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NorthernLight IRL: Greg Ray crowned 'Chowder King' by Dallas Cowboy Bill Bates

5 October 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
DALLAS--On Monday, October 2, 2000, at Newport's Seafood Restaurant in Downtown Dallas, a tradition began that will return for many years to come. The event in its first year, "Newport's Chowder Cook-Off benefiting the Bill Bates Foundation for Kids," was held with participants from the Dallas Cowboys and the '99 Champ of the Indy Racing League.

Cowboys Troy Aikman, Chad Hennings, Coach Joe Avezzano, Ryan McNeil, Dat Nguyen, and Plano-native Greg Ray were given chowder recipes to prepare and serve, of course, with the wonderful assistance from the Newport's Executive Chef, Brian Dietz, kitchen and wait staff. Once the chowders were served, Media Celebrity Critics and attendees to this event voted on their favorites.

Celebrity judges chose the 'Critic's Choice' and named Coach Joe's Crab and Corn Chowder as their favorite. However, the 'People's Choice' Award went to the only non-Cowboy participant, Greg Ray, 1999 IRL Champion and Texas-native. Greg's Roasted Poblano and Chicken Chowder was a big favorite and Ray received the most votes, crowning him as "Chowder King."

Celebrity judges included: Dale Hansen, Sports Anchor/WFAA-TV Channel 8, Cathy Barber, Food Editor of The Dallas Morning News, Norm Hitzges, Legendary Sports Talk Radio Host KTCK-The Ticket, Dotty Griffith, Dining Critic for The Dallas Morning News, Scott Murray Sports Anchor/KXAS-TV Channel 5, Anna DeHaro, Morning Show Co-Host of Magic 102.1 FM Radio, Steve Lamb, Morning Show Co-host and Sports Anchor of WBAP-AM Radio "The Official Motor sports Radio Station of the Texas Motor Speedway," and his lovely wife, Deborah Ferguson of KXAS-TV Channel 5.

Celebrity Chefs worked the room at Newport's most of the night, visiting, soliciting votes and signing autographs for donations to The Bill Bates Foundation for Kids. All proceeds from this event were donated to The Bill Bates Foundation for Kids, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping children and their families in need by working with individuals, corporations or other foundations to provide financial assistance and the support necessary to further enhance the lives of children.

Greg Ray will be participating in his last racing event for the 2000 Indy Racing Northern Light Series on Sunday, October 15 at Texas Motor Speedway.

Text Provided By Kathy Prather

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