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Special Motorsports Event - TK Takes On Eldora


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Eldora, Jun. 5, 2012: Testing between consecutive IZOD IndyCar Series race weekends, sponsor appearances, meetings and travel conspired to keep Tony Kanaan off the Eldora Speedway half-mile clay oval to prepare for his third appearance June 6 in the Prelude To The Dream, but that won't stop him from competing in the race again.

The all-star Late Model race features renowned drivers from multiple motorsports disciplines competing for personal satisfaction. Net proceeds from the HBO pay-per-view live telecast will benefit Feed The Children, a U.S.-based charity thatdomestically has helped more than 365,000 families since 2009 through its Americans Feeding Americans Caravan.

"It's always a pleasure to come back, and unfortunately we don't have a lot of time to test," Kanaan said of the one-day event. "I can't thank (track owner and event organizer) Tony (Stewart) enough for inviting me. I always enjoy it and look forward to it again."

Kanaan, the 2004 IZOD IndyCar Series champion, had driven on road and street course and diverse ovals before jumping in the 2,300-pound No. 11 GEICO-sponsored Late Model car on the half-mile Eldora Speedway. It was a new learning curve. He's finished 24th and 27th the past two years.

"It's only two times that I've raced those cars on that type of track, but my mentality is to have fun and get INDYCAR out there in an environment that's not ours," he said.

The eighth edition includes hot laps, qualifying, heat races and a 40-lpa feature with double-file restarts. Former IZOD IndyCar Series driver Danica Patrick - a one-time teammate of Kanaan -- is among the first-time participants.

"We have the most diverse group of drivers we've ever had for the Prelude, and for the first time, the Prelude will be broadcast in high-definition," said Stewart, a three-time winner of the Prelude To The Dream. "This year's event is going to be a can't-miss show. We've added 10 laps to the feature and partnered with a great charity in Feed The Children."

The commercial-free broadcast begins at 8 p.m. (ET) with an immediate replay. Order at either www.PreludeToTheDream.org or www.HBO.com. Ticketsare available online at www.EldoraSpeedway.com or by calling (937) 338-3815.