SPECIAL EVENT (CHARLOTTE) - NASCAR Foundation Track Walk Presented By Bank Of America Offers Fans The Chance To Walk The 'Beast Of The Southeast'

On Saturday, Oct. 13, 2007, fans will have the chance to walk a lap around the ‘Beast of the Southeast’ during The NASCAR Foundation Track Walk presented by Bank of America at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Proceeds from the walk will benefit Speedway Children’s Charities Charlotte Chapter and The NASCAR Foundation.

Celebrity guests making an appearance that day include walk grand marshall and former NFL Carolina Panthers cornerback Rod Smith, Charlotte’s #1 hit music station’s DJ Chad Rock and Speedway Motorsports, Inc. President and General Manager of Lowe’s Motor Speedway H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler.

“We are excited to be partnering with The NASCAR Foundation on this year’s Track Walk,” said Wheeler. “Rarely do fans get the chance to get so up-close-and-personal with the ‘Beast’ and I think they will enjoy this opportunity to see the track from a new perspective.”

The Track Walk will be held the morning prior to the Bank of America 500 (7 p.m. ET, ABC) and kicks off a day of events sponsored by Bank of America, the Official Bank of NASCAR and the Official Bank of Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

“Bank of America strives to create opportunities for fans to connect with the Bank of America 500,” said Michael Hargrave, Motorsports Platform Executive, Bank of America. “The track walk not only provides fans with another fun, family-friendly event to participate in race weekend, but it also helps raise money for two organizations that do great work in our communities.”

Speedway Children’s Charities (SCC) provides funds to organizations that meet the direct needs of children. From mentoring programs to camps for special needs children, Speedway Children’s Charities’ mission is to help children by supporting organizations that work to see that children's needs are met and that no child is left behind regardless of illness, social environment or disability. Last year, SCC Charlotte Chapter distributed $589,000 to over 65 non-profit organizations from Charlotte and the surrounding areas.

Speedway Children’s Charities is a part of The NASCAR Foundation Family of Charities. The NASCAR Foundation embodies the compassion of the NASCAR Family and its commitment to serving communities. The Foundation uses the strength of the sport and its people to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Making a pit stop from a special walk of his own, legendary NFL defensive lineman George Martin will take to the track to walk a few more steps in an effort to show his support for Speedway Children’s Charities and The NASCAR Foundation, as well as “A Journey for 9/11,” his cross-country, 3,200-mile walk to raise awareness and money for Ground Zero rescue and recovery workers. The former New York Giants star left the George Washington Bridge in New York on Sept. 16, and expects to arrive at the Golden Gate Bridge in late 2007. His goal is to cover 35-50 miles per day and raise more than $10 million for the sick workers of Ground Zero.

Registration fees for the walk are $30 for each individual, and children under the age of 14 are free with a paying adult. Participants are able to register as individuals or teams and are encouraged to raise money through friends, family and colleagues. Registered walkers at each walk that raise over $150 through team online fundraising are eligible for some unique NASCAR-themed prizes.

Fans will have one final opportunity to participate in a Track Walk this year when The NASCAR Foundation and Speedway Children’s Charities wrap up the season at the Atlanta Motor Speedway after the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series EasyCare Vehicle Service Contracts 200 on Oct. 27 (SPEED, 12:30 p.m. ET).

Fans can register online to participate in The NASCAR Foundation Track Walk by visiting www.nascar.com/foundation.