Old-school stars return to track in Shootout at MCM

To kick off its 50 Years of Asphalt Racing Celebration, the famed Music City Motorplex in Nashville, Tenn., will host Old School Racing's inaugural event, The Old School-RacersReunion.com Shootout, on July 18.

Some of the greatest drivers of all time have been slated to compete in this long anticipated inaugural event. Harry Gant, Sterling Marlin, Geoff Bodine, Dave Marcis, Jack Ingram, Larry Pollard, Charlie Glotzbach, Joe Ruttman, Tommy Houston, Mike Alexander and Randy LaJoie will treat racing fans to a night of racing they'll never forget.

OSR, in conjunction with RacersReunion.com, will bring the event live to the Web with racing analyst Randy Pemberton in the broadcast booth with special guests to bring the fans racing stories that may never be heard again. Fans not attending the event can view it live in it's entirety at www.RacersReunion.com.

"It's great to finally give the fans something they've wanted to see," said Gene Weaver, OSR Managing Partner. "These guys are my heroes and putting these legends back on the track is not just a thrill for the fans, but also to everyone involved in the Old School Racing Series. We're excited about this opportunity to bring this inaugural event to the fans along with RacersReunion.com and our sponsors."

Drivers will be available for autographs between qualifying and race time. Qualifying is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. CT and the green flag drops for the Shootout at 8:30 p.m. CT. One of the must-see events during the live broadcast will be a round table discussion with four of the racing legends.

This special event also will serve as the national launch of the "Suitcase Jake Commemorative Fund," established to raise money for Jake Elder, one of motor racing's true living legends. The "Jake Elder Crew Chief of the Race Award," sponsored by Darrell Waltrip, will go to the winning car's crew chief.

In addition, OSR will offer, at the track and on its Web site (www.osrct.com), a "Suit Case Jake" commemorative coin. All net proceeds from the sale of the coin will benefit the fund.

"One of our goals at Old School Racing is to establish the Retired Racers Foundation to help support retired racers that may need financial support in trying times," Weaver said.

"Pioneers of racing, like Jake Elder, did not get the huge paychecks that these guys get today, yet they paved the way for them and we want to try to pay them back for everything they have done for this sport. Helping "old school" racers is a lofty goal, but one that is long overdue.

"We're thrilled to be able to participate in this event with OSR," said Jeff Gilder of the RacersReunion Network. "Our goal is to bring recognition to the roots of stock car racing and to keep these legends of the sport in front of their fans. This is a perfect fit for us."

Tickets for the event start at $15 and can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com. And the three hour-live broadcast can be seen for free at www.RacersReunion.com.