You can do all of these at Get Your Heart Racing, 1 – 9 p.m., Saturday, October 15, at Ford Motor Co. in Dearborn, Michigan, as Ford and Henry Ford Health System partner to fight heart disease.

Shelby Tickets include a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for one person to participate in the following activities on the Ford test track:

•Drag racing – a two-car race on a short course.
•Highway Driving Simulation – choose from a wide selection of Ford vehicles.
•Wet Pad – a helmeted ride with a professional driver on a skid pad, for a demonstration of extreme handling.
•Driving Challenge – drive a coned course to experience driving dynamics.
•Hot Laps – ride with a professional driver in a Mustang on the high-speed track. Names will be drawn to choose three guests who will ride with Formula Drift 2010 Champion Vaughn Gittin Jr..
•Over The Top – drive F-150s or Explorers on an off-road course.

Drivers must be 18 or older, with a minimum of one year driving experience to participate in track events.

Shelby Ticketholders may bring a guest for an optional track tour, and both are invited to the Winner’s Circle following the afternoon at the track, for dinner and a program with remarks by Ford Motor CEO Alan Mulally. Several million-dollar cars, including some from Ford Racing, will be on display.

Entertainment will be provided by renowned magician Bill Malone. Silent and live auctions will offer items tailored for the car racing enthusiast. Live auction items include two tickets to the 2012 American Idol final in April, including hotel and airfare, or a Ford Championship Weekend VIP Experience in November, including three races, meeting Ford drivers and a personal garage and pit tour.

The highlight of the evening is the live auction of a “one of one” 2012 Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca, designed especially for this event.

Shelby Tickets may be purchased  for $2500 at getyourheartracing.org until October 14, and four tickets are being raffled.  For a chance to win a Shelby Ticket to this event,  $20 raffle tickets are available by calling (734) 246-9639. Winner’s Circle tickets are $500.

Dress is casual.  Those who will be on the track are required to wear jeans and athletic shoes. Personal cameras and cell phones will be checked at the door, but photos and video will be available as a remembrance of the day.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Edith and Benson Ford Heart & Vascular Institute at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit and the Center for Cardiac Care at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital.

Ticket sales are limited. For more information about this event, including sponsorship opportunities, visit getyourheartracing.com or call (734) 246-9583.

About the Edith and Benson Ford Heart & Vascular Institute

With a history that spans more than 90 years, the institute has earned international recognition as a leader and innovator in comprehensive cardiovascular care, research and education.  Established in 1946, the cardiac training program is one of the longest running in the U.S., and the first in Michigan.  The program is one of only three in Michigan for advanced heart failure treatment options and one of the few programs in the U.S. offering robotically assisted laparoscopic aortic surgery.

About Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital

Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital was established in 1926.  This 401-bed acute care hospital serves the Downriver region and surrounding communities of southeast Michigan. It offers a full range of clinical services, including general medicine, surgery, birthing center and 24-hour emergency care. Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital also provides physical medicine, rehab, adult mental health and neurosurgical services. Its Henry Ford Health Center-Brownstown offers medical imaging, ambulatory surgery, 24-hour emergency care, a sleep lab and other services. Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital is a member of the Henry Ford Health System. For more information visit henryfordwyandotte.com

Source Henry Ford Health System

Fresh off his 20th birthday, Trevor Bayne became the youngest driver in NASCAR history to win The Great American Race. It was an epic win – one 35 years in the making for the famed Wood Brothers Racing team – and it happened to unfold at America’s most storied track, Daytona International Speedway. Throughout 200 grueling laps, Bayne impressed multiple veteran drivers with his strategic racing skills, and earned a spot on the most coveted list of NASCAR winners.

Bayne’s improbable victory provided consolation for grieving fans rooting for the legend’s son to win at the track that claimed his father’s life just 10 years ago. When a heart-wrenching collision eliminated Dale Earnhardt Jr. from contention, the race was wide open and led to the unlikely victory that would capture headlines around the country.

