt tracks around the Southeast, mainly in Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Florida.
Coulter, who won the 2013 edition of the race that bears his name, did not originally plan to race this year but was to focus on helping his wife Jessica (the Former Jessica Green) get to victory lane. However Jessica and Joey are now expecting their first child, so this years race is now not a possibility for Jessica so hubby will step in to fill the driver's seat vacancy.
Coulter will have a host of top competitors to deal with as this years field is one of the best ever. Ray Black, Jr. of Flagler Beach, who finished 11th in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series points this year driving the No. 07 Chevrolet Silverado for SS-Green Light Racing and who also ran in the NASCAR Xfinity Series late in the year for Rick Ware Racing, will wheel a J. R. Garcia-prepared machine and will also be a part of a big autograph session Saturday afternoon before pre-race ceremonies begin.
Also in the field will be former Peak Challenge winner, NASCAR K & N Series winner and Harvard graduate Patrick Staropoli of Miami driving a truck for owner Phil "Ace" Ellis, and sponsors Robert & Stephanie Howell.
Along with Coulter, other former race winners who have entered include last year's victor Danny Anderson of Bradenton and two-time winner Steve Darvalics of Bradenton who will be strong as always in his familiar No. 41.
A quintet of lady drivers will be attempting to make the show and they will be among the top contenders to win it all. The true veteran of the bunch is Kim Scheffler of Auburndale who, as mentioned earlier, will take over as Event Director next year. Scheffler has years of racing experience and will again wheel her familiar purple No. 10 sponsored by Fellows Trucking Group and Davenport Fights Back. Also in the field will be 26-year-old Becca Monopoli of Lakeland who already has several truck racing championships and race wins on her resume. But this is one race that has alluded her and she is chomping at the bit to add her name to the list of winners.
Jessica Murphy of Groveland will return to driving after a couple of years hiatus and she expects the rust to wear off quickly. Murphy will wheel a truck owned by A. J. Moyer. Taylor Moxley of Palm City is just finishing her rookie year of Truck racing in her family-owned #38 that bears the number run on Late Models and Modifieds raced by her dad Ricky Moxley. Taylor is coming off an impressive third place effort in the recent Southern Pro-Am Truck Series race held at New Smyrna Speedway. Kristen Clements of Lakeland got her start at Auburndale Speedway in the Kid's Club then moved up to the Mini Stocks. This will be one of her first efforts in a Race Truck and most feel she has the natural driving ability to go as far as she wants to in racing.
Other entries include Kody Jett of Middleburg, who won that previously-mentioned Southern Pro-Am Truck Series race at New Smyrna Speedway, young second generation racer Cole Partelo of Largo, Billy Carlbert, Jr. of Palmetto, West Palm Beach driver Derek Pugh, Orlando's Chad Pierce, Jason Lester of Palmetto, Bradenton's Scott McKay, Brent Huber of Venice, Oviedo's Jeremy Goddard, Sam Scott of Naples and Mike Kohut of Lehigh Acres.
Local Auburndale Speedway-area drivers that have entered include Travis Roland, Tyler Davis, Chris Narramore, Jr., Cody McDuffie (driving a truck built and owned by local legend David Hartin) and Chase Lovelady whose grandfather Perry and dad Raymond are household names when it comes to racing in the Central Florida area.
This years event returns to the 200 lap format that started it all ten years ago. There will be a twenty minute half-way break where teams can change 2 tires and make approved adjustments before resuming the remainder of the contest. The race will be run with double-file restarts with the first driver a lap down at a caution receiving a "lucky dog" pass until lap 175. Yellow flag laps will count but the race must finish under a green, white, checkered scenario, similar to the way NASCAR does.
This year things are being done a little differently as CARS Racing for a Cause celebrates ten years of helping children and their families during their time of need. The Friday schedule has been streamlined and the evening contains just three main events. The Trucks will have their tech and practice then at 6 pm they will take part in O’Reilly Auto Parts Fast Friday Qualifying that pays $250 to the fast qualifier, $150 for second fastest and $100 for the third-quick truck. The top 24 trucks will be in the big show with the top ten qualifiers all going through a rigorous tech inspection. All teams' tires will then be impounded until just before Happy Hour practice on Saturday.
