One day before they hit the track in Thunder Valley, several of NHRA’s biggest names will take to  the links to see how well they can drive a golf ball during the Seventh Annual Bristol Dragway Celebrity Golf Benefit presented by Alpha Natural Resources on June 17.

The Country Club of Bristol once again hosts the event, which provides each team of four the opportunity to partner with an NHRA celebrity.

Alpha Natural Resources joined forces with the Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities last year to support the tournament and returns to the event again this season.

One day before they hit the track in Thunder Valley, several of NHRA’s biggest names will take to  the links to see how well they can drive a golf ball during the Seventh Annual Bristol Dragway Celebrity Golf Benefit presented by Alpha Natural Resources on June 17.

The Country Club of Bristol once again hosts the event, which provides each team of four the opportunity to partner with an NHRA celebrity.

Alpha Natural Resources joined forces with the Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities last year to support the tournament and returns to the event again this season.

According to Donnie Ratliff, Alpha’s VP of VA Government and External Affairs, “The mission of Speedway Children's Charities, ‘To care for children in educational, financial, social and medical need in order to help them lead productive lives’ coincides nicely with Alpha’s desire to ‘create opportunities to improve the quality of life for our neighbors.’”

“We value the partnership that we have established with Speedway Children’s Charities and look forward to helping them help others.”

The tournament, which sees a number of NHRA racers compete for the coveted Darrell Russell Cup, benefits the Bristol Chapter of SCC and takes place the day before the first round of qualifying for the Thunder Valley Nationals. The 10th annual race, one of the NHRA’s top events, takes place June 18-20.

Last year’s tournament featured 17 celebrities and raised more than $30,000 for various charities throughout Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.

Among the drivers expected to participate in this year’s tournament are Brandon Bernstein, Antron Brown, Morgan Lucas, Shawn Langdon, Del Worsham, Bob Tasca, Allen Johnson and Melanie Troxel.

The tournament begins with registration and a putting contest at 11 a.m.  Lunch is scheduled for noon.  The shotgun start is slated for 1 p.m.

A limited number of slots remain available.  Hole sponsorship is $1,500, which includes a four-person team and signage on the sponsored hole. Teams also may be purchased for $1,200 without a hole sponsorship. All team members will receive a goody bag, golfer’s gift and lunch.

To enter a team or for sponsorship information, please contact Barbara Kaiser-Pigg at (423) 989-6975 or via email at barbara@bristolmotorspeedway.com.