The First Annual Dan Pardus "Sharing for Sight and Sound" Benefit was held at Diamondbacks Steakhouse and SportsDeck on Tuesday, February 12th. in Holly Hill, Florida. Music, A Silent Auction, A Raffle, Show Cars and Driver Appearances accompanied the evening of Food, Fun and Festivities.

Hundreds of Fans turned out to visit with drivers Dan, Carl Long, Steadman Marlin, Larry Foyt and 1961 Daytona 500 race winner, Marvin Panch. Proceeds from the benefit were distributed to the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind (FSDB) and the Busch Series Ladies Association (BSLA).

"It was great visiting with Fans and Friends. I am happy to have the opportunity to help FSDB. Their facilities in St. Augustine have been serving the needs of thousands of young children for over one hundred years with over 700 children now enrolled at the school. I am honored to be a member of their community volunteers. I hop everyone visits their website, www.fsdb.k12.fl.us and helps support the school's endeavors."

The benefit was the high point of Daytona Speedweeks. The Low came when we failed to qualify for the Busch Series EAS/GNC 300 Race. We qualified 37th, one position short of making the race on speed and we did not have a provisional.

Every racer welcomes the opportunity to race at Daytona. Jim and Judie Motorsports was offered a car and restrictor plate engine to attempt this year's race. We accepted the challenge and are grateful for the offer. A little more track time in this car and the results may have been different.

Our sponsors at Daytona, The Outdoor Channel and Diamondbacks Steakhouse are riding with us at Rockingham this week. Visit their restaurant and watch the race on one of the their many TV's. Look for the FSDB decal on the "B" post and remember to help this wonderful school.

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