Following qualifying, a great local band that has helped the C.A.R.S. organization raise money all year will perform a one hour concert. The Nathan Baldwin Band will perform and even event namesake Joey Coulter will jam with them on the front straightaway as the Tough Truck Tug-a-War competitors and fans are parking and preparing in the infield. The Tough trucks will round out the night and that is expected to last until around 11:30 pm. Front gates open at 5:30 pm with Truck qualifying at 6 pm. The band begins to play at 7 pm and infield parking will open at 7 pm also. The Tough Truck Tug-a-War starts at 8 pm. Adult General admission is just $10 with kids aged 12 and under free of charge. VIP infield parking is $20.
Saturday’s schedule is quite different and something new is being tried as well. Saturday morning at 9 am is registration and parking in the front parking area for the First Annual Charity Car & Truck Show that will be on display from 10-2 pm. The pits for the Trucks and Scrambler cars will open at 1:30 pm. Tires will be released to the Truck teams at 2 pm followed by Happy Hour Practice at 3 pm. There will be an on track autograph session with the NASCAR, Truck and Scrambler drivers at 5:30 pm while the Nathan Baldwin Band performs during the autograph session. Pre-race ceremonies will begin at 6:30 pm with driver introductions at 7 pm. The green flag drops on the Les & Judy Smout Charity Truck 200 at 7:15 pm. Once the Truck race is finished and the victory lane interviews are completed, the Scramblers will compete to round out the night for 30 laps with Series organizer Rick Bristol along with tech officials Carl Green and Darren Jackson taking part... all for fun. Grandstand gates open at 5 pm with adult admission just $12 or $10 for seniors. Again, all kids aged 12 and under get in free of charge. Pit admission is $25.
This years event has a great list of sponsors. Several new sponsors have come on board this year to help cover the expenses of this great race. Event title sponsors include Blackwater Integration, Davenport Fights Back, Coulter Motorsports, the Les & Judy Smout Foundation and Auburndale Speedway who is donating use of the track and paying for the insurance.
Other event major sponsors are Southern Air Compressor Services, Orlando Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep & Ram, Joey Coulter’s Driver Optimization, Enterprise Car Rental, Speedway Auto Sales and 97 Country/Max 98.3 Radio.
Also helping to sponsor this event in different ways are the following: O’Reilly Auto Parts, Gator’s Dockside Highland City, Papa Johns Pizza, Harvest Meat Markets, Q Auto & Injury Attorney’s, DARN Apparel, Southern Race Fuels Sunoco Brand and Hoosier Racing Tires.
You can go to www.carsevents.com for all the information on the race and the full schedule. Also tune into 97 Country and Max 98.3 for your chance to win free family four-pack admission passes to the event or stop by the studio for some buy-one-get-one-free tickets. You can also pick up BOGO tickets and info at O’Reilly Auto Parts in the Auburndale, Winter Haven and Lakeland area or at one of the five Harvest Meat Markets in the Polk County area as well as at Gators Dockside in Highland City.
C.A.R.S. Racing for a Cause, Inc. has in the past nine years helped in some way 27 families and raised over $185,000 to assist them. This years events should push that total to well over $200,000 and now will have helped 30 families. The events will continue after this year under the leadership of Kim Scheffler, Joey Coulter and many of the same board members as Rick Bristol will step back to become a Vice President on the board and help mainly with planning of the events along with helping at the events. The new foundation will keep the C.A.R.S name but will change to CARS Racin’ for a Dream, Inc. as soon as the paperwork can be done by the lawyers and State of Florida.
"As I look forward to this tenth anniversary event I am reminded of all those children and families we have been able to help, said Rick Bristol." It is because of the help and support of great sponsors, volunteers and the drivers that have supported us from the beginning along with our board of folks that work to make this and our other events go. Also to my friend Joey Coulter for joining with us and bringing a lot of credibility to the event and for his giving of funds through himself plus his parents have been great supporters of the event. I am so grateful to all that help us to help others. The Guy family for their support these last four years opening up Auburndale totally to us and donating it has helped us tremendously. As I step aside as the head of this, I know it will continue in good hands with Kim Scheffler, Joey and the board. Kim is a wonderful person and friend and will lead in a great way. I look forward to celebrating with everyone this weekend," he said.
