Please Help the “Prince of Darkness”, Al Robinson
Longtime Watkins Glen and Daytona International Speedway announcer and NASCAR Touring Series official Al Robinson needs our help. Known to his many racing friends as “The Prince of Darkness” for his annual, overnight stints on the public address microphone during the Rolex 24 at Daytona, Robinson suffered a serious stroke last May. He has since been confined to Elderwood Care Facility in Waverly, NY, and his 24/7 medical needs have severely depleted his financial resources.
A benefit has been organized for Al by his racing friends, and the owners of New York’s Shangri-La II Motor Speedway — where Al served as track announcer prior to his illness – have donated the use of their facility for a fundraiser, with all proceeds going directly to Al. Scheduled for Friday, May 11 and Saturday, May 12, the event will feature a "Family Fun Day" format; including displays of current and vintage race cars, children's activities, pace car rides, numerous racing souvenir vendors, sponsored walking laps and track food concessions, with all proceeds going to Al. Free overnight camping will be available, with a community bonfire, a silent auction of various donated items and a live auction of racing artifacts and memorabilia.
Special test-n-tune sessions will be held at both the Skyview Dragstrip (located on the grounds of Shangri-La II Motor Speedway); and the oval track, with the Shangri-La II Modified, Sportmod, Street Stock and 4four-ylinder teams all preparing their cars for opening day on Sunday, May 13.
Your financial support will be greatly appreciated, as will any donations of racing artifacts for the auction portion of the event. Auction and cash donations in any amount may be sent to Shangri-La II Motor Speedway 114 Skyline Dr., Tioga Center, NY. Please make checks payable to Al Robinson.
Sources: Dave Moody/Sirius-Speedway.com