It might have been hot and humid at the Charlotte Motor Speedway on Friday, but the only heat two Lucke-Rewards members could feel was from the race track.
Lucy Shaffer, a nurse of 25 years from Candler, was the Grand Marshal. On national television, she got the party started with the famous phrase, “Drivers, start your engines!”
Billy Myers of Elkin was the Honorary Starter. With a big grin on his face, Myers signaled the start of the race by waving the green flag.
Both Shaffer and Myers have been long-time racing fans and have attended many races, but neither has had an experience like this.
“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Myers said upon entering Pit Row. “This is something my family and I will never be able to do again.”
“I’m just so excited to be here,” said Shaffer walking onto the track. “I just want to thank the North Carolina Education Lottery for this experience.”
The lucky winners were accompanied by family and friends and also got a behind-the-scenes look at all the action. They got to tour Pit Row, attend the Driver and Crew Chief meeting, shake the hands of NASCAR drivers, and enjoy the race in the exclusive Pit Suites.
"This is something I'll never forget," Shaffer said.
Until next year, racing fans. It was fun!
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