Race Fan Kristen Harms of Illinois Wins Trip to NASCAR Season Finale, Courtesy of Rusty Wallace Racing and Aspen Dental

SYRACUSE, N.Y., Nov. 17, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Race fan Kristen Harms of Manteno, Illinois, has won the racing experience of a lifetime - a trip for two to the NASCAR season finale in Homestead, FL and an opportunity to meet both racing legend Rusty Wallace and Brendan Gaughan, driver of the #62 Aspen Dental Toyota. Harms was randomly selected from thousands who entered the contest, which was a partnership between Rusty Wallace Racing (RWR) and Aspen Dental.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101117/NY03729 )

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20101117/NY03729 )

Harms and her guest will serve as VIP Honorary Pit Crew Members for Gaughan's #62 Aspen Dental team in Homestead.  Additionally, she will enjoy transportation via helicopter to the track on Saturday, two tickets to Homestead's Sunday race and travel expenses.

A lifelong NASCAR fan who was raised watching her dad race the local dirt tracks in northern Minnesota, Harms never imagined that she'd one day have the opportunity to rub elbows with a racing great like Wallace.

"I can't describe how excited I am to travel to Homestead and be a part of championship weekend, especially to be able to go in the pits and see the action from behind the scenes," said Harms. "My sister and I can't wait to travel to Florida and have a chance to meet Rusty and Brendan."

Harms's commitment to racing carries through her volunteer work as well. This year, she helped spearhead a racing-themed fundraiser for her local United Way. Her outreach to NASCAR drivers paid off in spades – over 30 drivers responded by sending autographed pictures, which were placed in raffle baskets with sponsor items. The successful effort raised over $50,000 for the United Way of Kankakee County.

"Kristen is an incredibly deserving winner, and I'm looking forward to meeting her in Homestead this weekend," said Wallace. "Our team is prepared to run a great race – I hope we give our fans a reason to smile with a strong finish to the season."

Aspen Dental will be the primary sponsor of RWR's #62 car in the November 20th race, with Gaughan behind the wheel.  One of the largest and fastest growing networks of dental care providers in the U.S., Aspen Dental has featured racing legend, broadcaster, and team owner Rusty Wallace in television and print advertising.

About Aspen Dental

With more than 265 dental offices in 21 states, Aspen Dental practices are committed to providing patients with affordable, high-quality care, with services that range from dentures and preventative care to general dentistry and restoration.

As added convenience for patients, Aspen Dental practices are open extended hours, including select Saturdays, offer affordable fees, a wide range of flexible payment plan options and work with all insurance providers. Walk-in patients and those with emergencies are welcome.

In 2009, Aspen Dental practices recorded more than 1.5 million patient visits, including visits from more than 340,000 new patients.

For more information about Aspen Dental practices and services or to make an appointment, call 800-ASPEN DENTAL (800-277-3633) or visit www.aspendental.com.

About Rusty Wallace Racing

North Carolina-based Rusty Wallace Racing (RWR) is a professional auto racing team steeped in the legendary history of its founder, Rusty Wallace -- one of NASCAR's top-ten drivers of all-time.  The team currently campaigns the factory-backed No. 66 and No. 62 Toyota Camrys in the prestigious NASCAR Nationwide Series, driven by Steve Wallace and Brendan Gaughan, respectively.  In 2009, RWR was the only team with multiple drivers among the top ten in the final Nationwide Series driver standings. For more on Rusty Wallace Racing, please visit the award-winning www.rustywallace.com.  

SOURCE Aspen Dental