With DAYTONA 500: THE INSIDE STORY, NASCAR Media Group captures an unforgettable week of tributes to the late Earnhardt that ended with Trevor Bayne’s unthinkable drive into Victory Lane. This one-hour documentary delivers never-before-seen footage, extensive pit-to-car radio communication and exclusive interviews with some of NASCAR’s biggest names.

DAYTONA 500: THE INSIDE STORY is produced for HDTheater by NASCAR Media Group.

Source HDTheater

Blue-collar comedian and the voice of Mater in the upcoming Disney-Pixar summer comedy “CARS 2,” Larry the Cable Guy will “git-r-done” as the honorary pace-car driver for the 52nd running of the Coca-Cola 600 on May 29 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

In addition to leading the field of 43 NASCAR stars in the Coca-Cola 600, Larry the Cable Guy will also take part in various activities around the speedway, including attending the drivers meeting, prior to the main event.

Charlotte Motor Speedway will celebrate the U.S. opening of Disney-Pixar’s “CARS 2″ on June 24 with a special display for fans featuring full-size replicas of movie stars Lightning McQueen and Mater. Lightning McQueen and Mater will also participate in the pre-race parade laps.

“I am excited to Git R Done in the pace car at Charlotte Motor Speedway and lead the field to the start of NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600,” said Larry the Cable Guy. “It will be an honor to be a part of the most patriotic pre-race show in America.” 

“CARS 2″ features star racecar Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) and the incomparable tow truck Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) as they take their friendship overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix. But the road to the championship is filled with plenty of potholes, detours and hilarious surprises when Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage. Mater’s journey leads him through the streets of Japan and Europe, trailed by his friends and watched by the world. The fast-paced fun includes a colorful new all-star cast, complete with menacing villains and international racing competitors.

In May 2006, Charlotte Motor Speedway hosted the world premiere of Disney-Pixar’s “CARS,” which was the first multi-screen digital cinema premiere ever held. More than 35,000 fans watched the premiere on a series of four giant custom-built outdoor movie screens.

“We’re excited to once again work with Disney-Pixar and celebrate everything we love about cars, the summer and great NASCAR racing in Charlotte,” said Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway. “Having Larry the Cable Guy and these awesome ‘CARS 2′ vehicles is a super addition to the spectacle and pageantry of the Coca-Cola 600. It’s the perfect way to kick-off the summer for our fans, by pairing the biggest movie of the summer with NASCAR’s most spectacular event, all on Memorial Day Weekend.”

The Coca-Cola 600 will be televised live on FOX at 6 p.m. EDT and can be heard on the radio through the Performance Racing Network beginning at 5:45 p.m. EDT.

The only 600-mile event on the NASCAR schedule, the Coca-Cola 600 tests the endurance of both drivers and equipment each May and provides fans with more entertainment value than any other race in America.

Paying tribute to all veterans and active U.S. military servicemen and women, the pre-race show for the Coca-Cola 600 will include a military assault demonstration by Special Operations soldiers from Fort Bragg, N.C.; on-stage recognition of Medal of Honor recipients; and the unfurling of a gigantic, 11,250 square-foot American flag by families of active-duty troops.

Tickets for all May races at Charlotte Motor Speedway can be purchased online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267). Frontstretch tickets with the best views of the world’s largest HD video board, debuting at the speedway in May, start at just $49 for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 21.  Fans can also purchase two frontstretch tickets for just $99 to the Coca-Cola 600 on May 29.

Source Disney Pixar

Between March 31 and November 14, 2011, fans who “like” the Copart Racing Facebook page can enter to win the “Copart Racing Ultimate VIP Experience.” This grand prize sweepstakes offers an all expenses paid trip for two to the Las Vegas 2012 SummitRacing.com National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Nationals, including first-class airfare and private hotel transportation to and from the Las Vegas airport.

The grand prize winner will also get the chance to test their driving skills in a race against Copart Top Fuel Driver Brandon Bernstein, or six-time NHRA champion and the “King of Speed” Kenny Bernstein, in the official vehicle of the NHRA.

