Wed May 11, 2011 2:43 pm
Prelude to the Dream Lineup
Tony Stewart
It's official! 25 champion drivers. 4 children's hospitals. Ride with us as we race to make dreams come true. The 2011 Prelude to the Dream. Wednesday, June 8, LIVE on Pay-Per-View. http://www.preludetothedream.org/about/ ... lineup.cfm. Don't miss it
The 2011 Prelude to the Dream will consist of 24 drivers and each will be divided amongst four teams and each will represent one of the four following children’s hospitals:
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
Children's Medical Center Dallas
Levine Children's Hospital
St. Louis Children's Hospital
Children's' healthcare of Atlanta Bowyer, Clint
Car Owner: Clint Bowyer
Sponsors: Cheerios, Dollar General
Car # 33
Bowyer returns to Eldora as one of the most consistent Prelude participants and is the only Prelude participant to finish in the top 5 in each Prelude event from 2007 to 2010. Bowyer currently drives the #33 car for Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Bowyer grew up racing on the dirt and currently owns his own dirt teams and also provides a dirt late model car for Jimmie Johnson for the Prelude event.
Capps, Ron
Car Owner: John Kennedy
Sponsor: NAPA Auto Parts
Car # 28
Capps is one of five drivers who have participated in every Prelude event since 2005. The NHRA star looks to continue to improve upon his recent finishes of 13th and 20th over the past two years.
Edwards, Carl
Car Owner: Stacy Holmes
Sponsor: Aflac
Car # 99
Edwards returns for his fourh Prelude event after posting a podium finish (3rd) in 2010. Carl grew up racing on dirt and quickly found success at Eldora as he won as a rookie at the 2007 Prelude after battling Kyle Busch and Jeff Gordon on the waning laps of the feature.
Logano, Joey
Car Owner: Chris Wall
Sponsor: Home Depot
Car # 20
The youngest driver in the field returns for his third stint at Eldora. After struggling to a 20th place finish as a rookie, Joey made enormous gains in 2010 and posted a 13th place finish. Logano has won in every type of car on his quick trip to the Sprint Cup Series. Expect Logano to crack the top 10 in 2011.
Newman, Ryan
Car Owner: Ernie Davis
Sponsor: U.S. Army
Car # 39
Newman grew up racing on dirt won the USAC Silver Crown championship in 1999 setting the stage for his transition to NASCAR. The pilot of the #39 for Stewart-Haas Racing comes back to the Prelude for his sixth consecutive year and looks to rebound from his 16th place finish in 2010.
Schrader, Ken
Car Owner: Ken Schrader
Sponsor: Federated Auto Parts
Car # 9
Schrader is one of only five drivers that will be participating in his seventh Prelude event. After retiring as a fulltime NASCAR driver, Schrader continues to turn laps in just about any vehicle with four wheels. Schrader has posted four top 10s at the Prelude and could be the favorite in 2011.
Children's' medical center Dallas
Almirola, Aric
Car Owner: Clint Smith
Sponsor: TBD
Car # 88
Almirola is a promising young driver who currently pilots the #88 for JR Motorsports in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Almirola returns for his sixth Prelude after finishing 14th in 2010. Expect Almirola, along with fellow Prelude participant, Justin Allgaier, to challenge for the Nationwide Series title in 2011.
Ambrose, Marcos
Car Owner: J.W. Kinzer
Sponsor: TBD
Car # 9
The two time Australian Supercar champion is now making a name for himself in the United States thanks to back to back Nationwide Series wins at the Watkins Glen road course in 2008 and 2009. Ambrose drives the #9 car for Richard Petty Motorsports in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Ambrose returns for his third Prelude after finishing a respectable 14th and 15th in his first two trips to Eldora.
