CONCORD, N.C. (Feb. 5, 2010) – Legend Car drivers are eager to get their share of the $1 million purse at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the Legends Million July 15-17. The one-of-a-kind, grassroots race features a total purse of $1 million with the A-Main winner taking home an unprecedented $250,000.
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver of the No. 6 UPS Ford, David Ragan, honed his racing skills in a Legend Car and can’t believe an event of this caliber is going to be run at the grassroots racing level.
“I think it’s pretty exciting for anyone to be able to race for this much money. It’s going to be a lot of fun,” said Ragan. “In my few short years of racing in NASCAR and starting off in Legend Cars I have learned that Bruton and Marcus Smith like to do things that are big and exciting, and this is just something else to add to that list of exciting things they make happen.”
With the Legends Million taking place on a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series off weekend, Ragan is expected to be among those competing for the top prize.
“The hardest part is going to be racing against the regulars,” explained Ragan. “They race every weekend and they are good at what they do, but at the end of the day someone is going to walk away with a lot of money and it’s going to be big.”
One of the Legend Car regulars expected to compete against Ragan in the Legends Million is 2009 U.S. Legend Cars International Masters Asphalt Oval champion, Clay Hair.
“The question should be how will they race me differently,” said Hair, when asked if he would race the NASCAR drivers any differently than the regular competitors. “They are stepping into my league. They are the ones that have to worry about me.”
Kenzie Ruston, 2009 U.S. Legend Cars International Semi-Pro Asphalt Oval champion, has similar thoughts.
“I think the NASCAR guys have been out of the Legend Cars too long. I think it will be hard for them to pick it back up. They will be competitive, but it will be difficult for them to beat the regulars,” exclaimed Ruston. “They can try, but they are going to have to beat the fast cars that are out there every week.”
Ruston is not only eager to get the opportunity to possibly race against NASCAR drivers, but she is also ready to put it all on the line for such a large amount of money.
“I race in the Summer Shootout Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Tuesday nights for a trophy and $150, and this race is going to be worth $250,000,” said Ruston. “Everyone is going to be more aggressive, and if it comes down to the last lap I will move someone out of my way. I am not going to wreck anyone, but I would move them for $250,000.”
Daniel Hemric, 2009 U.S. Legend Cars International Pro Asphalt Oval champion thinks the Legends Million will be an opportunity for him to showcase his racing skills.
“It’s definitely going to be a heck of a show, you are going to have a lot of big name drivers,” explained Hemric. “It’s going to give us a chance to prove ourselves. The person that can forget about the money and focus on the race will be the person to win.”
The Legends Million has not only attracted participants from all across the United States, but it also has international appeal. Two competitors from Europe have already registered.
“I think it is the most amazing race I have ever heard of, said Bert De Heus, of Brabersweg, Netherlands. “It has so many drivers and a lot of money to win. I have never heard of a race like this with a $1 million purse. I would like to drive one big race in the United States in my lifetime and this is a 100 percent guarantee for spectacular racing.”
Fellow Dutchman, Cees Visser, of Bevershoerstraat, Netherlands, thinks the Legends Million race will be a great opportunity for him to gain more experience in a Legend Car.
“I think this race is much more challenging,” explained Visser. “It has many more drivers than I am used to, and maybe the money can wake up the devil in some of them. I will try and get some part of it.”
Drivers can still register for the Legends Million at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com. All Legend Car competitors 12 years of age or older may register. The race is not restricted by division. All minors 17 or younger must complete a minor waiver, which is available for download at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/waivers. Pit passes will be available for purchase at the pit gate on event weekend.
For additional information on competitor registration for the Legends Million, visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or call the Charlotte Motor Speedway events department at (704) 455-3205.