Evernham raising funds with bike and auto show

In the middle of what is probably the third-busiest racing week all season, NASCAR team owner Ray Evernham is taking a couple of days to give a little.

What he's giving to NASCAR fans in the immediate area surrounding the Charlotte/Concord racetrack is a chance to see some of the unique cars and motorcycles that NASCAR drivers, team owners and crew members have.

A Ray Evernham Foundation, Racing for a Reason was originally founded in honor of Ray J. Evernham to raise funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the fight against blood related cancers and supports other worthy causes.

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What he's giving to those battling cancer in all its forms is a little bit of hope.

Evernham and Racing for a Reason, the charitable organization he founded in 1997, are presenting a Custom Bike and Auto Show fund-raiser beginning Wednesday at the Cabarrus Arena north of Lowe's Motor Speedway on Highway 49. The two-day event showcases the custom bikes and automobiles from the NASCAR community.

"There are a lot of good people in our sport," Evernham said. "It just feels like the right thing to do. My son Ray J., I really feel his life was saved by the work and the donations and the effort that other people made to fight leukemia and I need to do that for other mothers and fathers of children that are affected by cancers."

More than 70 exciting custom bikes and cars owned by the biggest names in NASCAR will be on hand, including Evernham, Elliott Sadler, Travis Kvapil, Kyle Petty, Richard Petty, Mike Helton, Kenny Wallace, Todd Kluever, Steve LeTarte, Kyle Busch, Dale Jarrett, J.D. Gibbs, Kasey Kahne, Kenny Francis, Scott Riggs, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Mike Bliss, Greg Biffle, Mike Helton, Roger Penske and special guest Dave Perewitz.

"NASCAR fans are always looking for ways to connect with their favorite drivers and NASCAR celebrities, and they are always willing to support causes for those in need," Evernham said. "Our Custom Bike and Auto Show creates an exciting event where fans can meet top drivers, see some amazing vehicles and help raise funds in support of our mission -- to help those in need and fund the ongoing research to find a cure for cancer. We're excited about the opportunity to bring this event to Charlotte during the race week, and appreciate the support of the drivers and NASCAR celebrities who are sharing their vehicles and time with the event."

The October in Charlotte race week, with a lot of fans already in the area for this weekend's Bank of America 500, is the culmination of the year's fund-raising program for Racing for a Reason, and it's also a chance for Evernham to take advantage of a "home game" for the drivers and teams.

But it's also one of the busiest weeks for the community. How does Evernham find the time to do something like this? (Continued)