PRESS RELEASE: Justin Allgaier to Compete in the 2010 Prelude to the Dream

From Penske Racing

Justin Allgaier, driver of the Penske Racing No. 12 Verizon Dodge in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, will return to his dirt racing roots this Wednesday night, June 9, when he will compete in the sixth-annual Prelude to the Dream at the legendary Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio. 

Allgaier, who began his racing career on dirt at the age of five, will join stars from NASCAR, IndyCar, NHRA, Rally Car and motocross as they battle not only for bragging rights, but also for charity. Allgaier will team with A.J. Allmendinger, Ron Capps, Jeff Gordon, Ryan Newman, Kenny Wallace and team captain Clint Bowyer to raise money for the Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The 2010 event format will be team-driven. Four teams will each represent one of four children’s hospitals - Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Levine Children’s Hospital, Riley Hospital for Children and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Each individual driver’s finishing position in the feature event will contribute to each team’s total score. An individual champion will also be crowned.  

“I’m really looking forward to participating in The Prelude to the Dream this year,” said Allgaier. “It’s an incredible event that raises a lot of money for great causes. I’ve always hoped that I’d be able to participate in The Prelude someday, so when I got the call I didn’t hesitate to jump at the opportunity. I raced dirt late models for about eight years, so I’ve always wanted a chance to race with those guys and get back to our roots. Tony Stewart and everyone at Eldora Speedway does such a great job with this event, and I can’t wait for Wednesday night.”

Allgaier will partner with car owner Dewaine Hottinger, who has owned and driven cars for some 16 years in and around Arkansas. His No. 65 Rocket Chassis will be wrapped with Allgaier’s familiar No. 12 Verizon scheme for the event.

The sixth-annual Prelude to the Dream will be televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View from Eldora Speedway on Wednesday, June 9 (7 PM EDT/ 4PM PDT) while The Prelude to the Dream Countdown Show will be televised live on SPEED at 6 PM EDT.