Joey Coulter also had several things to say; "I am excited about racing in the event again this year, but I also honored to be a part and be celebrating with Rick, his family and the board members ten years of helping these children and families. As I prepare to have my first child, it really hits home what so many of these families go through and it just makes it more important that we keep this going as Rick steps down. His vision will be in good hands as Kim takes the reigns and I will continue to help all I can along with the other board members and supporters of this event. We hope everyone will come out and enjoy this great event for a great cause and let Rick know he has done well, said Coulter"
Kim Scheffler chimed in as well as she gets ready to take over the organization that will now be known as CARS Racin’ for a Dream, Inc.; "I raced in the first Charity Truck Race that CARS held 10 years ago. It was quite obvious what great things Rick Bristol was doing with his organization. I moved away for about five years but I still supported his cause by buying lap ten of each race. When I moved back to Florida, Rick invited me to be a member of the CARS Racing For A Cause board. I was honored and excited to help him raise money for those in need. Besides being a board member for the past four years, I have actually got a chance to buckle back in and compete in this star cast field of drivers. When Rick announced on the front stretch of last years race he was going to have to close the organization, without hesitation I quickly grabbed the microphone from him and told him that I would step in and take over. He has put way to much sweat, blood and tears into helping so many that I could not stand by and watch it end. I am pleased to announce that his legacy will live on under the new name of CARS Racin' For A Dream. Rick will still be an active part of this group and I look forward to seeing where the good Lord is going to take this, said Scheffler."
We look forward to having a big crowd to watch a great race along with supporting three awesome youngsters who will benefit greatly from the support of the fans and teams once again this year. Take time from your Holiday preparations and come out, have fun and support a great cause!
Photos:
1) Last year's winner Danny Anderson of Bradenton...
2) Becca Monopoli of Lakeland looks to take the win this year...
3) Joey Coulter hopes to win the race that bears his name a second time...
4) Steve Darvalics hope to become the first driver to win the race three times...
5) NASCAR Camping Worls Truck series driver Ray Black, Jr. is entered on Saturday night...
A top field of Pro Racing Trucks and great weather are expected for this weekends 10th Annual Joey Coulter Chsrity 200 Truck Race at Auburndale Speedway. The weather forecast is calling for little chance of rain and unseasonably warm temperatures. Friday night activities will see the thermometer in the low-mid 60s. Fans can basically spend all day at the track on Saturday with the temperature expected to top out around 82 degrees with a temperature of around 70 when the 200-lap main event takes the green flag.
This is not just a big race to come out and enjoy but a big fundraiser for three families who have been struggling financially as their children battle life-threatening illnesses. Being helped this year are the family of two-year-old Maci Ashby whose heart problems required three surgeries before she could even attempt to walk. This precious little cutie has fought like a trooper and doctors say the new valves in her heart should last at least ten years. Now she is able to walk and talk and she loves Mickey & Minnie Mouse and her favorite food, Oreo cookies.
Another family receiving help this year is the family of 13-year-old Lucas Grigg who was diagnosed a year ago with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer. Fortunately, with treatment, the cancer is now in remission and Lucas is back in school and also able to enjoy his favorite past time of playing video games.
Also being helped this year is the family of ten-year-old Skyla Monday who, thankfully, is in remission after a difficult three year battle with Leukemia. She still has a long road ahead of her, though, as she still requires therapy to combat the side effects of her chemo and radiation treatments. Despite her family's difficult financial situation, Skyla took it upon herself to be the official spokesperson for the 2015 CARS Racing for a Cause Kids, visiting three states in an effort to raise money for this year's event.
Although all three of these youngsters are doing well, the financial situation for their families, as you can expect, is tough to deal with as they have medical bills that stretch from here to the moon and back. That is why this event is so important, especially during the holiday season. The funds raised will help these families pay those medical bills, other bills and maybe even get the kids a little bit for Christmas. All three families are expected to be in attendance at the track Saturday evening.
Along with ticket sales, there will be event programs and t-shirts on sale all weekend too. There will be a silent auction, a Chinese raffle, 50/50 raffle and more including a car being raffled off. Speedway Auto Sales and the Guy family who own Auburndale Speedway have donated a very nice Chevrolet Camaro convertible that will be raffled off and driven home by the lucky winner.