Blaney, Dave
Car Owner: Sanford Goddard
Sponsors: TBD
Car # TBD
Blaney is perhaps the most decorated dirt racer in the field winning championships in both the United State Auto Club (USAC) and the World of Outlaws Series’ before pursuing pavement racing at the NASCAR level. Blaney currently fields the #66 car for Prism Motorsports at the NASCAR Sprint Cup level. Blaney returns to Eldora for the Prelude after running up front and finishing 7th in 2010.
Kenseth, Matt
Car Owner: Clint Smith
Sponsor: Blain's Farm & Fleet
Car # 17
The 2003 Spring Cup and 2009 Daytona 500 champion continues to develop as a dirt track driver by running non-asphalt races when his schedule permits. Kenseth is one of only five Prelude drivers to participant in all six events. Kenseth finished a disappointing 18th in 2010.
Stewart, Tony
Car Owner: Mark Richards
Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Office Depot, Mobil 1
Car # 14
Stewart enjoyed racing so much at Eldora Speedway he decided to buy the track in 2004. In his first full season of ownership (2005) Stewart unveiled the Prelude and has since won the event three times. Stewart started the 2010 race from the back of the field and finished 6th.
Vickers, Brian
Car Owner: Donald Bradsher
Sponsor: clotconnect.org
Car # 83
Vickers descends upon Eldora Speedway for his second Prelude after finishing a reputable 12th in his 2009 rookie campaign. The Red Bull driver and former NASCAR Nationwide Series champion was forced to skip the 2010 event due to an inury. Expectations are lofty in 2011 for Vickers.
levine children's hospital
Elliott, Bill
Car Owner: Ray Cook
Sponsor: TBD
Car # TBD
Elliott has been become a dirt track fixture since retiring from NASCAR fulltime. The 1988 NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion currently drives the #09 car for Phoenix Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Elliott returns to the 2011 Prelude after posting a 10th place finish in last year's event.
Evernham, Ray
Car Owner: Brian Lillie
Sponsor: WIX Filters
Car # 98
Evernham returns to the 2011 Prelude to the Dream for the fifth consecutive time. The former NASCAR Modified Tour driver, turned crew chief, turned car owner, turned track owner looks to improve upon his 17th place finish in 2010 and career best finish of 15th in 2008.
Hamlin, Denny
Car Owner: Billy Moyer
Sponsors: TBD
Car # 11
Hamlin has limited dirt experience, but plenty of late model knowledge running asphalt bullrings in his home state of Virginia. Hamlin had one of the fastest cars in the 2010 Prelude event finishing a respectable 5th. Hamlin continues to drive the #11 car for Joe Gibbs Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and is expected to contend for the 2011 Championship.
Johnson, Jimmie
Car Owner: Clint Bowyer
Sponsor: Lowe's Home Improvement
Car # 48
The five time defending Sprint Cup Champion visits Eldora for the fourth time after posting his first career Prelude victory in 2010. Johnson domianted the 2010 race leading all 30 laps. He will look for a back to back titles in 2011 racing for car owner, Clint Bowyer.
Pedregon, Cruz
Car Owner: Cruz Pedregon
Sponsor: Snap-On Tools
Car # 75
Pedregon returns to Eldora for the fifth consecutive year. After posting a sixth place in 2009, Pedregon finished a disappointing 25th in 2010. Like Clint Bowyer and Bobby Labonte, Pedregon owns his own late model team and when he isn't racing in straight lines in the NHRA Series, he turns laps on the dirt.
Reutimann, David
Car Owner: Bobby Labonte Racing
Sponsors: TBD
Car # 00
The third generation driver began racing dirt Modifieds throughout his home state of Florida before breaking into the NASCAR Slim Jim All-Pro Series in 1997. Reutimann broke through in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 2009 with his first career victory at the 50th Coca-Cola 600. Reutimann looks to rebound from his 21st place finish in 2010.
st. louis children's hospital
ALLGAIER, JUSTIN
Car Owner: TBD
Sponsor: TBD
Car # TBD
The 2008 ARCA Series champion is now making a name for himself in NASCAR driving for Turner Motorsports. He won the 2009 NASCAR Nationwide Series rookie of the year award. Allgaier is far from a rookie on dirt as he grew up racing midgets and late models in the Midwest. Allgaier finished 26th in his inaugural Prelude event after mechanical issues forced him to retire early.
