(Stafford Springs, CT)---The CARQUEST Extreme Tuesday Champions for Charities Event at Stafford Motor Speedway scheduled for June 28th is building in momentum and excitement as the drivers gear up to raise funds for their respective charities. The impressive field of open wheeled division champion drivers represents over 50 championships among 14 drivers. This week's spotlight is on Jon McKennedy, the 2-time defending Modified Racing Series Champion, and he will be racing to raise funds for Relay For Life of Pelham, NH, which benefits the American Cancer Society.

"I'm good friends with Russ Wood and his wife was the chairperson of the Relay, so I thought that would be a good charity to race for," said McKennedy. "Russ is going to be racing for Racing Against Cancer, so we figured we'd be a teammate so to speak with Russ to help raise money to fight cancer."

The 2010 season saw McKennedy drive to his second consecutive Modified Racing Series championship. McKennedy used a late season charge with 3 wins in the final 5 races of the season to secure the championship. McKennedy has won championships in the Tiger Sprint division, and he was the 2000 Sugarhill Sizzler Mini Sprint Champion. McKennedy also has experience behind the wheel of ISMA Supermodifieds as well as 350 Supermodifieds.

McKennedy will go back to his Tiger Sprint roots as he joins 13 other open wheel championship winning drivers behind the wheel of Wild Thing Kart Senior Outlaw Go Karts for the Inaugural Champions For Charities feature that will take place on Stafford's mini-mile.

"I've seen some photos of the Karts, and they look pretty similar to what I've raced in the past," said McKennedy. "The race should be a lot of fun, there's no pressure and no points. I'm sure most of the guys have some sort of kart experience and they're all very good drivers, so I think everyone will adapt pretty quick to the karts and it should be a great race."

Every day, the American Cancer Society is helping in the fight against cancer by preventing cancer or finding it at its earliest, most treatable stages. They assist families in finding the best resources to help their friend or loved one deal with a diagnosis and their journey to get well. The American Cancer Society is also rallying communities through events like Relay For Life, to fight back and find cures for this disease.

The starting lineup for the CARQUEST Champions For Charities race will be determined by how much money each driver raises for their selected charity. The starting grid will be set with the drivers who have raised the most money starting up front. Fans are encouraged to get involved in the event by donating to their favorite driver or favorite charity. To make a donation to the Relay For Life on behalf of Jon McKennedy, and for more information on the event, please refer to the CARQUEST Champions for Charities donation page found by CLICKING HERE.

CARQUEST Extreme Tuesday will take place on June 28, 2011 and will also feature the ISMA Super Modifieds, NEMA Midgets, and Pro-4 Modifieds. Tickets for CARQUEST Extreme Tuesday are on sale now at the Speedway Box Office and are priced at $30.00 for adult general admission tickets, $5.00 for children ages 6-14, and children ages 5 and under are admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult. Reserved seating is priced at $32.00 for all ages. As always, Stafford Motor Speedway offers free parking with overnight parking available.

For more information, or to order tickets to the 8th Annual CARQUEST Extreme Tuesday event, contact the Stafford Motor Speedway track office at 860-684-2783 or visit us on the web at www.staffordspeedway.com.

###