Automotive Legend Carroll Shelby to be Honored at Mel Larson Night of Champions
Automotive legend and former professional racer Carroll Shelby will be honored by Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Speedway Children’s Charities on Wednesday, April, 1, 2009, at the fourth annual Mel Larson Night of Champions, in the Bellagio Hotel & Casino’s Grand Ballroom.
All proceeds from the dinner will go to the Las Vegas chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities. This is the fourth year for the event in which a community member is recognized for his contributions to motorsports.
“The Shelby name is synonymous with automobiles and high-performance racing, so it is with great pride that we honor Carroll Shelby in 2009,” said LVMS President Chris Powell. “In 1998, Shelby Automobiles moved its headquarters to Las Vegas, and Carroll and his team have been an integral part of the Southern Nevada community ever since.”
Shelby is known world-wide for his automotive designs and constructions. He is most recognized for his design of the Ford Shelby Cobra, but he also was involved in the development of specialty autos for Oldsmobile and Dodge, including the Dodge Viper.
“I’m honored that Speedway Children’s Charities has asked me to be a part of this event,” Shelby said. “I have been friends with (SCC founder and Speedway Motorsports chairman) Bruton Smith for a lot of years, so it’s really nice to be recognized by your friends. And Mel Larson has been a lifelong friend, so to be honored at an event that bears his name is very gratifying.”
Shelby will participate in a private meet-and-greet reception prior to dinner. The speedway also will recognize the 2008 season champions at its drag-racing facility, The Strip, and its 3/8-mile oval, The Bullring.
Past honorees include Larson, NHRA team owner and Las Vegas businessman Ken Black and LVMS medical director and University Medical Center’s chairman of emergency medicine, Dr. Dale Carrison.
To purchase a table or tickets for this event, please contact Janae Melvin at (702) 632-8242.
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