Busch, Kyle
Car Owner: Scott Bloomquist
Sponsor: M&M's
Car # 18
Busch comes back to Eldora for his fifth consecutive Prelude event after a fourth place finish in 2010. Busch has won races in nearly every Series that he has driven. The one exception – the Prelude to the Dream. Busch nearly won in 2007 when he finished 2nd to Carl Edwards and crossed the line third last year in 2009.
Carmichael, Ricky
Car Owner: Mike Dillon
Sponsor: TBD
Car # 4
Ricky Carmichael is returning to Eldora Speedway for only the second time, but he’s hardly a neophyte on the dirt. Carmichael is well known for his success on two wheels on the dirt, but recently made the transition to NASCAR and currently drives for Turner Motorsports in the Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series.
Kahne, Kasey
Car Owner: Eric Jacobsen
Sponsor: Red Bull
Car # 4
Kahne cut his teeth on the dirt in USAC competition and maintains his dirt track ties by owning a World of Outlaws team. Kahne arrives for his fifth Prelude event as a candidate to win. Kahne currently drives the #4 car for Red Bull Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
Labonte, Bobby
Car Owner: Bobby Labonte
Sponsor: Lucas Oil
Car # 44
Labonte returns to Eldora in 2011 for the second consecutive year The former Cup champion looks to improve upon his 12th place finish last year. Similar to Clint Bowyer and Cruz Pedregon, Labonte owns his own dirt late model and expectations for a top 5 finish will be high.
Wallace, Kenny
Car Owner: Brian Shirley
Sponsor: Federated Auto Parts
It's official! 25 champion drivers. 4 children's hospitals. Ride with us as we race to make dreams come true. The 2011 Prelude to the Dream. Wednesday, June 8, LIVE on Pay-Per-View. http://www.preludetothedream.org/about/ ... lineup.cfm. Don't miss it
The 2011 Prelude to the Dream will consist of 24 drivers and each will be divided amongst four teams and each will represent one of the four following children’s hospitals:
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
Children's Medical Center Dallas
Levine Children's Hospital
St. Louis Children's Hospital
Children's' healthcare of Atlanta Bowyer, Clint
Car Owner: Clint Bowyer
Sponsors: Cheerios, Dollar General
Car # 33
Bowyer returns to Eldora as one of the most consistent Prelude participants and is the only Prelude participant to finish in the top 5 in each Prelude event from 2007 to 2010. Bowyer currently drives the #33 car for Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Bowyer grew up racing on the dirt and currently owns his own dirt teams and also provides a dirt late model car for Jimmie Johnson for the Prelude event.
Capps, Ron
Car Owner: John Kennedy
Sponsor: NAPA Auto Parts
Car # 28
Capps is one of five drivers who have participated in every Prelude event since 2005. The NHRA star looks to continue to improve upon his recent finishes of 13th and 20th over the past two years.
Edwards, Carl
Car Owner: Stacy Holmes
Sponsor: Aflac
Car # 99
Edwards returns for his fourh Prelude event after posting a podium finish (3rd) in 2010. Carl grew up racing on dirt and quickly found success at Eldora as he won as a rookie at the 2007 Prelude after battling Kyle Busch and Jeff Gordon on the waning laps of the feature.
Logano, Joey
Car Owner: Chris Wall
Sponsor: Home Depot
Car # 20
The youngest driver in the field returns for his third stint at Eldora. After struggling to a 20th place finish as a rookie, Joey made enormous gains in 2010 and posted a 13th place finish. Logano has won in every type of car on his quick trip to the Sprint Cup Series. Expect Logano to crack the top 10 in 2011.
