• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Doing More Than Just Racing

How Speedway Children’s Charities has more than $49 million dollars since 1982.

Speedway Children’s Charities has existed since 1982 with the sole mission of helping kids in need. The New Hampshire chapter has contributed nearly $1.5 million dollars to the charity since its inception. Image from Speedwaycharities.org.

Racing goes beyond the crashes, last lap passes for the win and celebrations in victory lane. Each weekend, there are driver appearances and events, many of which go unnoticed by the casual fan. During the recent race week at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, which featured an incredible five races in three days, one organization that put on several events was the New Hampshire Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities.

Nearly 70 volunteers came together at New Hampshire to raise more than $280,000.

Bruton Smith, Chairman of Speedway Motorsports Incorporated (SMI), founded Speedway Children’s Charities in 1982 in memory of his young son Bruton Cameron Smith. The loss of his son helped the elder Smith truly become passionate about assisting children in need.

https://frontofficesports.com/how-north-wilkesboro-speedway-became-an-inspiration-for-cars-3-a9d50c6800

According to Smith, “Our sole concern at SCC is to help a child in need.”

Since its beginning 35 years ago, Speedway Children’s Charities has expanded to eight chapters across the country.

Its New Hampshire chapter held several events to raise money for its chapter during the race week. Events include:

· Laps For Charity: For $30, fans are given the choice of riding in the official NHMS Pace Car or driving their own vehicle around the 1.058-mile venue for three laps.

· Ricky Craven’s “One for the Kids” Golf Tournament: Former Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver and current ESPN NASCAR Analyst Ricky Craven teamed up with SCC and United Site Services to put on a one day golf tournament at the London Country Club with proceeds (and donations) going towards helping kids in need across New England.

· Champions Breakfast: Over 400 people attended a breakfast with seven-time MENCS champion Jimmie Johnson and 2016 NASCAR XFINITY Series Champion Daniel Suarez. The breakfast benefitted the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock.

· Ride of a Lifetime Auction: Fans bid for their chance to take a parade lap with the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver of their choice prior to the start of the Overton’s 301, which was won by Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin.

· Helicopter Rides: Fans could take a ride around New Hampshire Motor Speedway’s property for $60.

· Track Walk: A common initiative at many tracks, the SCC New Hampshire Chapter gave fans the chance to walk the speedway for a donation. Two-time New Hampshire winner Joey Logano joined fans in attendance.

· Red Bucket Brigade: An event that began at New Hampshire continued at the Overton’s 301 as the Red Bucket Brigade passed red buckets throughout the speedway’s grandstands to raise money for SCC. The bucket pass is also used at other SMI tracks on the NASCAR circuit.

On the Wednesday prior to the race weekend, for only $30 individuals could drive their car around New Hampshire Motor Speedway for three laps or ride in the official NHMS Toyota Camry Pace Car. (Image from Tweetiz.com)

“It is an honor to be able to be involved with Speedway Children’s Charities and work along side race fans, sponsors and volunteers to fulfill our mission of helping children in need across New England,” said Cheryl LaPrade, Director of the New Hampshire SSC Chapter. “Because of everyone’s incredible dedication to implementing events throughout the season, we are able to help more and more children each year.”

The New Hampshire Chapter of SCC had incredible success during its event weekend, which is no surprise, considering the amount of funds that the SCC has raised since its inception.

https://frontofficesports.com/how-north-wilkesboro-speedway-became-an-inspiration-for-cars-3-a9d50c6800

According to the Speedway Children’s Charities website, “In 2016, Speedway Children’s Charities distributed nearly $3.1 million in grants to more than 450 different charitable organizations across the country, bringing the total funds distributed since 1982 to more than $49 million dollars, ensuring every child in need be given the tools to build a better, brighter and healthy future.”

For those looking to get involved with SCC, it’s easy. The organization is always seeking volunteers or donations. Sponsorship opportunities are also available with contact information on the website.

For more on Speedway Children’s Charities, visit www.speedwaycharities.com.


Front Office Sports is a leading multi-platform publication and industry resource that covers the intersection of business and sports.

Want to learn more, or have a story featured about you or your organization? Contact us today.

https://upscri.be/f32ae1

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix Viewership Falls in Year Two

The F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix drew 905,000 U.S. viewers this year.

Max Verstappen Wins Fourth Straight F1 Title Despite Red Bull’s Down Year

The driver clinched another championship at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Joey Logano Defends NASCAR Playoffs As League Reviews Format

Joey Logano won his third NASCAR Cup Championship on Sunday.

Michael Jordan’s Team Loses Bid for Temporary Injunction Against NASCAR

The teams can still compete, but will miss out on certain guarantees.

Featured Today

Dec 18, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; FIFA president Gianni Infantino claps during the awards ceremony after the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium.

FIFA Wants More Matches. Resistance Is Growing Inside the Global Soccer World

Resentment and frustration over expanded schedules is nearing a breaking point.
November 30, 2024

U.S. Investors Are Gunning for England’s Small Soccer Clubs

Is another Hollywood-like success story possible among the U.K.’s smallest clubs?
Nov 1, 2024; Boise, Idaho, USA; Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty (2) leads the team onto the field prior to the first quarter against the San Diego State Aztecs at Albertsons Stadium.
November 29, 2024

Schools Are Scrambling to Prepare for the NCAA Revenue-Sharing Era

In the post–House v. NCAA world, “everyone’s kind of on their own.”
Nov 4, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Recording artist Taylor Swift arrives prior to a game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
November 29, 2024

The PWHL Could Be Inviting a Date With Taylor Swift’s Legal Team

The Toronto Sceptres may have opened a Pandora’s box of trademark issues.
Lane Kiffin

College Football Devolves Into Sniping as Playoff Bracket Nears

From Lane Kiffin to Jim Phillips, no one is holding back.
November 20, 2024

Deion Sanders Downplays NFL Smoke As Former Cowboys Lobby for Him

The Colorado coach says “I’ve got a kickstand down” in Boulder.
Sponsored

Football’s Thanksgiving Day Ticket Feast

Several NFL and college football games on Thanksgiving and Black Friday are driving some eye-popping purchase prices.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Linda McMahon salutes Trump at the RNC
November 19, 2024

Trump Taps WWE’s Linda McMahon to Run Education Dept. He Promised to..

McMahon would have significant influence over women’s college sports. 
Sponsored

Star Power Sells: Mahomes-Allen Showdown, NBA Cup

NFL and NBA purchase prices continue to climb as marquee matchups and star-powered appearances dominate the spotlight this week.
Sponsored

World Series Delivers High-Demand Marquee Matchup

The hype around the World Series matchup drove ticket prices to record levels—but the Dodgers’ dominance quickly quieted the fervor.
Sponsored

Big Ticket: NBA Tip-Off: All Eyes on the Lakers, Plus Movers and..

The 2024–2025 NBA season has started with a bang, and TickPick data shows how fan excitement is translating to big ticket sales.