NASCAR Teams Bowl to Benefit Area Veteran

For the past twelve Martinsville races it has been a tradition for NASCAR race teams to visit Sportlanes Bowling Center. Teams gather after the Saturday truck race each spring and fall for a little friendly competition.

This spring the event was more than just about bragging rights and fun, Sportlanes and the event organizer, Steve Wilt, dedicated the event to Cpl. J.B. Kerns and announced that all proceeds from the tournament would be donated to help build the young American war hero a "smart home." A total of 17 NASCAR race teams participated in this year's tournament.

Partnering with Martinsville Speedway and the Martinsville-Henry County EDC's Tourism Division to promote the event, the tournament raised a total of $1,328.00 for Cpl. Kerns' cause.

According to Will Pearson, owner of Sportlanes Bowling Center, "This is a great event we look forward to each Martinsville race. We like that the race teams and drivers can take a break from the weekend's busy schedule, ‘let their hair down' and have so much fun."

"The NASCAR bowling tournament is a very popular event and a great opportunity for race fans to see and meet their favorite teams," said Jennifer Doss, Director of Tourism for Martinsville-Henry County. "We are pleased that this year's event was able to benefit Cpl. Kerns so that a very positive outcome resulted from this fun evening of bowling."

Sportlanes is located at 10 Koehler Road in Martinsville. It is owned and operated by Will Pearson and is open Sunday 1 pm - 12 am, Monday through Wednesday 9 am - 12 am, and Thursday through Saturday 9 am - 2 am. Additional information about Sportlanes and other area attractions can be found online at www.VisitMartinsville.com.

The mission of the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation is to create new job opportunities and expand the tax base for the area. The organization strives to support and develop local industry, as well as market Martinsville-Henry County globally as an exceptional place to live, work and play.

The EDC is a public-private partnership between the City of Martinsville, Henry County, the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce, the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber's Partnership for Economic Growth (C-PEG) and the Harvest Foundation of the Piedmont.