NASCAR Nextel Cup and Busch Series driver David Ragan will attend Thursday's match against the Los Angeles Galaxy. Ragan will be on the apron prior to the game signing autographs. He will then stay with NASCAR officials to watch the Wizards play the Galaxy and participate in a Special Olympics soccer match on the field at halftime.
"I am very excited to be a part of the Kansas City Wizards pre-game and halftime festivities," Ragan said. "It means a lot to me to be able to work with children from the Special Olympics. The courage they display on a daily basis is something we all should be proud of and learn from. I have a brother with Down Syndrome, and he is the bravest guy I know. It is an honor for me to be a part such a wonderful event."
Ragan is one of the most exciting, up-and-coming drivers in NASCAR, as he is leading the Busch Series' Rookie of the Year chase and is in the heart of the Rookie of the Year award for the Nextel Cup. Ragan will be competing Saturday and Sunday at the Kansas Speedway in the NASCAR races held there. Check out Ragan's homepage at www.davidragan.com or here at NASCAR.com.
Columbia, Missouri native Christopher Hatfield, a member of NASCAR driver Carl Edwards' record label Back 40 Records, will perform the National Anthem. Hatfield's profile is available here.
