A Night at the Smithsonian

NASCAR Night at the Smithsonian on tap

WASHINGTON (Nov. 24, 1998)Some of the most powerful and influential people in NASCAR racing have been invited by the world-renowned Smithsonian Associates to make a two hour presentation elaborating on the history, present success and future goals of the organization responsible for the fastest-growing sport in North America.

NASCAR's Night at the Smithsonian takes place at Lisner Auditorium on the campus of George Washington University on Tuesday, December 15 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 for general admission, $25 for Smithsonian members and $15 for senior citizens and full-time students with student IDs. Parking is available in the parking garage on I. St. NW between 22ndand 23rd St.

NASCAR executives Bill and Brian France will be joined by a potent group of past and present NASCAR champions, including Jeff Gordon, Richard Petty, Darrell Waltrip, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Ron Hornaday and Kyle Petty.

The group will be asked several questions on the past, present and future of their sport by an emcee. The all-star panel will then respond to questions from the audience in an open-house format.

In addition to the ticket-buying public, the audience will include VIPs from the Washington, D.C. area, plus Smithsonian members and media.

"Invitations like these represent the recognition that NASCAR is no longer just 'down home', it's 'uptown', too," said NASCAR president Bill France. "Our trip to the Smithsonian proves that NASCAR is here to stay and ready to take its rightful position at the top of America's sports ladder."

"The Smithsonian Associates' mission includes presenting all facets of American culture to Americans, and NASCAR certainly is representative of a large cross-section of the American culture," said Smithsonian Communications Director David J. Umansky. "It's a pleasure for us to begin what we hope will be a long, continuing relationship with NASCAR."

Source: NASCAR Online