Top drivers to compete in Eldora dirt race (cont'd)

"Since 1991, HBO Pay-Per-View has been associated with the biggest stars and the best events the sport of boxing has had to offer," said Mark Taffet, HBO senior vice president of Sports Operations and Pay-Per-View. "In that same tradition of excellence, we are delighted to feature the world's greatest drivers in such a unique race from legendary Eldora Speedway in support of Victory Junction."

With no points and no pressure, the Nextel Prelude to the Dream presented by Old Spice is a throwback race, allowing drivers to step back in time and compete for the reasons they all went racing in the first place -- pride and a trophy. And they'll do it on the same surface that such racing legends as A.J. Foyt and Mario Andretti competed on nearly 50 years ago.

Other interesting story lines include:

• Gordon's return to dirt: Gordon hasn't raced at Eldora in 16 years, when he won the Midget portion of the 1991 USAC Four Crown Nationals.

• Montoya's trifecta: Montoya could become the first driver to win the Indianapolis 500, the Grand Prix of Monaco and the Nextel Prelude to the Dream presented by Old Spice.

• Dirt veterans vs. dirt neophytes: Stewart, Gordon, Kahne, Newman, Blaney, Bowyer, Elliott, Farmer, Schrader, Yeley and the Wallace brothers grew up on dirt tracks while Montoya, Busch, Harvick, Almirola, Hamlin, Kenseth, Labonte, Martin, Petty and Sadler spent the majority of their racing upbringing on asphalt.

• What happens when a drag racer has to turn the steering wheel?: Capps is a 12-year veteran of the NHRA, where straight-line runs of more than 300 mph are commonplace. He'll have to turn right to go left as he slings his dirt late model around Eldora.

"Having Tony's support has been huge for Victory Junction," said Petty, who together with wife Pattie founded the Victory Junction Gang Camp in memory of their late son, Adam. "Tony was one of the first drivers to get on board with us, and beyond the money he and his foundation has donated to the camp, he's brought notoriety, which has helped fuel interest in the camp.

"It's just one more example of how when we're on the track we're fierce competitors, but off the track we're all united in trying to improve the lives of others, especially children. I've always admired his charitable work and it's an honor to again be a part of this year's Nextel Prelude to the Dream presented by Old Spice."

For those who want to see the Nextel Prelude to the Dream presented by Old Spice in person, tickets are available online at www.eldoraspeedway.com or by calling the track office (937) 338-3815. Act fast -- the race has sold out the past two years.