The NASCAR Foundation to Host Virtual High Speed Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament
Partners with World Poker Tour®, NASCAR Cup Series Drivers Participating
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Dec. 3, 2020) – In 2021, The NASCAR Foundation’s Betty Jane France Memorial High Speed Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament traditionally held in Daytona Beach during Daytona Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth will transition to a virtual partnership with World Poker Tour®. The high stakes evening, hosted online on January 13, will feature NASCAR Cup Series champions Brad Keselowski, Kyle Busch and Martin Truex, Jr., professional poker stars Maria Ho and Phil Hellmuth, and actor Michael Rooker, among other celebrities and participants.
The final table will be streamed at a later date to be determined, with Maria Ho serving as host and commentator. A silent auction and donation drive will round out the event’s programming.
“This year has certainly presented its challenges,” stated The NASCAR Foundation Chairman Mike Helton. “But it has also created new opportunities and we are very excited to host our first virtual poker tournament allowing greater participation as we raise funds to help the children in our racing communities.”
Utilizing the World Poker Tour’s online sweepstakes-based poker platform, ClubWPT™, the tournament will allow for two playing styles to happen simultaneously – Sit and Go tables and Multi-Tables. The final table will feature six players including two NASCAR Cup Series drivers, one professional poker player, one celebrity, and two participants. Participating NASCAR Cup Series drivers will have a chance to earn funds for their charities with the first-place finishing driver receiving a $25,000 donation, the second-place finishing driver a $15,000 donation, and the third-place finishing driver a $10,000 donation.
“The World Poker Tour looks forward to extending its online poker partnerships on ClubWPT with The NASCAR Foundation for this event,” said Adam Pliska, CEO of the World Poker Tour. “Philanthropy is top of mind at the WPT®, and the WPT Foundation along with its $27 million raised since 2012, is partnering with The NASCAR Foundation to raise awareness for a great cause and provide a safe environment to play.”
Proceeds from the tournament benefit The NASCAR Foundation’s Speediatrics Children’s Fund, a program that aims to provide health care resources and wellness programs for children.
For more details on sponsorship opportunities and participation, please visit NASCARfoundation.org/poker.
About The NASCAR Foundation
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing Inc. (NASCAR) established The NASCAR Foundation in January 2006 to support initiatives that positively affect the lives of children throughout the United States. The 501(c) (3) non-profit entity partners with medical experts and other charitable organizations to fund children’s health care programs. The NASCAR Foundation has cumulatively donated more than $36 million to reach more than one million children. For more information on The NASCAR Foundation, visit NASCARfoundation.org. Follow The NASCAR Foundation on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/NASCARFoundation or on Twitter at @NASCAR_FDN.
About World Poker Tour
World Poker Tour (WPT) is the premier name in internationally televised gaming and entertainment with brand presence in land-based tournaments, television, online, and mobile. Leading innovation in the sport of poker since 2002, WPT ignited the global poker boom with the creation of a unique television show based on a series of high-stakes poker tournaments. WPT has broadcast globally in more than 150 countries and territories, and is currently producing its 18th season, which airs on FOX Sports Regional Networks in the United States. Season XVIII of WPT is sponsored by ClubWPT.com. ClubWPT.com is a unique online membership site that offers inside access to the WPT, as well as a sweepstakes-based poker club available in 43 states and territories across the United States, Australia, Canada, France and the United Kingdom. WPT also participates in strategic brand license, partnership, and sponsorship opportunities. For more information, go to WPT.com. WPT Enterprises Inc. is a subsidiary of Allied Esports Entertainment, Inc.
About Allied Esports Entertainment
Allied Esports Entertainment (NASDAQ: AESE) is a global esports entertainment venture dedicated to providing transformative live experiences, multiplatform content and interactive services to audiences worldwide through its strategic fusion of two powerful entertainment brands: Allied Esports and the World Poker Tour (WPT). Allied Esports Entertainment was created in August 2019 when Black Ridge Acquisition Corp. completed its business combination with Allied Esports and WPT Enterprises.
Sources: Gentry Baumline-Robinson/NASCAR PR