Hot Off The Presses: Media Members to Race School Buses at Charlotte Motor Speedway
-- For Immediate Release -- CONCORD, N.C. (June 19, 2015) -- Area media members will be making headlines on Tuesday, June 23, as they get the buses rolling in the Media Mayhem School Bus Race during round four of the Bojangles' Summer Shootout Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
The smack talk is circulating amongst the media as they prepare to bring the heat to this year's 13-ton-machine battle. "I'm heading for first. It is time to kick the TV people out of the spotlight," said on-air host Chris Rozak from radio station 106.5 The End.
2014 Media Mayhem School Bus Race Champion and Time Warner Cable News meteorologist Matthew East will return to Charlotte Motor Speedway to defend his title. "The view from the mountaintop is gorgeous. Many try to get up here. Only one is sitting here though, and I don't plan on leaving anytime soon. Get your popcorn ready, cause I'm going to put on a show," said East.
Other media members that will be competing include Brandon Davidow from WCCB; Danny Harnden of WGHP; Ashley Stroehlein from WBTV; Gerald Jackson from WCNC; Lawrence Gilligan of WSOC; and Mark Plemmons from The Independent Tribune.
Studies and Sports departments are drama-filled as the media members prepare to shift gears from reporting to racing.
"Even though I have no prior experience driving a school bus, Mr. East better watch his back," said rookie driver Mark Plemmons.
Brushing off the smack talk from others, East boasted, "When you are the defending race champion, you hear a lot of chatter from the other competitors. Chatter doesn't bother me. It's understandable."
Tuesday's Media Mayhem School Bus race is just one of many exciting races that will take place during the Bojangles' Summer Shootout Series. The series gives fans the opportunity to watch the best grassroots racers from around the country doing battle in seven Legend Car and Bandolero divisions. With the area's most affordable family fun, Charlotte Motor Speedway is the place to be on Tuesday nights.
Admission to the Bojangles' Summer Shootout Series is FREE for children ages 13 and under, and adult tickets are only $8. With interactive games, concessions, souvenirs, a kids' play area and all the on-track thrills, Charlotte Motor Speedway packs each night with entertainment galore. Starting Monday, June 22, check your local Bojangles' for a $2 off coupon.
Tickets are available in advance at the speedway ticket office and at Gates 4 and 5 the night of the race. Parking is free. Spectator gates open at 5 p.m. with preliminary action starting at 5:10 p.m. Opening ceremonies are scheduled at 7 p.m. and feature races are scheduled to conclude by approximately 10 p.m.
For tickets to the Bojangles' Summer Shootout Series, call the Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267) or visit the website.
Keep up with all the latest news from the speedway by following us on Facebook and Twitter or by downloading the new Charlotte Motor Speedway mobile app.
Local media will go head-to-head in a school bus slobberknocker at Charlotte Motor Speedway Tuesday night.
John Davison
Long-time RIS staffer, beginning in the mid-80s. Charlotte, NC area local contact.