If more tickets aren't sold to this weekend's benefit stock-car race for police and fire fighters, the fund-raiser will cost money instead of raise money, organizers said Tuesday.
"There have been less than 50 advance tickets sold," said Les Kynett, general manager of Champion Motor Speedway. "That won't even cover the cost of the race."
Five Carson City sheriff's deputies are set to face off Saturday against five Carson City firefighters and five members of Next Media, owner of several Reno radio stations, to raise money for the Carson City Firefighters Association and the Sheriff's Events Committee.
Sixty percent of the advance ticket sales is slated for those groups, Kynett said.
Tara Tuttle, a member of the Sheriff's Department's events committee, said only 30 of the $10 tickets have been sold so far.
"At least (selling) 200 tickets would give them some profit," Kynett said. "If several businesses in town bought 10 tickets each to give to their customers that would sell a couple hundred tickets right there and certainly give them a handsome profit."
Kynett said rumors that the race would be canceled if enough tickets weren't sold were just that.
"Losing is bad enough, but giving up before the race is even worse," he said.
Advanced tickets to the 7 p.m. showdown can be purchased through Saturday at the front counter of the Sheriff's Department, Red's Old 395, Nevada Fitness, Michael's Cycles and Casino Fandango. Tickets bought at the speedway gate do not benefit the organizations, Kynette said.
The firefighters will use their portion of the profits for programs such as Toys for Tots or to help families in need, said Capt. Bob Schreihans. The sheriff's events committee will use their funds for community events like National Night Out, Tuttle said.
The event is a 20-lap race in Hornet division cars donated for use by Speedway drivers. The first-place finisher will receive 40 points, with two-point increments for the ascending positions. The team with the most points will receive a trophy to keep until next year's race. The first-place winner will also be awarded a trophy.
For information contact Tuttle at 887-2020, ext. 1717.
IF YOU GO
What: Cops vs. firefighters benefit race
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: Champion Motor Speedway, 1210 Race Track Road
Tickets: $10 at the front counter of the Sheriff's Department, Red's Old 395, Nevada Fitness, Michael's Cycles and Casino Fandango
Benefits: Carson City Firefighters Association and the Sheriff's Events Committee
Call: Tara Tuttle at 887-2020 ext. 1717
Contact F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.
