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LAS VEGAS – Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Speedway Children’s Charities will honor local businessman and NHRA team owner Ken Black at the Mel Larson Night of Champions on April 11 at the Bellagio.
“I am honored and humbled by this recognition,” said Black. “My association with motorsports goes back a long way and it is ironic that I can be honored for what to me is a love and passion. I thank Las Vegas Motor Speedway and the Speedway Children’s Charities for this recognition and hope that the event raises a large sum for the children’s charities in the Las Vegas area.”
Black is the owner of KB Racing LLC, with three-time NHRA Pro Stock Champion Greg Anderson, reigning NHRA Pro Stock Champion Jason Line, and Top Fuel driver Hillary Will handling the driving duties.
“Ken has brought much attention to the Las Vegas local racing community with the success of his NHRA teams in recent years,” said Chris Powell, LVMS General Manager. “This is a fitting tribute to not only his success in racing but also in the businesses he founded and owned in Las Vegas.”
All proceeds from the dinner will go to the Las Vegas chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities. This is the second year for the event in which a local community member is recognized for their contributions to racing in the Las Vegas area.
Gary Scelzi, one of only two drivers to win NHRA championships in both Top Fuel and Funny Car, will be the keynote speaker. Scelzi replaces John Force, who asked to be excused from the engagement in the wake of the death of teammate Eric Medlen.
“I am honored to be asked to step in for my good friend John Force,” Scelzi said. “While these are less than ideal circumstances, I look forward to being able to take part in an event that honors a true gentleman such as Ken Black and an event that benefits such a worthy cause as Speedway Children’s Charities.”
In addition to his keynote address, Scelzi, who won three Top Fuel championships (1997-1998, and 2000) and a Funny Car championship in 2005, will take part with Black in a meet-and-greet session during the reception.
The speedway also will recognize the 2006 season champions at its drag-racing facility, The Strip, and its 3/8-mile oval, The Bullring, during the event.
The event is named for local racing pioneer and businessman Mel Larson. Larson, a longtime executive with Circus Circus Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas and a former racer, was honored at the inaugural event last year.
For table and ticket information, please contact Janae Melvin at (702) 632-8242 or [email protected].
Ken Black to be honored at Night of Champions
LAS VEGAS – Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Speedway Children’s Charities will honor local businessman and NHRA team owner Ken Black at the Mel Larson Night of Champions on April 11 at the Bellagio.
“I am honored and humbled by this recognition,” said Black. “My association with motorsports goes back a long way and it is ironic that I can be honored for what to me is a love and passion. I thank Las Vegas Motor Speedway and the Speedway Children’s Charities for this recognition and hope that the event raises a large sum for the children’s charities in the Las Vegas area.”
Black is the owner of KB Racing LLC, with three-time NHRA Pro Stock Champion Greg Anderson, reigning NHRA Pro Stock Champion Jason Line, and Top Fuel driver Hillary Will handling the driving duties.
“Ken has brought much attention to the Las Vegas local racing community with the success of his NHRA teams in recent years,” said Chris Powell, LVMS General Manager. “This is a fitting tribute to not only his success in racing but also in the businesses he founded and owned in Las Vegas.”
All proceeds from the dinner will go to the Las Vegas chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities. This is the second year for the event in which a local community member is recognized for their contributions to racing in the Las Vegas area.
Gary Scelzi, one of only two drivers to win NHRA championships in both Top Fuel and Funny Car, will be the keynote speaker. Scelzi replaces John Force, who asked to be excused from the engagement in the wake of the death of teammate Eric Medlen.
“I am honored to be asked to step in for my good friend John Force,” Scelzi said. “While these are less than ideal circumstances, I look forward to being able to take part in an event that honors a true gentleman such as Ken Black and an event that benefits such a worthy cause as Speedway Children’s Charities.”
In addition to his keynote address, Scelzi, who won three Top Fuel championships (1997-1998, and 2000) and a Funny Car championship in 2005, will take part with Black in a meet-and-greet session during the reception.
The speedway also will recognize the 2006 season champions at its drag-racing facility, The Strip, and its 3/8-mile oval, The Bullring, during the event.
The event is named for local racing pioneer and businessman Mel Larson. Larson, a longtime executive with Circus Circus Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas and a former racer, was honored at the inaugural event last year.
For table and ticket information, please contact Janae Melvin at (702) 632-8242 or [email protected].