Newman, Ryan
Car Owner: Ernie Davis
Sponsor: U.S. Army
Car # 39
Newman grew up racing on dirt won the USAC Silver Crown championship in 1999 setting the stage for his transition to NASCAR. The pilot of the #39 for Stewart-Haas Racing comes back to the Prelude for his sixth consecutive year and looks to rebound from his 16th place finish in 2010.
Schrader, Ken
Car Owner: Ken Schrader
Sponsor: Federated Auto Parts
Car # 9
Schrader is one of only five drivers that will be participating in his seventh Prelude event. After retiring as a fulltime NASCAR driver, Schrader continues to turn laps in just about any vehicle with four wheels. Schrader has posted four top 10s at the Prelude and could be the favorite in 2011.
Children's' medical center Dallas
Almirola, Aric
Car Owner: Clint Smith
Sponsor: TBD
Car # 88
Almirola is a promising young driver who currently pilots the #88 for JR Motorsports in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Almirola returns for his sixth Prelude after finishing 14th in 2010. Expect Almirola, along with fellow Prelude participant, Justin Allgaier, to challenge for the Nationwide Series title in 2011.
Ambrose, Marcos
Car Owner: J.W. Kinzer
Sponsor: TBD
Car # 9
The two time Australian Supercar champion is now making a name for himself in the United States thanks to back to back Nationwide Series wins at the Watkins Glen road course in 2008 and 2009. Ambrose drives the #9 car for Richard Petty Motorsports in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Ambrose returns for his third Prelude after finishing a respectable 14th and 15th in his first two trips to Eldora.
Blaney, Dave
Car Owner: Sanford Goddard
Sponsors: TBD
Car # TBD
Blaney is perhaps the most decorated dirt racer in the field winning championships in both the United State Auto Club (USAC) and the World of Outlaws Series’ before pursuing pavement racing at the NASCAR level. Blaney currently fields the #66 car for Prism Motorsports at the NASCAR Sprint Cup level. Blaney returns to Eldora for the Prelude after running up front and finishing 7th in 2010.
Kenseth, Matt
Car Owner: Clint Smith
Sponsor: Blain's Farm & Fleet
Car # 17
The 2003 Spring Cup and 2009 Daytona 500 champion continues to develop as a dirt track driver by running non-asphalt races when his schedule permits. Kenseth is one of only five Prelude drivers to participant in all six events. Kenseth finished a disappointing 18th in 2010.
Stewart, Tony
Car Owner: Mark Richards
Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Office Depot, Mobil 1
Car # 14
Stewart enjoyed racing so much at Eldora Speedway he decided to buy the track in 2004. In his first full season of ownership (2005) Stewart unveiled the Prelude and has since won the event three times. Stewart started the 2010 race from the back of the field and finished 6th.
Vickers, Brian
Car Owner: Donald Bradsher
Sponsor: clotconnect.org
Car # 83
Vickers descends upon Eldora Speedway for his second Prelude after finishing a reputable 12th in his 2009 rookie campaign. The Red Bull driver and former NASCAR Nationwide Series champion was forced to skip the 2010 event due to an inury. Expectations are lofty in 2011 for Vickers.
levine children's hospital
Elliott, Bill
Car Owner: Ray Cook
Sponsor: TBD
Car # TBD
Elliott has been become a dirt track fixture since retiring from NASCAR fulltime. The 1988 NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion currently drives the #09 car for Phoenix Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Elliott returns to the 2011 Prelude after posting a 10th place finish in last year's event.
Evernham, Ray
Car Owner: Brian Lillie
Sponsor: WIX Filters
Car # 98
Evernham returns to the 2011 Prelude to the Dream for the fifth consecutive time. The former NASCAR Modified Tour driver, turned crew chief, turned car owner, turned track owner looks to improve upon his 17th place finish in 2010 and career best finish of 15th in 2008.
