Waltrip to Host Race Fever

TALLADEGA, AL. - Current bestselling book author, television personality, two-time Daytona 500 winner and current broadcast celebrity Michael Waltrip has announced he will participate in Race Fever 2012, Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind's (AIDB) annual fundraising event, held 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., May 4, at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame Speed Channel Dome, Talladega Superspeedway. Waltrip will host the Live Auction portion of the event where attendees can bid on once-in-a-lifetime race experiences and other great items.

MRN's Steve Post will join legendary Auburn Basketball Coach Sonny Smith on-stage to conduct live driver interviews. While many of the driver commitments come in during race week, driver commitments thus far include Marcos Ambrose, Jeff Burton, Kurt Busch, David Gilliland, Joey Logano, David Ragan, Jeremy Clements, TJ Bell, Alex Bowman, Jeffrey Earnhardt, Timmy Hill, Blake Koch, Ricky Stenhouse, Jr., Robert Richardson, Jr., Brian Scott, Johanna Long, Tayler Malsam, Aleks Gregory (ARCA) and John Ferrier (ARCA). "The driver commitment and dedication to this event is tremendous," states Talladega Superspeedway Chairman Grant Lynch. "Drivers and celebrities like Michael Waltrip donate their time and racing memorabilia for the live and silent auctions. Some of the drivers come directly from qualifying to the event. Race Fever allows fans and sponsors the opportunity to see their favorite drivers 'up close and personal' while positively impacting children and their families experiencing deafness and blindness. Whether a driver, fan, sponsor or volunteer, this is an amazing event to be involved in - on any level."

Race Fever would not be possible without the ongoing support of our many sponsors. This year's sponsors include NASCAR, Talladega Superspeedway, WTDR, Sound Solutions, Williamson Brothers BBQ, Jim Wilson Jewelers, I.B.I.S., Inc., Friend of AIB, Coca-Cola, Resolute Forest Products, Talladega Home Center, Regions Bank, Wittichen Supply Company, Merrill Lynch Private Banking, Good Deed Organization, America's First Federal Credit Union, AT&T, First National Bank of Talladega, Golden Rod Broilers, Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, Alabama Power Company, First Educator's Credit Union, Green Earth Technologies and Mary Ann's Framing. New sponsor this year, Pinnacle Foods-Armour Meats Division will host 40 students from AIDB for a day-at-the-track on Saturday May 5, which will include breakfast, lunch, a pit road tour, an opportunity to meet drivers and media personalities and tickets to the Nationwide race.

Don't be left in the dust as race fans from all over the world converge on the SPEED Channel Dome at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame on Friday evening of the Aaron's Dream Weekend at Talladega Superspeedway. Event tickets are $50 or buy a table for 8 for $75. Tickets are available online at www.racefever.org or by calling (256) 761-3369.

About Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind
Since 1858, AIDB has been a leader in education and rehabilitation services for Alabama's sensory impaired children and adults. Through five Talladega campuses and eight regional centers throughout Alabama, AIDB serves thousands of children and adults who are deaf, blind and multi-disabled in all 67 counties of Alabama. To learn more about AIDB, log onto www.aidb.org.

Talladega Superspeedway
The most competitive racing in NASCAR combined with a mix of southern hospitality returns to Talladega Superspeedway May 4-6, 2012 for the Aaron's Dream Weekend. For tickets and information visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA.