CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 9, 2018) – For the 24^th annual Circle K Speed Street presented by Coca-Cola, Circle K, Toyota, Coca-Cola and the 600 Festival Association have teamed up to make a positive community impact.

Until Saturday, May 12, students and parents within the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools district can nominate a deserving high school teacher for a chance to win a new 2018 Toyota Camry. Nominations can be submitted through Circle K’s free app, available through Apple iTunes or Google Play stores. Teachers will be selected on the basis of a quality and thoughtful nomination.

“Circle K is a global company that contributes, invests and believes in the communities we serve,” commented Misti Mason, senior marketing manager at Circle K Southeast. “We are in awe of the daily service that our teachers provide the Charlotte Mecklenburg School district and are delighted to have this phenomenal opportunity to give back. From deserving students and teachers to the folks within the Classroom Central organization, we honor each of you!” 

The giving doesn’t stop there. A recent survey concluded that teachers spend an average of $500 of their own money to pay for school supplies. Coca-Cola Consolidated is donating $500 gift cards to the twenty teachers who were chosen as finalists. 

“Teachers inspire our children in classrooms every day,” said Christi McGee, vice president of communities at Coca-Cola Consolidated.  “As Charlotte’s local bottler, Coca-Cola Consolidated is honored to support our teachers because we appreciate the heroic work they do for our community.” 

Three finalists will receive VIP treatment on May 24 at Circle K Speed Street presented by Coca-Cola. Prior to Judah & the Lion taking the stage in Romare Bearden Park in uptown Charlotte, the winning teacher will be announced and presented with keys to his/her 2018 Toyota Camry, compliments of Circle K. The two remaining finalists will receive free Circle K gas for a year.

In addition, Circle K will reward 30 local students with $1,000 scholarships. Since April, principals from area public high schools have nominated deserving seniors who will be attending a university, community college, trade or technical school in the fall. The 30 selected students will receive VIP tickets to Judah & the Lion and be recognized on stage.

As an extension of Circle K’s salute to teachers and students, the 600 Festival Association is donating $1 from every ticket sold to the May 24 concert to Classroom Central, a local nonprofit that equips students living in poverty to effectively learn by collecting and distributing free school supplies.

Classroom Central will be present all three days at Circle K Speed Street presented by Coca-Cola and collecting supplies in its newly-unveiled ClassVROOM Central mobile free store truck.

“The 600 Festival prides itself on creating unforgettable experiences and giving back to the Charlotte community,” said Jacqueline Gafrarar, executive director of the 600 Festival. “It is a true honor to recognize teachers that are the backbone of this community, deserving students and an organization like Classroom Central.”

From May 24 to 26, Circle K Speed Street presented by Coca-Cola will provide family-friendly fun with access to racing’s brightest stars, musical entertainment, a variety of food and beverage vendors, a kids’ zone, and interactive displays from sponsors including Circle K, Coca-Cola, GEICO, North Carolina Education Lottery, PNC Bank, Vacation Village Resorts, HARIBO Gummy Candy, Swisher Sweets and more.

In addition to Judah & the Lion, Chase Rice, Easton Corbin, Dustin Lynch and Brett Young will headline the Coca-Cola stage Friday, May 25 and Saturday, May 26. To purchase tickets, click here.  For a complete list of entertainment and live music on both the Coca-Cola and Mello Yello stages, visit http://600festival.com/speed-street-schedule/.

Prior to the 24^th annual event, the community can enjoy Haulers on Union Parade and Fan Fest presented by Freightliner in Concord May 17; and the Little 600 at GoPro Motorplex in Mooresville May 22. Both events are free.

For more information on the 2018 600 Festival Association events, visit www.600festival.com or follow us on Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram.  

Media Contact

Crystal Emerick                                                                      

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704.361.5230                                                                          

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