After moving into the NASCAR ranks from his racing roots that began here in Florida, Joey Coulter began lending his name to the event a few years ago to help further promote the event started by organizer Rick Bristol some ten years ago. This will be Bristol's final race as organizer and promoter although he will remain on the Board of Directors as Kim Scheffler will take on the duties of Event Director in 2016.
A native of Miami Springs, FL, Joey Coulter started his racing career in 1998 driving Karts at West Coast Kart Way in Naples, Florida. Coulter had much success in the Karting ranks with one of his biggest accomplishments coming in 2005 when he won the Summer Nationals at the G & J Kartway in Camden, OH. He also finished second in that year's National Championship and won both State championships in Florida running the Briggs Junior light and heavy classes.
In late 2005 he ventured into the Florida FASTRUCK Series taking four top five finishes in his first five starts. In 2006 Coulter moved up to the FASTRUCK Pro Series competing against more experienced veteran drivers. In his first eight races he won four times and ultimately finished fourth in the final points standings. He was a mainstay in the first several Charity Truck events held at Orlando SpeedWorld. Coulter started racing stock cars in 2007 entering the USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series. In 2009 Coulter moved to the ARCA Series and his rookie season was met with much success. Coulter accumulated seven top-five's, 13 top-tens and won two poles along with leading 156 laps. He finished fourth in ARCA Series points as a rookie. On August 7, 2010, Coulter won his first ARCA race, The Berlin ARCA 200 at Berlin Raceway in Michigan.
Richard Childress Racing announced at the end of the 2010 racing season that Coulter would drive a second full-time Camping World Truck Series entry in 2011. Coulter finished seventh in points at the end of the 2011 season. With 13 top-ten finishes, he won the Truck Series Rookie of the Year award. In 2012, Coulter won his first career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Pocono (PA) Raceway on August 4, where he came from third to first on the final restart to score the victory. The following race at Michigan International Speedway, Coulter collected his first career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series pole.
After finishing third in series points in 2012, Coulter moved to Kyle Busch Motorsports for the 2013 season, driving the No. 18 truck. For 2014, he moved to GMS Racing's No. 21, and took seventh in points. He left the driver's seat in 2015 as GMS Racing moved him to the Team Relationships Coordinator position. But Coulter continues to race on the side "for fun" while waiting to fill another top-notch NASCAR seat driving for his family-owned race team Coulter Motorsports on his off weekends. He can be found at many dirt tracks around the Southeast, mainly in Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Florida.
Coulter, who won the 2013 edition of the race that bears his name, did not originally plan to race this year but was to focus on helping his wife Jessica (the Former Jessica Green) get to victory lane. However Jessica and Joey are now expecting their first child, so this years race is now not a possibility for Jessica so hubby will step in to fill the driver's seat vacancy.
Coulter will have a host of top competitors to deal with as this years field is one of the best ever. Ray Black, Jr. of Flagler Beach, who finished 11th in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series points this year driving the No. 07 Chevrolet Silverado for SS-Green Light Racing and who also ran in the NASCAR Xfinity Series late in the year for Rick Ware Racing, will wheel a J. R. Garcia-prepared machine and will also be a part of a big autograph session Saturday afternoon before pre-race ceremonies begin.
Also in the field will be former Peak Challenge winner, NASCAR K & N Series winner and Harvard graduate Patrick Staropoli of Miami driving a truck for owner Phil "Ace" Ellis, and sponsors Robert & Stephanie Howell.
Along with Coulter, other former race winners who have entered include last year's victor Danny Anderson of Bradenton and two-time winner Steve Darvalics of Bradenton who will be strong as always in his familiar No. 41.
A quintet of lady drivers will be attempting to make the show and they will be among the top contenders to win it all. The true veteran of the bunch is Kim Scheffler of Auburndale who, as mentioned earlier, will take over as Event Director next year. Scheffler has years of racing experience and will again wheel her familiar purple No. 10 sponsored by Fellows Trucking Group and Davenport Fights Back. Also in the field will be 26-year-old Becca Monopoli of Lakeland who already has several truck racing championships and race wins on her resume. But this is one race that has alluded her and she is chomping at the bit to add her name to the list of winners.
