It’s capable of 440,000 BTU’s of grilling power and can cook 7,500 brats in an hour….and it’s spending a few weeks in NASCAR-land. The Johnsonville Brats Big Taste Grill is in Darlington for the Southern 500 and will be in Charlotte for the upcoming Sprint All-Star Race and Coca-Cola 600.

 

     Originally built in 1995, the Big Taste Grill became in such demand that two identical grills have been added bringing the fleet to three.  And it’s been serving up Johnsonville Brats at sporting events like the Super Bowl, Daytona 500, Professional Bull Riders World Finals and the Kentucky Derby ever since. 

 

      The 53,000 pound monster has been parked on Times Square, the Pentagon and at hundreds of locations throughout the country. And, not only has it been serving sausage, but also raising millions for charity – more the $2.5 million so far.

 

       The grill has taken tailgating to new levels not only in size and scope, but in outreach in many communities. On each stop, local charitable organization partner with Johnsonville with a portion of sales staying in the community with the local charity. 

 

      For the NASCAR tour, the Big Taste Grill is paired side-by-side with the Budweiser outdoor bar with a natural combination of beer and brats.

 

      The Big Taste Grill is 65 feet long, 20 feet tall and six feet in diameter. The on-board refrigerator holds a half-ton of Johnsonville Brats and the grill rig has a 100-gallon water storage tank for hot and cold running water.

 

      The grill will be located in the midway area over the next three weekends at Darlington Raceway and Charlotte Motor Speedway.

 

 

     DOVER, Del. – Dover International Speedway has created a special, all-inclusive “Breakfast with the Bagman” package, featuring Delaware’s own Mike Bagley, for the Sunday, June 3 “FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks” NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

 

     The $99 option includes a ticket to the race in sections 202-204, an all-you-can-eat hot breakfast buffet, a souvenir program, and a question-and-answer session with Bagley. And you never know who else may pop in to say hello, too!

 

     Bagley is an on-air turn announcer with the Motor Racing Network (MRN), and also serves as host of The Morning Drive on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. He has strong ties to the area, growing up in Milford, Del., approx. 15 miles south of Dover International Speedway. Mike served for a short time as a PA announcer on race weekend in Dover, and went on to join MRN in 1992.

 

     The breakfast and question-and-answer session will be held in the Rollins Center ballroom in the Dover Downs Hotel & Casino. Doors open at 7 a.m., breakfast will be available beginning at 7:30 a.m., and Bagley will arrive at 8 a.m. Ticket holders that already have purchased tickets to the June 3 “FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks” NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race may add the package to their ticket for only $29.

 

     The morning will also include fun games for fans in attendance. A contest called “Bagley’s Pick” will be open to all fans in attendance. The morning of the “Breakfast with the Bagman” event, Bagley will select his choice for that day’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race winner. If his pick brings home the Monster trophy that day, each attendee will receive a free ticket to the next NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Dover. The prize is not transferable.

 

     “It was a no-brainer to create a package with our local racing veteran, Mike Bagley,” said Denis McGlynn, president and CEO of Dover Motorsports, Inc. “He attended races here as a kid with his parents, and has made us proud. He is always quick to crack a joke, and is rarely seen without a smile on his face. Race fans appreciate that, and his warmth and energy shines through on the radio.

 

     “We hope his fans come out for a fun morning of stories and laughter with the Bagman.”

 

     The deadline to purchase the package is May 18, 2012.

 

     NASCAR returns to the Monster Mile on June 1-3, 2012 with the June 1 “Lucas Oil 200” NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race, the June 2 “5-hour ENERGY 200” NASCAR Nationwide Series race and the June 3 “FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks” NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. To purchase tickets, call 800-441-RACE or visit DoverSpeedway.com.

 

    Continuing the tradition of bringing unique and delicious fair foods to the fans, Charlotte Motor Speedway and Levy Restaurants will offer fans the ultimate dessert experience with deep-fried cupcakes at the Food Lion AutoFair April 19-22, the Sprint All-Star Race May 19 and the Coca-Cola 600 May 27.

 

    “Every year we try to do a new, fried, fun fair food that kids of all ages will enjoy,” said Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway. “Deep-fried cupcakes are a never-been-done-before twist on a childhood favorite. Fans will love this new cupcake creation during our Spring Season of Speed.”

 

     Each tasty treat consists of three mini-cupcakes, dipped in a tempura batter and fried at 375 degrees, until a light, golden brown crust forms. The trio of sweets -- which consists of one vanilla cupcake with strawberry icing, one chocolate cupcake with cookies and cream icing and one vanilla cupcake with confetti icing -- is served on a stick, drizzled with chocolate sauce and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, all for just $4.

 

     “They’re wonderful,” said Shawn McFalls, executive sous chef with Levy Restaurants, the official food service provider of Charlotte Motor Speedway. “When you take a bite, the icing is really melted and soft. It’s like a yummy warm filling.”

 

     Sure to satisfy any fan’s sweet tooth, the deep-fried cupcake is the latest in a line of creative culinary offerings from Charlotte Motor Speedway. Past delicacies have included deep-fried butter, deep-fried peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and deep-fried peaches. In addition to the cupcakes, Levy Restaurants will bring back the funnel bacakonator, a large funnel cake covered in chocolate and strawberry sauces, then topped with bacon. Both items will be available at select State Fair concession stands during the Spring Season of Speed events.

 

     For more information on any of the upcoming events at Charlotte Motor Speedway, visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or contact the speedway events department at (704) 455-3205. For all the updates from the track, be sure to “Like” Charlotte Motor Speedway on Facebook at www.facebook.com/charlottemotorspeedway or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cltmotorspdwy.

     DARLINGTON, S.C.  – A Southern culinary staple is teaming up with the track Too Tough to Tame.  Bojangles’ today announced its title sponsorship of South Carolina’s only NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, the Bojangles’ Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway.  The race will start at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 12, in its traditional spot on Mother’s Day weekend.

 

     Hungry race fans can also look forward to enjoying Bojangles’ at the track!  The sponsorship agreement allows Bojangles’ to serve its delicious Chicken Supremes™, Cajun Filet Sandwich, Seasoned Fries™ and Legendary Iced Tea® at Darlington Raceway.  This Bojangles’ menu will also be served at four other tracks owned and operated by International Speedway Corp.:  Daytona International Speedway, Talladega Motor Speedway, Martinsville Raceway and Richmond International Raceway.

 

     “Just like Bojangles’ famous chicken and biscuits, NASCAR is deeply rooted in the culture of the South,” said Bojangles’ President and CEO Randy Kibler.  “We are honored to be sponsoring the only NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race in South Carolina, where we have been in business for more than 30 years and operate 110 of our more than 500 restaurants.  And we’re equally excited to be able to provide our flavorful menu items to avid race fans, many of whom are already loyal Bojangles’ fans, while they’re enjoying their racing experience.”

 

     Bojangles’ agreement with ISC and Darlington Raceway is a five-year deal.  Other terms were not disclosed.

 

     “Everyone at Darlington Raceway is extremely excited about this new long-term partnership with Bojangles’,” said Raceway President Chris Browning. “Darlington Raceway and Bojangles’ are two very recognizable Southern brands, and this relationship will be a tremendous opportunity for us to develop unique marketing programs and promotional opportunities that will benefit their customers and our race fans.  During our negotiations it was very obvious that the team at Bojangles’ recognized and respected the significance of the Southern 500.  I can already see we are going to do some great things together.”

 

     Tickets are now available for the Bojangles’ Southern 500 and can be purchased online at www.darlingtonraceway.com.