The slogan of New Hampshire Motor Speedway has as much intensity and drive as the newly established Speedway Children's Charities Chapter of New Hampshire.

 I can proudly say that the New Hampshire Motor Speedway team has been working tirelessly to develop a chapter that will not only help the children of New England financially, but also create awareness within the community.

I am very excited about the progress this chapter has achieved thus far. Despite some difficult weather conditions, our dedicated fans, along with drivers Bobby Labonte, Sam Hornish, Jr., and Joe Nemechek, made our Track Walk in June a great success.

For our SYLVANIA 300 Race Weekend, we have two outstanding auctions in place. First, the Speedway Children's Charities Ride of a Lifetime provides bidders with the chance to ride in a parade lap vehicle during driver introductions and enjoy a pit tour on September 20th. The bidding begins online at newhampshire.speedwaycharities.org on August 30th and ends September 13th.

Our second event will be a LIVE Racing Memorabilia Auction at the speedway on September 19th. Race and sports fans have the chance to own autographed sports memorabilia and racing gear from their favorite athletes. All proceeds from both of these events will benefit area children.

Our new speedway mascot, MILO, the mile-oval moose, is thrilled to be recognized as the first Speedway Children's Charities-affiliated mascot. The SCC embodies two of MILO's favorite hobbies; lending a helping hand and spending time with fans and children.

As we move forward, we will be announcing our Board of Directors in the coming months. We have great plans for 2010, with our main goal being to give young people a hand up and ensure that they have the opportunity to become our next generation of leaders.

Live Free, Race, and "Thank God for Kids!"

Jerry K. Gappens