Jessica Murphy of Groveland will return to driving after a couple of years hiatus and she expects the rust to wear off quickly. Murphy will wheel a truck owned by A. J. Moyer. Taylor Moxley of Palm City is just finishing her rookie year of Truck racing in her family-owned #38 that bears the number run on Late Models and Modifieds raced by her dad Ricky Moxley. Taylor is coming off an impressive third place effort in the recent Southern Pro-Am Truck Series race held at New Smyrna Speedway. Kristen Clements of Lakeland got her start at Auburndale Speedway in the Kid's Club then moved up to the Mini Stocks. This will be one of her first efforts in a Race Truck and most feel she has the natural driving ability to go as far as she wants to in racing.
Other entries include Kody Jett of Middleburg, who won that previously-mentioned Southern Pro-Am Truck Series race at New Smyrna Speedway, young second generation racer Cole Partelo of Largo, Billy Carlbert, Jr. of Palmetto, West Palm Beach driver Derek Pugh, Orlando's Chad Pierce, Jason Lester of Palmetto, Bradenton's Scott McKay, Brent Huber of Venice, Oviedo's Jeremy Goddard, Sam Scott of Naples and Mike Kohut of Lehigh Acres.
Local Auburndale Speedway-area drivers that have entered include Travis Roland, Tyler Davis, Chris Narramore, Jr., Cody McDuffie (driving a truck built and owned by local legend David Hartin) and Chase Lovelady whose grandfather Perry and dad Raymond are household names when it comes to racing in the Central Florida area.
This years event returns to the 200 lap format that started it all ten years ago. There will be a twenty minute half-way break where teams can change 2 tires and make approved adjustments before resuming the remainder of the contest. The race will be run with double-file restarts with the first driver a lap down at a caution receiving a "lucky dog" pass until lap 175. Yellow flag laps will count but the race must finish under a green, white, checkered scenario, similar to the way NASCAR does.
This year things are being done a little differently as CARS Racing for a Cause celebrates ten years of helping children and their families during their time of need. The Friday schedule has been streamlined and the evening contains just three main events. The Trucks will have their tech and practice then at 6 pm they will take part in O’Reilly Auto Parts Fast Friday Qualifying that pays $250 to the fast qualifier, $150 for second fastest and $100 for the third-quick truck. The top 24 trucks will be in the big show with the top ten qualifiers all going through a rigorous tech inspection. All teams' tires will then be impounded until just before Happy Hour practice on Saturday.
Following qualifying, a great local band that has helped the C.A.R.S. organization raise money all year will perform a one hour concert. The Nathan Baldwin Band will perform and even event namesake Joey Coulter will jam with them on the front straightaway as the Tough Truck Tug-a-War competitors and fans are parking and preparing in the infield. The Tough trucks will round out the night and that is expected to last until around 11:30 pm. Front gates open at 5:30 pm with Truck qualifying at 6 pm. The band begins to play at 7 pm and infield parking will open at 7 pm also. The Tough Truck Tug-a-War starts at 8 pm. Adult General admission is just $10 with kids aged 12 and under free of charge. VIP infield parking is $20.
Saturday’s schedule is quite different and something new is being tried as well. Saturday morning at 9 am is registration and parking in the front parking area for the First Annual Charity Car & Truck Show that will be on display from 10-2 pm. The pits for the Trucks and Scrambler cars will open at 1:30 pm. Tires will be released to the Truck teams at 2 pm followed by Happy Hour Practice at 3 pm. There will be an on track autograph session with the NASCAR, Truck and Scrambler drivers at 5:30 pm while the Nathan Baldwin Band performs during the autograph session. Pre-race ceremonies will begin at 6:30 pm with driver introductions at 7 pm. The green flag drops on the Les & Judy Smout Charity Truck 200 at 7:15 pm. Once the Truck race is finished and the victory lane interviews are completed, the Scramblers will compete to round out the night for 30 laps with Series organizer Rick Bristol along with tech officials Carl Green and Darren Jackson taking part... all for fun. Grandstand gates open at 5 pm with adult admission just $12 or $10 for seniors. Again, all kids aged 12 and under get in free of charge. Pit admission is $25.
This years event has a great list of sponsors. Several new sponsors have come on board this year to help cover the expenses of this great race. Event title sponsors include Blackwater Integration, Davenport Fights Back, Coulter Motorsports, the Les & Judy Smout Foundation and Auburndale Speedway who is donating use of the track and paying for the insurance.
