WASHINGTON D.C. - - Some of the most powerful and influential people in NASCAR racing have been invited to Washington D.C. in order to make a two hour presentation elaborating on the history, present success, and future goals of the organization responsible for the fastest-growing sport in North America.

NASCAR's Night at the Smithsonian will be held at the Lisner Auditorium on the campus of George Washington University on Tuesday, December 15 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Jeff Gordon will be joined by NASCAR executives Bill and Brian France and a potent group of past and present NASCAR champions, including Richard Petty, Darrell Waltrip, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Ron Hornaday and Kyle Petty. The group will be asked several questions on the past, present and future of their sport by an emcee. The all-star panel will then respond to questions from the audience in an open-house format.

"Invitations like these represent the recognition that NASCAR is no longer just 'down home', it's 'uptown', too," said NASCAR president Bill France. "Our trip to the Smithsonian proves that NASCAR is here to stay and ready to take its rightful position at the top of America's sports ladder."

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