The winning contestant will also experience:

• A 5-night stay at a luxurious resort and casino on the Vegas strip and receive $3,500 in spending cash
• Two free tickets to all 3-days of the Las Vegas 2012 SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals with limousine transportation to and from the race event
• An exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the track with the NHRA
• VIP access to the Copart Hospitality area and passes to the Pit, including an autograph and photo session with Brandon and Kenny Bernstein
• Watching their name speed down the drag strip on the side of the Copart Top Fuel Dragster

“The Kenny Bernstein Racing brand is among the preeminent brands in motorsports and a tremendous friend and partner to Copart.  Through this initiative, we are leveraging our relationship with the Bernsteins to elevate the profile of the Copart brand while also rewarding one of our Facebook fans with an incredible, once-in-a lifetime opportunity,” said Jay Adair, CEO, Copart, Inc.  “Engaging in this social media promotion will also allow Copart to heighten its digital presence and continue to grow and create new relationships and opportunities with car and racing enthusiasts.”

Throughout the racing season, all sweepstakes participants will receive multiple chances to win additional prizes, including autographed merchandise, die cast collectibles, plasma TVs and more.  Fans can also enter to win by visiting Copart’s midway display at select NHRA races throughout the season.  

To be eligible to win the Copart Racing Ultimate VIP Experience, start liking the Copart Racing Facebook page today. Registration forms will be available on a separate Facebook tab after March 31.

Source Copart, Inc.

This year’s anticipated field of 20 drivers, competing in what has become the world’s longest-running, most prestigious celebrity racing event, includes the following assortment of beloved entertainment and media personalities:

Anthony Anderson

Jillian Barberie Reynolds

Tyson Beckford

Eddie Cibrian

Kim Coates

Kevin Eubanks

Dennis Haysbert

Djimon Hounsou

Kevin Jonas

Stephen Moyer

Tito Ortiz

Megyn Price

Kimora Lee Simmons

Last year’s winning celebrity driver, Brian Austin Green, will return this go-around to race in the Pro category. Other pros vying for the title include drifting champion Kenshiro Gushi, top import drag-racing professional and founder of WORLD Motorsports Christian Rado and USAC National midget car series champion Kody Swanson.

“As the crown jewel of celebrity race events for more than three decades, the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race has managed to transform dozens of celebrities into high-speed racers, while also changing the lives of children in need,” said Les Unger, Toyota’s national motorsports manager. “The race is a win-win for everyone; it gives fans a chance to see their favorite performers rush across a real racetrack while offering the celebrities an unparalleled opportunity to ‘give back’ to a worthwhile cause.”

Rounding out the field are charity auction winners Jerry Westlund, racing for his third year, and Karen Hanover. The final seat on the track, reserved each year for a Southern California Toyota dealer, is being filled by Mike Sullivan, owner of Toyota of Hollywood and Toyota of Santa Monica.

On behalf of each celebrity racer, Toyota donates $5,000 to Racing for Kids every year and another $5,000 to the winning racer’s charity of choice. Racing for Kids, a national nonprofit program benefiting children’s hospitals throughout the country, (in this case, Miller Children’s Hospital in Long Beach and Children’s Hospital in Orange County, Calif.), was created as a way to connect sick children with their favorite celebrities and race-car drivers. Toyota has donated more than $1.9 million to various children’s hospitals since 1991, on behalf of this race and its participants.

Additionally, a $15,000 donation will be made in conjunction with the 14th-annual “People Pole Award.” Sponsored by People magazine, the award honors the pole-position winner of the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race qualifying session on Friday, April 15.

To learn more about the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race, one of six main-event attractions taking place during the 37th-annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach,  click here.

“It is an honor to have Quaker State coursing through the engine of Jimmie Johnson’s No. 48 car as he reached this remarkable milestone,” said James Stone, Vice President, North American Brand Marketing, Shell Lubricants. “Quaker State congratulates Jimmie and Hendrick Motorsports on this historic success. The brand is thrilled to be a part of such a great achievement and looks forward to continuing the winning tradition next season.”

