NASCAR's most popular driver, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., began a great tradition last year with his Make A Wish Ride Along Day. Fans were able to purchase the opportunity to ride laps with Jr, with all proceeds going to The Dale Jr. Foundation.
Dale Earnhardt, Jr
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Dale's foundation supports Speedway's Children's Charities, the Make-A-Wish foundation of Central and West North Carolina, Victory Junction Gang Camp and more.
Last year, Jr.'s foundation said he was able to raise $50,000 an hour for his charities. During his final ride on the inaugural event, Dale gave nine year-old fan, Dillon, his custom-made racing helmet.
Dillon was thrilled beyond belief . "He's just got a big heart for kids," Dillon said after his ride. He added that his friends at school would never believe him, so he was going to take the helmet to school as proof.
This year, the bidding has started on eBay for Jr.'s Ride Along with Dale Earnhardt, Jr. & VIP Race Weekend that will take place on October 17, 2011.
Bidding ends on the morning of July 18, 2011, and it is currently at $7,600.00. The winning bid will allow you to ride for three laps around the Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina, and you'll be able to tour both the garage and pit areas. You'll also receive two Grandstand tickets to both the Nationwide Series and the Sprint Cup Series events, three nights lodging, Dale's autographed racing gloves and much more.
Apparently, Lori Fleming, a real estate agent in Utah, is requesting donations so that she can win this thrill of a lifetime. She is hoping that enough people will help make her dream come true, and has even set up a can in her office for coin donations. Well, you never know, but I think it might take a lot of coins to win this experience, and her story may need to be a little bit more compelling.
Maybe I can try that. It sounds like a lot of people might come up with some great sob stories in order to spend some time in Jr.'s presence. On Dale's Facebook page, some of the comments posted include Debbie Giles-Heaton, " OMG——I WOULD JUST DIE!!!!! I LOVE DALE JR. I wish i had a million dollars for that, it would be soooooo awsome!!!!! OMGGGGG……YOU R THE BEST DALE!!!!"
Anyone got an extra can?
I grew up watching auto racing at the old Baylands Raceway in Fremont, California, and have been a fan ever since.
More from this contributor:
Here is the link to the Donation Site (the site that started this)
http://lorifleming.posterous.com/send-a-girl-on-a-trip-of-a-life-time-sure-to
This is crazy Maybe I can make this happen Keep those nickels and Dimes coming
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