NASCAR Preview 2012 Set For January 21

With the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion's Gala just a few days away, planning for the NASCAR Preview 2012 Presented by Sprint is now in high gear. Driver appearances by all three newly crowned 2011 NASCAR National Series champions have been confirmed for the fan-centric daylong event, located inside the Charlotte Convention Center on Saturday, Jan. 21.

Three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart and first-time NASCAR Nationwide Series titlist Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and 2011 Camping World Truck Series champion Austin Dillon are all scheduled for two-hour appearances that include driver autographs and on-stage question-and-answer sessions.

The NASCAR Preview 2012 Presented by Sprint is a new addition to the off season calendar. RJ Reynolds Tobacco hosted a similar Fan Preview in Winston Salem, NC for many years, and this new event is designed around a similar model. It will feature numerous driver and show car appearances, simulators, games, prizes and a host of other fan-friendly and interactive activities.

The NASCAR Preview 2012 Presented by Sprint is part of the three-day NASCAR Acceleration Weekend from Jan. 20-22 in Charlotte, N.C. that gives fans an unprecedented experience through a combination of events and activities featuring the legends of the sport and stars of today. The weekend kicks off Friday, Jan. 20 with the NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony for the Class of 2012, featuring inductees Darrell Waltrip, Cale Yarborough, Dale Inman, Richie Evans and Glen Wood. Following Saturday’s NASCAR Preview 2012 Presented by Sprint, the new, Class of 2012 exhibits will be unveiled in the NASCAR Hall of Fame on Sunday, Jan. 22.

For many fans, the highlight of the weekend will be the opportunity to meet their favorite NASCAR driver. Stewart and other NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers will sign autographs in the Ballroom of the Charlotte Convention Center beginning at 9:15 a.m. on Sat., Jan. 21. Saturday at 7 a.m. in the Charlotte Convention Center Ballroom, wristbands will be distributed to a limited number of fans. Recipients must have an event ticket to be eligible to receive a wristband.

Driver Appearance Times
3:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. – Tony Stewart
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Austin Dillon

Additional drivers from the NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series, plus the four living NASCAR Hall of Fame members inducted the previous night, will be announced at a later date. Appearance times are subject to change.

Tickets to NASCAR Preview 2012 Presented by Sprint start at just $10, and range upward to $299 for a VIP weekend package that includes the NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

For additional information, visit www.NASCARAcceleration2012.com.