Mike and Kimberly Graham, of Paces Ferry Exxon in Atlanta, won an experience most NASCAR fans can only dream of — a weekend spent in Charlotte at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, with exclusive access to the garages and pits, and even a ride with Raybestos Rookie Juan Pablo Montoya — all courtesy of Raybestos brand brakes, the official brakes of NASCAR. The Grahams were the Grand Prize winners of the “Raybestos Pit Crew Member for a Day Sweepstakes” that granted them the opportunity to be honorary members of the Robert Yates pit crew.
Mike and Kimberly Graham were invited to Charlotte Oct. 12-14 to take part in the Bank of America 500 race weekend. They began the day on an exclusive guided tour of the garage and pit area by Ron Sledge, director of motorsports for Affinia. They were able to view how the race cars are set up and the process used for technical inspection by NASCAR officials. During the tour, the Grahams were lucky enough to meet with Culey Bearcough, Crew Chief for the Ricky Rudd #88 Snickers car. The garage and pit access provided many opportunities to take photos of driving heroes and the exciting pre-race atmosphere at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.
“We had a great time last weekend. My husband Mike has been a NASCAR fan for 40 years and it was an awesome experience,” said Kimberly Graham. “Thanks to Raybestos for the great ride!”
With the assistance of Raybestos brand brakes marketing manager Ken Myers, Mike Graham also was treated to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to not only present a check for $1,500 to Raybestos Rookie Juan Pablo Montoya, but to also take a pre-race ride around the legendary 1.5 mile speedway in Montoya’s courtesy vehicle, a 2007 Toyota Tundra.
The evening was spent in the Wix Filters (a member of the Affinia family of brands) reserved terrace box, where the Grahams witnessed an exciting race that saw Jeff Gordon take the win. He previously won this race in 1999.
Raybestos brand brakes are produced by the Affinia Under Vehicle Group, the leading manufacturer of braking systems and components for the automotive industry. The line includes everything from brake drums to rotors, pads, shoes and hydraulic parts. Affinia Under Vehicle Group is at the forefront of research and development in brake technology and operates manufacturing and distribution facilities throughout North America.
Raybestos brand brakes are the official brakes of NASCAR, and the NASCAR relationship also includes the Raybestos Rookie of the Year Award, which is presented to the top rookie in each of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup, Busch and Craftsman Truck racing series. For more information about Raybestos brand brakes, visit www.raybestos.com.