Maneuvering down I-485 with buckets of rain pouring on the car wasn’t the racing one envisioned for Friday night.
While the weather washed out events at Carolina Speedway, it brought out the sun on Saturday at East Lincoln. Local charities were out in full force during the NASCAR Sprint Cup off-weekend. Drag racer Doug Herbert, a Cherryville native and founder of BRAKES, brought his organization to the track. Herbert founded BRAKES, a safe driving organization, after the death of his sons in 2008. “Over 6,000 teenagers are killed every year in car accidents. I’ve come to promote safe driving and give out free T-shirts,” said Herbert, a regular who enjoys dirt track racing. D.J. Copp, tire changer for NASCAR driver Marcos Ambrose, and founder of OTW (Over the Wall) crew brought his pit crew. Fans contributed $3 to learn tire changing, with the proceeds going to BRAKES. Eric Helms and Randy Carson were winners of a $300 Ingersoll Rand gift pack after being the fastest on a pit crew challenge. Checkered Dreams, a charity which helps sick and disabled children was again on hand with two deserving children meeting drivers, getting autographs and enjoying special rides around the track. East Lincoln co-owner, Bob Mack, had two major announcements. He told fans that fellow co-owner Ray Evernham and NASCAR developmental driver Erin Crocker had gotten married. Mack said the newlyweds were in Iowa and South Dakota, where Crocker was running dirt tracks. Mack also said that on Sept. 30 East Lincoln Speedway would be hosting a Susan G. Koman for the Cure Night of Racing.
“Local NASCAR Drivers, including Kasey Kahne, A.J. Allmendinger and Elliot Sadler will be on hand for the event,” Mack said. Carolina Speedway Clint Elkins, track promoter, said Carolina Speedway will host the second annual Carolina Clash Hall of Fame 50 this coming Friday