Hamlin, Denny
Car Owner: Billy Moyer
Sponsors: TBD
Car # 11
Hamlin has limited dirt experience, but plenty of late model knowledge running asphalt bullrings in his home state of Virginia. Hamlin had one of the fastest cars in the 2010 Prelude event finishing a respectable 5th. Hamlin continues to drive the #11 car for Joe Gibbs Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and is expected to contend for the 2011 Championship.
Johnson, Jimmie
Car Owner: Clint Bowyer
Sponsor: Lowe's Home Improvement
Car # 48
The five time defending Sprint Cup Champion visits Eldora for the fourth time after posting his first career Prelude victory in 2010. Johnson domianted the 2010 race leading all 30 laps. He will look for a back to back titles in 2011 racing for car owner, Clint Bowyer.
Pedregon, Cruz
Car Owner: Cruz Pedregon
Sponsor: Snap-On Tools
Car # 75
Pedregon returns to Eldora for the fifth consecutive year. After posting a sixth place in 2009, Pedregon finished a disappointing 25th in 2010. Like Clint Bowyer and Bobby Labonte, Pedregon owns his own late model team and when he isn't racing in straight lines in the NHRA Series, he turns laps on the dirt.
Reutimann, David
Car Owner: Bobby Labonte Racing
Sponsors: TBD
Car # 00
The third generation driver began racing dirt Modifieds throughout his home state of Florida before breaking into the NASCAR Slim Jim All-Pro Series in 1997. Reutimann broke through in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 2009 with his first career victory at the 50th Coca-Cola 600. Reutimann looks to rebound from his 21st place finish in 2010.
st. louis children's hospital
ALLGAIER, JUSTIN
Car Owner: TBD
Sponsor: TBD
Car # TBD
The 2008 ARCA Series champion is now making a name for himself in NASCAR driving for Turner Motorsports. He won the 2009 NASCAR Nationwide Series rookie of the year award. Allgaier is far from a rookie on dirt as he grew up racing midgets and late models in the Midwest. Allgaier finished 26th in his inaugural Prelude event after mechanical issues forced him to retire early.
Busch, Kyle
Car Owner: Scott Bloomquist
Sponsor: M&M's
Car # 18
Busch comes back to Eldora for his fifth consecutive Prelude event after a fourth place finish in 2010. Busch has won races in nearly every Series that he has driven. The one exception – the Prelude to the Dream. Busch nearly won in 2007 when he finished 2nd to Carl Edwards and crossed the line third last year in 2009.
Carmichael, Ricky
Car Owner: Mike Dillon
Sponsor: TBD
Car # 4
Ricky Carmichael is returning to Eldora Speedway for only the second time, but he’s hardly a neophyte on the dirt. Carmichael is well known for his success on two wheels on the dirt, but recently made the transition to NASCAR and currently drives for Turner Motorsports in the Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series.
Kahne, Kasey
Car Owner: Eric Jacobsen
Sponsor: Red Bull
Car # 4
Kahne cut his teeth on the dirt in USAC competition and maintains his dirt track ties by owning a World of Outlaws team. Kahne arrives for his fifth Prelude event as a candidate to win. Kahne currently drives the #4 car for Red Bull Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
Labonte, Bobby
Car Owner: Bobby Labonte
Sponsor: Lucas Oil
Car # 44
Labonte returns to Eldora in 2011 for the second consecutive year The former Cup champion looks to improve upon his 12th place finish last year. Similar to Clint Bowyer and Cruz Pedregon, Labonte owns his own dirt late model and expectations for a top 5 finish will be high.
Wallace, Kenny
Car Owner: Brian Shirley
Sponsor: Federated Auto Parts
Those who intentionally live off another’s labor will always want more free stuff!
Tony even encourages it,gotta love Tony.Don't care who wins,long as it's a good race and not like last year with a pole winner.Tony is the fav and you can always count on him making a show of it,win or not.
