Race Fever does well: Phil Barkdoll, auctioneer for Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind’s Race Fever event, got an unprecedented $15,000 bid on a rare autographed Dale Earnhardt helmet Friday night during festivities at the Speedvision Dome. “Preliminary estimates put this year’s gross profit at $118,000, not counting gift-in-kind gifts,” said AIDB President Joe Busta. “Race Fever was a huge success due to our sponsors, driver attendance, patrons and the continued enthusiasm of auctioneer Phil Barkdoll and master of ceremonies Ned Jarrett.” Approximately 1,200 fans participated in Race Fever 2002, which featured a barbecue dinner and silent auction. Drivers on hand included Jeff Green, Tina Gordon, Shawna Robinson, Bobby Labonte, Casey Mears, Robbie Gordon, Johnny Benson, Bobby Allison, Jerry Nadeau, Ashton Lewis Jr., Scott Riggs and Jack Sprague. Former basketball coach Sonny Smith hosted the evening, greeting guests from 38 states and Canada.(Daily Home)(4-21-2002) (4-20-2002)
