According to
those on hand, if you weren’t at Changing Times Pub or Ale House
this weekend for their annual Daytona 500 parties, you missed
out on the event of the year. Some of Long Island's
own NASCAR drivers showed up to enjoy the race, as did some of
the legendary drivers from yesteryear. There were also some
racecars and show cars on display outside of the event.
“It was amazing
how many people showed up to watch the Big Race and help support
the charities we were involved with this year. We surpassed all
expectations we could have imagined for this year,” according to
Mike Barnikel, Co-President of "Go For Green Team 3."
Through the
generous donations of fans, the group was able the raise over $
8,000 for the charities. That total was higher than any other
year to date, making this the biggest 500 event ever for the
group.
Some very special
guests were on hand to help support the Daytona 500 parties,
including representatives from Full Throttle Hot Rod Magazine,
taking pictures of the racecars outside of the event as well as
some pictures from inside the Pub and Ale House. An article
about the parties and selected photos are expected to be
included in the next issue of the magazine. The magazine's
Managing Editor, Jerry Faldetta, was among those in attendance.
Last Thursday’s
Long Island Press included an article on page 20 about the
Daytona 500 party and charity fundraisers at both Changing Times
Pub and Changing Times Ale House. Managing Editor Josh Stewart
was also at the parties talking with some of the drivers and
race fans. He also had the pleasure of making the acquaintance
of Marty Himes from The Himes Museum of Racing Nostalgia.
Additionally,
Channel 55 News Director and anchor Richard Rose was a surprise
guest. He helped pick some of the winning numbers from the
Chinese auctions that were held.
Finally, 102.3
WBAB was on hand. Weekend disc jockey Steady (Mr. NASCAR) Eddie,
who has been a big part of the parties from their beginnings,
lent a hand in the festivities. He, along with Artie and Shawn
from the 102.3 WBAB Street Team, gave away t-shirts, hats,
stickers and CDs.
Raffle winners were as follows: 3rd place (basket of
cheer), John Canty; 2nd place (Pocono race tickets), Michele
David; 1st place (Atlanta Motor Speedway trip), Frank LaPolka.
Source: Danielle
McCormack/LongIslandJam.com
Posted:
February 18, 2008
