On Tuesday, July 7, at Charlotte Motor Speedway, local pastors will step down from their pulpits and step on the gas as they race each other in the annual Faster Pastor school bus races at the Bojangles' Summer Shootout Series. The holy men will strap on their helmets and zip up their fire suits as they take to the frontstretch quarter-mile at full speed in these Goliath-like machines for the Faster Pastor championship.
Pastors buckling up to compete include: Buddy Compton, of the Sons of Thunder Ministry; Scott Gentry, of Motor Racing Outreach (MRO); Donnie Icenhour, of Rocky River Church in Concord; Jeff Bates, of Elevation Church in Concord; Alex Kennedy, of Carmel Baptist Church in Matthews; Don Newman, of Memorial United Methodist Church in Charlotte; David Henderson, of Venture Church in Harrisburg and Scott Davis, of Pitts Baptist Church in Concord.
"It's always fun to get all of the churches together and get everyone involved in the Summer Shootout. I know a lot of people want tickets to this race, so it's going to be a fun one," said Compton. "Just give me a steering wheel and I can take care of the rest."
"I am really looking forward to regaining my title and my belt back," said Newman, who won the event in 2014. "More importantly though, I really enjoy the opportunity the kids at church have to get out to the speedway. That makes it all worth while."
In addition to Tuesday night's Faster Pastor race, Bandolero and Legend car drivers will crank up the competition as they continue to battle for the championship title of the Bojangles' Summer Shootout Series, the most preeminent Legend Car Series in the nation.
Also the Charlotte Motor Speedway Play Zone will be open and will feature bounce houses, face painting and interactive games at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Fan Van.
Admission to the Bojangles' Summer Shootout Series is FREE for children ages 13 and under, and adult tickets are only $8. Fans are also encouraged to visit local Bojangles' to receive a $2 off coupon.
Tickets are available in advance at the speedway ticket office and at Gates 4 and 5 the night of the race. Parking is free. Spectator gates open at 5 p.m. with preliminary action starting at 5:10 p.m. Opening ceremonies are scheduled at 7 p.m. and feature races are scheduled to conclude by approximately 10 p.m.
In addition to the weekly highlight shows on MAVTV, fans can watch live action through a pay-per-view via Performance Racing Network and Speed51.com for just $14.99 per night. For more details or to purchase a pay-per-view subscription for the Bojangles' Summer Shootout, visit (www.goprn.com).
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