Running out of the tunnel onto the field with Peyton Manning, jogging out to the third base foul line with Derek Jeter, skating to center ice with Sidney Crosby. Diehard fans dream about moments like that.
At Bristol Motor Speedway, however, fans don't just have to daydream about that type of experience - they actually can make it happen by participating in the "Ride of a Lifetime Auction presented by Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, Gatlinburg, TN."
Fifteen lucky fans will take a lap around NASCAR's most popular track with one of the sport's biggest names in front of nearly 160,000 fans, during driver introductions before the start of the Aug. 22 Sharpie 500.
Winning bidders will climb into a Ford Mustang and make a circuit around the World's Fastest Half-Mile with that driver as they are being introduced to the crowd. Click here to make a bid.
In addition to the Ride of a Lifetime, winning bidders will receive two cold pit passes, as well as have the opportunity to purchase two tickets to the Sharpie 500.
All proceeds from the auction will benefit the Bristol chapter of Speedway Children's Charities.
Drivers participating in the auction are Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart, Kurt Busch, Ryan Newman, Matt Kenseth, Carl Edwards, Kasey Kahne, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Clint Bowyer, Kevin Harvick, Kyle Busch, Mark Martin, Denny Hamlin and Elliott Sadler.
Bidding will continue through Friday Aug. 14. Participants bidding in the online auction must be at least 18 years of age. Although two Sharpie 500 tickets may be purchased by the high bidder, only ONE person may ride with a driver. The winner and a guest will also attend the pre-race activities prior to the start of the Sharpie 500.
The winning bidder may elect to give up his or her ride to a family member or friend. This will be permitted with the stipulation that the person is at least 12 years of age.
Fans wishing to participate but lack Internet access, may do so by mailing in bids to:
Bristol Motor Speedway
"Ride of a Lifetime" Auction
Attn. Barbara Kaiser
P.O. Box 3966
Bristol, TN, 37625
Payment for winning auctions must be received in full by Thursday, Aug. 20. Payment methods available include check, money order, VISA, MasterCard or Discover. Winning bidders will receive a full refund in the event of inclement weather and cancellation of driver introductions.
For more information, please call Barbara Kaiser at 423-989-6975.
