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Pinks entries crash Maple Grove servers

Just how popular is “Pinks All Out?” At noon Monday, over 12,000 racers and fans tried to register for the May show at Maple Grove Raceway -- all at once.

With the high volume of people trying to get to the online registration form, the servers for both Maple Grove and its ticket company crashed almost immediately. Overall, the Maple Grove website had over 16,000 visitors between noon and 12:30 p.m.

However, 470 racers were able to get through and register to participate when the popular Speed Channel series and host Rich Christensen return to Maple Grove on May 14-15.

Racer entries were sold out in just under an hour, as the computer problems were gradually worked out. MGR vice present and general manager Lex Dudas received a call from Houston Raceway Park GM Seth Angel saying its ticketing site also crashed because of the high volume.
  
For those who weren’t able to purchase an entry, there will be one more chance. Maple Grove Raceway will be taking registrations for the “Last Chance Pinks Lotto” at www.maplegroveraceway.com to fill up to 50 more slots.

Entries will be taken until noon on Friday, Feb. 5. The winners will get the right to purchase a $60 entry for “Pinks.” They will be notified by phone or e-mail on Feb. 8.

For more information visit www.maplegroveraceway.com or call 610-856-9200. [02/02/10]

All-Mopar swap meet Feb. 5-6

The 6th Annual Mid-Winter Mopar Madness Swap Meet will be held this Friday and Saturday, Feb. 5-6, at the Boone County Fairgrounds in Columbia, Missouri. The event will be held indoors at the Multi-Purpose Building. You can get all your Mopar parts and still be home in time to watch the Super Bowl on Sunday. Are these guys considerate or what?

Look for DRO editor Jeff Burk and Matt Schramel, our art director extraordinaire, showing off our sister publication, MoparMax.com, on the big screen. [02/02/10]

Gray named Executive Director of Darrell Gwynn Foundation

The Darrell Gwynn Foundation announced today the appointment of renowned motorsports veteran Curtis Gray as the organization's Executive Director. The Darrell Gwynn Foundation is a Davie, Florida-based non-profit 501(c)(3) organization established by former NHRA champion Darrell Gwynn to support individuals with spinal cord injuries and other debilitating illnesses. 

A South Florida native, Gray most recently was President of Homestead-Miami Speedway, a position he had held since 1999.

Gray began his motorsports career in 1983, serving from 1993 to 1999 as Director of the NASCAR Winston Cup Series for R.J. Reynolds. Gwynn and Gray have been friends and business associates for more than 25 years. In his role at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Gray assisted the Foundation in establishing the Hot Rod & Reels™ NASCAR Drivers Charity Fishing Tournament, a major fundraiser held each November at the track. Gray also supported various Foundation activities related to Florida Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week.

"I've admired Curtis for quite some time and am thrilled he will be joining our team," Gwynn said. "He's one of motorsports' most respected authorities, and I am certain his leadership and success in areas such as corporate sponsorship, sports marketing and business development will help The Foundation reach new heights."

Gray is a member of the Board of Governors of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, which inducted him in 2008 to the Miami Sports Hall of Champions. He also is on the Homestead Hospital Foundation Board of Directors and was named Citizen of the Year by the Civitan Club. [02/02/10]