The NGK Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals is one day from coming to life at zMAX Dragway. In a benevolent prelude to the thrilling race weekend, NHRA Top Fuel stars Richie Crampton and Austin Prock joined Charlotte Motor Speedway pit crew members, Coca-Cola Consolidated volunteers and civic leaders on Thursday to distribute more than 800 cases of Coca-Cola products to local public safety organizations.

With help from Concord and Kannapolis Police and Fire departments, the Cabarrus County Sheriff's Department, EMS and area volunteer fire departments lined their vehicles down the zMAX Dragway entrance to receive drink donations. The event was the third iteration of Cooperative Christian Ministry's "I Love My City" county-wide service project, which encourages Cabarrus County residents to rally together to make a positive impact through local service projects.

"It's been a lot of fun helping out," Richie Crampton said. "It's just the tiniest gesture that Austin and I could be a part of. Our first responders do so much for us all over the country, whether we're at home or at the race track. I'm honored to be here with Coca-Cola and Charlotte Motor Speedway."

Prock echoed Crampton's sentiments.

"It's always comforting as a driver to know that our first responders are there at our race tracks each weekend," Prock said. "I had a great time today and I'm glad I could come out and support it."

Charlotte Motor Speedway Executive Vice President and General Manager Greg Walter was also on hand to distribute drinks.

"I want to thank our first responders for what they do in each and every community," Walter said. "We're going to have folks from more than 20 countries visiting our facilities in the next 45 days, and what the first responders do at our events to keep us safe is integral to our success. We've also had a great relationship with Coca-Cola Consolidated for more than 30 years and it aligns perfectly with who we are as a company. This is an important event for all of us."

"'I Love My City' is about individuals in the community who look beyond their normal boundaries and see a need and organize (volunteers) to go do something about that need in the community," said Ed Hosack, the executive director of Cooperative Christian Ministries.

"We're excited about being here. It's about recognizing those who serve every day. I extend a major thanks to Charlotte Motor Speedway and Coca-Cola Consolidated, who've worked to help us in recognizing those who deserve so much credit."