Ricky Hendrick Memorial Charity Ride set for Sunday, Aug. 24

CONCORD, N.C. (Aug. 20, 2008) - The fourth annual Ricky Hendrick Memorial Charity Ride presented by AutoTrader.com will make its way to Lowe's Motor Speedway on Sunday, Aug. 24. All event proceeds will benefit the Hendrick Foundation for Children and go toward the Levine Children's Hospital at Carolinas Medical Center. The 48-mile motorcycle ride will depart Knights Stadium in Fort Mill, S.C., at 11:30 a.m. local time (staging begins at 7:30 a.m.) and conclude at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord. The cost is $25 per rider, which includes lunch courtesy of Mac's Speedshop, an event t-shirt and a concert by country music artist Blake Wise. Show cars, including some driven by Ricky Hendrick, will be on display, and each ride participant will be entered to win a Suzuki Boulevard motorcycle courtesy of American Suzuki. In addition to other vendors and activities, the Richard Petty Driving Experience will provide three-lap "charity rides" around the 1.5-mile racetrack for a $109 donation. "We've had such a great experience the last three years," said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports and chairman of Hendrick Automotive Group. "Ricky was so passionate about children's charities, and this event is a wonderful way to remember him while giving back to our community. "This couldn't happen without the support we receive from everyone who participates -- our riders, volunteers and corporate partners. It's just so humbling, and we appreciate everyone who comes out to join us for the event. We're raising money for a great cause and having fun doing it." The son of Rick and Linda Hendrick, Ricky Hendrick was born and raised in Charlotte and quickly developed a love for auto racing and a passion for helping those in need. At 21, he was the youngest driver to win a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race and later, at 23, became the youngest car owner to win a NASCAR championship. In memory of Ricky Hendrick's giving spirit and dedication to children's charities, the Ricky Hendrick Memorial Charity Ride has raised nearly $200,000 during the past three years, and attendance at the event continues to grow. The ride has drawn more than 4,000 motorcycles and 6,000 participants since its inception in 2005. The 2008 Ricky Hendrick Memorial Charity Ride is made possible by the generous support of more than 30 corporate partners, including presenting sponsor AutoTrader.com. Others include American Suzuki, the Charlotte Knights, the John Boy & Billy Big Show, Lowe's Motor Speedway, Mac's Speedshop, Michelin, Mobay Sportswear, the National Guard, Party Reflections, Pepsi, Racing Electronics, Western Power Sports and WSOC 103.7. For more information about the event, please visit www.hendrickcharityride.com.