More than 100 breast cancer survivors and their supporters joined NASCAR drivers Matt Kenseth, Brian Vickers and Elliott Sadler to paint the Charlotte Motor Speedway start/finish line and pit wall pink to kick off National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and preview the pink-themed Dollar General 300 on Oct. 11. For the third consecutive year and as part of a continued effort to raise awareness of breast cancer education and research and to honor those who have fought the disease, Charlotte Motor Speedway will incorporate a pink theme into the Dollar General 300. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 232,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year alone. But with early detection, experts say there is a 98% survival rate for those affected by the disease. To help raise awareness of the staggering statistics, Charlotte Motor Speedway and Dollar General have teamed up to put several pink initiatives in place during Fridays race. Among other things, fans who attend next weekends races will notice the pink start/finish line and pit wall, which got a fresh coat of pink paint Tuesday. In total, crews will use 80 gallons of paint provided by PPG Porter and Glidden Paints to cover more than 6,000 square feet for pit wall and the start/finish line. Kenseth, who will run in both the Dollar General 300 and Saturdays Bank of America 500, said hes enjoyed getting back into the NASCAR Nationwide Series this year and looks forward to racing in Charlotte, but also raising awareness of an important cause. In addition to the pink paint on the start/finish line and pit wall, Charlotte Motor Speedway will include a number of other pink initiatives during Friday nights race. Survivors Parade As it did last year, the Dollar General 300 prerace activities will once again include a breast cancer survivors parade with 300 breast cancer survivors. Participants who have signed up will meet in front of Smith Tower where they will receive a special pink T-shirt, pink and white flag and race ticket and walk onto the track to be recognized for their courage in facing the disease. Pink Pace Car to Lead Field to Green Before drivers jockey for position in the pivotal points race for the NASCAR Nationwide Series championship, a pink and white 2013 Toyota Camry Pace car will lead the field. Winner to Hoist Pink Trophy Even the celebration in Victory Circle will carry the pink scheme, with the winner hoisting a pink trophy in celebration a colorful creation thats sure to stand out in any drivers trophy case. Fans Encouraged to Join ‘Pink Out” In addition, fans who wish to express their support are encouraged to wear pink during Friday nights Dollar General 300 or display a pink ribbon. Drivers, Teams Show Support Over and above the efforts Charlotte Motor Speedway and Dollar General will make to carry the pink theme through the event, many drivers and teams have already announced plans to show their support with pink paint schemes and through other initiatives. Sadler wears pink racing shoes and racing gloves in every race in honor of his mother, Bell, who is a six-year breast cancer survivor. The Kyle Busch Foundation will raise awareness of its ‘Project Pink: Protect Your Pair” initiative throughout Charlottes race week, including hosting 12 cancer patients or ‘Champions” for a VIP at-track experience during the Dollar General 300. Tickets for the Dollar General 300 start at just $25. Kids 13 and under get in free with an adult ticket purchase. Fans can catch all the action from Bojangles Pole Night/UNOH Southern Slam 150 and Better Half Dash on Oct. 10, to the Dollar General 300 on Oct. 11 and the Bank of America 500 on Oct. 12 with a weekend pass starting at just $99. Frontstretch tickets to the Bank of America 500 with spectacular views of the worlds largest HDTV start at two for just $99 and can be obtained through the Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket office by calling 1-800-455-FANS (3267) or online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com .(CMS)