Over the last 15 years, the incredible durability of Quaker State oil has helped Hendrick Motorsports to win more NASCAR races than any other team. Quaker State engineers work diligently with Hendrick Motorsports throughout the season to analyze and adjust motor oil formulations to help achieve optimal engine performance.

The durable motor oils Quaker State provides Hendrick Motorsports have been a part of an impressive resume of success on NASCAR’s national stage. With Quaker State racing oil under the hood, Hendrick Motorsports has captured 146 Sprint Cup wins; nine of its 10 Cup championships; one NASCAR Nationwide Series championship; and three NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championships. Add the more than 7 million on-track miles Quaker State and Hendrick Motorsports have together and it is obvious that Quaker State racing oil has the durability to help professional race teams win races and championships.

“The Hendrick Motorsports engine department works hand-in-hand with Quaker State to develop the highest possible grade of racing oil for our teams,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “Our organization is proud to have a long-term technical partner like Quaker State, and we appreciate everything they’ve contributed to our performance over the years. We look forward to them not only being under the hood of all four teams, but on the hood of Mark Martin’s car for several races in 2011.”

The Quaker State relationship extends beyond the racetrack to Hendrick Automotive Group dealerships. Quaker State is poured in the more than 80 Hendrick Automotive Group franchises throughout the United States, providing customers with durable oil that offers a high level of protection for their vehicles.

“With the support of Quaker State and its engineers, who develop the motor oils that run under the hood of all Hendrick Motorsports cars, the No. 48 team was provided the durability needed to get us to the finish line this season,” Johnson said. “Week in and week out, Quaker State help us win through the technology they bring to the table.”

Quaker State is an iconic, long-standing American brand with a history of quality and performance that consumers recognize and trust.  The complete line-up of value-led motor oils in the Quaker State family features “durability” as the main product attribute. Each of the four products is formulated to deliver outstanding friction-related wear protection to help engines deliver optimal performance under any driving condition.

Source Quaker State

Great news was announced today for all Jeff Goron fans.  Check out the information below for a chance to win a weekend trip to the Daytona 500.  Even better, a chance to meet the famously skilled driver, Gordon himself!

DuPont Teflon, a leader in innovative stain protection for apparel and workwear, today announced that they have teamed up with three-time Daytona 500 Champion, Jeff Gordon, to launch their “Get Into Gear” sweepstakes.  Two (2) grand prize winners will win an exclusive weekend at the 2011 Daytona 500, VIP Garage Passes, and have the opportunity to see Jeff Gordon compete for his fourth championship title in his No. 24 Chevrolet Impala.  The sweepstakes runs through Nov. 30.  US residents can enter to win at www.teflon.com/news.

“DuPont has been by my side for many years, and their help in providing this once in a lifetime experience means a lot,” said Gordon. “This is an unbelievable chance to see what it’s really like at one of the most famous races in the world, and I’m looking forward to sharing the excitement with the winners.”

Two (2) grand prize winners will receive an all expenses paid trip for two (2) to the Daytona 500 taking place in Feb. 2011, a chance to meet Jeff Gordon, and an invitation to a DuPont VIP Reception.  On race day, the winners have full access to the DuPont Hospitality Tent and receive a guided Pit Road Tour.  Weekly and monthly prizes will also be awarded, and exclusive savings on Craftsman® Workwear are also available just for visiting www.teflon.com/news.

“It’s amazing that Jeff is providing such an insider’s look at team preparations on race day,” said Thomas H. Samples, global business manager, DuPont surface protection solutions.  ”He is offering a rare glimpse into his life because he genuinely enjoys meeting his fans.  His accomplishments have people worldwide looking up to him and DuPont is proud to be a small part of the amazing things he has accomplished.”  

Click here for more information, exclusive savings and to enter to win.

Source DuPont