GEM's Fan Appreciation Day to be Friday, May 23

STATESVILLE, N.C. -- Gillett Evernham Motorsports will hold its seventh annual Fan Appreciation Day on Friday, May 23, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET at the team race shops in Statesville, N.C.

The free event is open to the public and showcases Gillett Evernham Motorsports drivers Kasey Kahne, Elliott Sadler, Patrick Carpentier and Chase Miller as well as co-owner Ray Evernham. Team business partners plan to bring interactive displays and fan giveaways.

"It's very important to us as an organization to show all our fans what their support means to us," said co-owner, George Gillett Jr. "Everyone at Gillett Evernham Motorsports realizes that the fans have greatly contributed to molding the sport into the spectacle it is today. It's our turn to return the favor and invite them for a fun day at our facility in Statesville."

All four drivers and Evernham will be available for autographs at 9 a.m. There will be one autograph line for each personality on the day of the event. Because of the anticipated crowds the autographs will be limited to one per person and a wristband will be required.

Gillett Evernham Motorsports employees will begin handing out wristbands at 7:30 a.m. the morning of the event and will limit the wristbands to 400 per personality. Fans should look for signs designating wristband pickup locations upon arrival at the Gillett Evernham Motorsports facility.

"Fan appreciation day is one of the days I really look forward to," Evernham said. "It's our chance to return the dedication the fans have given us all year. We put a lot of hard work and preparation into giving our fans an enjoyable day here at the shop, so we hope everyone will come join us for a great event."

There are a variety of activities scheduled including show-car displays, pit-stop practices and fabrication-shop demonstrations. The Gillett Evernham Motorsports team museum and gift shop will be open and stocked with fans' favorite team apparel and collectibles. A silent auction will take place with the proceeds benefiting Racing For a Reason, Ray Evernham's foundation.

Gillett Evernham Motorsports is located at 320 Aviation Dr, Statesville, N.C. 28677, near the Statesville Regional Airport. If you are traveling from I-77, take I-40 West toward Hickory/Asheville to Exit 146, Stamey Farm Road. Turn left at the top of the ramp and cross over I-40. Go straight at the stop sign, and make the first left onto Aviation Drive. Fans can find additional directions by visiting www.evernham.com.