The fifth annual Prelude to the Dream was originally scheduled for June 3rd at Eldora Speedway. Unfortunately, inclement weather forced track officials to postpone the event until this Wednesday, September 9th.

Eldora Speedway, owned by NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Tony Stewart, is located in Rossburg, OH. The ½ mile clay oval attracts over 20,000 spectators annually and plays host to some of the largest racing events in the country including the World of Outlaw Sprint Kings Royal Weekend and the World 100 late model race.

Proceeds, equaling nearly $2 million from the previous four Prelude to the Dream events have always gone to charities such as the Victory Junction Gang Camp. This year, the proceeds will go to four different charities that assist veterans.

“In light of what's going on in our world today -- with our troops engaged in combat in Afghanistan, Iraq and other places around the world -- we felt it was time to do something for those who came back from serving their country with severe injuries, and for those families whose loved ones never made it back,” Stewart said, according to NASCAR.com

Specifically, the four charities are Wounded Warrior Project, Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, Operation Homefront and Fisher House.

Nearly 20 NASCAR stars have agreed to race in the event including Kyle Busch, Jimmie Johnson, Matt Kenseth and Joey Logano. Jeff Gordon, Carl Edwards and Bill Elliott also planned to participate but Gordon has a sponsor conflict on the new date and Edwards and Elliott’s recent injuries have forced them to withdraw.

Kenny Wallace won the inaugural Prelude in 2005, Stewart took the checkers in 2006 and 2008 and Carl Edwards won in 2007.

The event will include hot laps, qualifying, heat races and the 30-lap feature race which will all be televised on HBO.

Hardcore race fans can watch the live event by purchasing it through HBO Pay-Per-View. Stewart is hoping the total amount raised in this fifth annual event will reach the $1 million mark.

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