Other event major sponsors are Southern Air Compressor Services, Orlando Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep & Ram, Joey Coulter’s Driver Optimization, Enterprise Car Rental, Speedway Auto Sales and 97 Country/Max 98.3 Radio.
Also helping to sponsor this event in different ways are the following: O’Reilly Auto Parts, Gator’s Dockside Highland City, Papa Johns Pizza, Harvest Meat Markets, Q Auto & Injury Attorney’s, DARN Apparel, Southern Race Fuels Sunoco Brand and Hoosier Racing Tires.
You can go to www.carsevents.com for all the information on the race and the full schedule. Also tune into 97 Country and Max 98.3 for your chance to win free family four-pack admission passes to the event or stop by the studio for some buy-one-get-one-free tickets. You can also pick up BOGO tickets and info at O’Reilly Auto Parts in the Auburndale, Winter Haven and Lakeland area or at one of the five Harvest Meat Markets in the Polk County area as well as at Gators Dockside in Highland City.
C.A.R.S. Racing for a Cause, Inc. has in the past nine years helped in some way 27 families and raised over $185,000 to assist them. This years events should push that total to well over $200,000 and now will have helped 30 families. The events will continue after this year under the leadership of Kim Scheffler, Joey Coulter and many of the same board members as Rick Bristol will step back to become a Vice President on the board and help mainly with planning of the events along with helping at the events. The new foundation will keep the C.A.R.S name but will change to CARS Racin’ for a Dream, Inc. as soon as the paperwork can be done by the lawyers and State of Florida.
"As I look forward to this tenth anniversary event I am reminded of all those children and families we have been able to help, said Rick Bristol." It is because of the help and support of great sponsors, volunteers and the drivers that have supported us from the beginning along with our board of folks that work to make this and our other events go. Also to my friend Joey Coulter for joining with us and bringing a lot of credibility to the event and for his giving of funds through himself plus his parents have been great supporters of the event. I am so grateful to all that help us to help others. The Guy family for their support these last four years opening up Auburndale totally to us and donating it has helped us tremendously. As I step aside as the head of this, I know it will continue in good hands with Kim Scheffler, Joey and the board. Kim is a wonderful person and friend and will lead in a great way. I look forward to celebrating with everyone this weekend," he said.
Joey Coulter also had several things to say; "I am excited about racing in the event again this year, but I also honored to be a part and be celebrating with Rick, his family and the board members ten years of helping these children and families. As I prepare to have my first child, it really hits home what so many of these families go through and it just makes it more important that we keep this going as Rick steps down. His vision will be in good hands as Kim takes the reigns and I will continue to help all I can along with the other board members and supporters of this event. We hope everyone will come out and enjoy this great event for a great cause and let Rick know he has done well, said Coulter"
Kim Scheffler chimed in as well as she gets ready to take over the organization that will now be known as CARS Racin’ for a Dream, Inc.; "I raced in the first Charity Truck Race that CARS held 10 years ago. It was quite obvious what great things Rick Bristol was doing with his organization. I moved away for about five years but I still supported his cause by buying lap ten of each race. When I moved back to Florida, Rick invited me to be a member of the CARS Racing For A Cause board. I was honored and excited to help him raise money for those in need. Besides being a board member for the past four years, I have actually got a chance to buckle back in and compete in this star cast field of drivers. When Rick announced on the front stretch of last years race he was going to have to close the organization, without hesitation I quickly grabbed the microphone from him and told him that I would step in and take over. He has put way to much sweat, blood and tears into helping so many that I could not stand by and watch it end. I am pleased to announce that his legacy will live on under the new name of CARS Racin' For A Dream. Rick will still be an active part of this group and I look forward to seeing where the good Lord is going to take this, said Scheffler."
We look forward to having a big crowd to watch a great race along with supporting three awesome youngsters who will benefit greatly from the support of the fans and teams once again this year. Take time from your Holiday preparations and come out, have fun and support a great cause!
Photos:
1) Last year's winner Danny Anderson of Bradenton...
2) Becca Monopoli of Lakeland looks to take the win this year...
3) Joey Coulter hopes to win the race that bears his name a second time...
4) Steve Darvalics hope to become the first driver to win the race three times...
5) NASCAR Camping Worls Truck series driver Ray Black, Jr. is entered on Saturday night...
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