NASCAR legend drives convention fundraising

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) – The former president of Charlotte Motor Speedway is making an interesting pitch to help raise money for the Democratic National Convention.

H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler says for a contribution of $5 or more, the donor’s name will be listed as a sponsor on the convention’s official stock car.

The fund-raising request went out Thursday to more than 250,000 people around the country.

It’s all part of the Charlotte in 2012 committee’s plans to raise $37 million to pay for the convention.

The three-day convention will officially begin Sept. 4, ending with President Barack Obama’s acceptance speech at 74,000-seat Bank of America Stadium.

But a day before, Democrats are holding a day to celebrate the Carolinas, Virginia and the South at the speedway, where the stock car will make an appearance.

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