NASCAR Trucks: Chuck Hale Named Honorary Starter For Advance Auto Parts 250

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

March 17, 2001

Chuck Hale is accustomed to directing and coordinating hundreds of employees in his job for Advance Auto Parts.

He’ll need all of those skills on Saturday, April 7th when he waves the green flag to start the Advance Auto Parts 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Martinsville Speedway.

Hall, a regional vice president for Advance Auto Parts, has been selected to serve as the honorary starter for the Advance Auto Parts 250.

“I’m proud to represent the Advance Auto family and its employees,” said Hale. “I’m happy to bring the race to the loyal race fans and customers.”

In his duties at Advance Auto Parts, Hale is responsible for the overall direction coordination and evaluation of division and store managers in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia and Georgia.

He began his career with Advance in 1966 as a part-time salesperson. He was quickly promoted to store management before moving to the purchasing department in the corporate office. He then moved to the store merchandising department, followed by a promotion to store operations where he held various positions, including zone manager, district assistant vice president and regional vice president.

Hale and his wife Susan live in Roanoke, VA. They have one son and two grandsons. In his free time, Hale enjoys hunting and fishing.

Advance Auto Parts is the primary trade name for Advance Stores Company, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Advance Holding Corporation.

Established in 1932 with three stores in Virginia – two in Roanoke, Va. and one in Lynchburg, Va. – Advance now has more than 1,700 stores in 38 states. The company is based in Roanoke, Va., and is the second largest auto parts chain in the nation.

The Virginia 500/Advance Auto Parts 250 weekend kicks off with Bud Pole qualifying for the Craftsman Truck Series at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, April 6 followed by time trials for the Winston Cup Series at 3 p.m. Tickets for qualifying are $15 for adults and children under 12 get in free.

Tickets for the Advance Auto Parts 250 Craftsman Truck race are $30 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12. All seats are unreserved.

There still are great seats available for the Virginia 500 NASCAR Winston Cup race for $40-$65 each. To purchase tickets call the speedway ticket office toll free at 877-722-3849 or online at www.martinsvillespeedway.com.

Text provided by Mike Smith

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.