Newman to host charity fishing tournament, gala

STATESVILLE, N.C. -- Fans of Nextel Cup Series driver Ryan Newman know that when he's not racing, the driver of Penske Racing's No. 12 Dodge likes to take a break from his fast-paced life by fishing. He is inviting NASCAR fans and fisherman to join him and fellow drivers Martin Truex, Jr. and Regan Smith at the second annual Ryan Newman Foundation Charity Fishing Tournament sponsored by Ranger Boats on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007,at Queen's Landing on Lake Norman in Mooresville, N.C.

The foundation's weekend of charity events will be kicked off on the evening of Friday, Dec. 7, 2007, with the Ryan Newman Foundation's third annual Charity Dinner and Auction, which will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. ET at the Charles Mack Citizen Center in Mooresville, N.C., and is sponsored by Alltel and Outback Steakhouse. Guests will enjoy an Outback Steakhouse dinner and will have the opportunity to meet and mingle with NASCAR drivers and pro fisherman. Charity auction items will include autographed NASCAR memorabilia from Ryan Newman, Tony Stewart, Martin Truex, Jr., autographed sports memorabilia, rods and reels, outdoor sporting equipment and more.

"Conservation is very important to me, which is why my foundation has recently partnered with the Conservation Fund to develop a program we call Racing For Wildlife," Newman said. "Krissie and I want to be able to help more conservation groups, as well as animal welfare organizations, in the future. That is why we are building the Ryan Newman Foundation Endowment by raising funds with our special events. This year we decided to combine our two annual fundraisers into one fun weekend, so we're holding our charity dinner and auction on Friday night and our charity bass tournament the next day. We're excited about Ranger Boats' sponsorship of our tournament and their donation of the Ranger Boat as the grand prize again this year. It's a great boat."

The bass tournament will be facilitated by FLW Outdoors. Fishermen will compete for the grand prize of a 198VX Ranger Boat with a 200 HP Evinrude motor, Minn-Kota Maxxum 80 trolling motor, Humminbird 767 depth finder and single axle trailer valued at $38,000. Other prizes include cash awards, trolling motors, GPS systems, depth finders, rod and reel combos, digital cameras and more.

Registration in the bass tournament for a team of two fishermen is $150 on or before Nov. 8 or $200 after Nov. 8. Fisherman may also enter a Big Fish Contest for $40 per team. The maximum is 250 teams. For complete event details, tournament rules, to download a flier and registration form or to register online, visit www.ryannewmanfoundation.org. Those wishing to receive a printed registration form by mail should send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Ryan Newman Foundation, Fishing Tournament Form Request, PO Box 5998, Statesville, NC 28687.

Tickets to the Ryan Newman Foundation Charity Dinner and Auction are $100 per person or $175 per couple. For complete event details, to download a ticket order form or to purchase tickets online, visit www.ryannewmanfoundation.org. To receive a ticket order form by mail, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Ryan Newman Foundation, Charity Dinner Form Request, PO Box 5998, Statesville, NC 28687.

"Our charity dinner and auction and our fishing tournament are fun ways that NASCAR fans, fishermen, animal lovers and conservationists can get involved in making a difference by helping the Ryan Newman Foundation fulfill our mission," Krissie Newman said. "When we all come together for shared causes, we make a larger impact. We appreciate the support fans have given our foundation in the past. Their donations have made a big difference to humane societies, spay/neuter programs and conservation groups across the country."