The Valvoline Little 600 free fan event and kart race features popular NASCAR drivers, Kyle Larson, Ricky Stenhouse, Jr, Kasey Kahne and many more on Tuesday, May 19 at GoPro Motorplex. However, new this year is a special addition to the event night that thrusts NASCAR drivers’ “eyes in the sky” into the spotlight. NASCAR spotters will lose their headsets and grab the wheel in a rental kart race with big-time bragging rights on the line.

Following a practice day yesterday to prepare for the race, it became obvious that while these spotters may be good at talking, they are even better at talking trash.

“This group of guys right here are mouthy because they are used to being mouthy every weekend,” said Mike Herman, Jr. (Ricky Stenhouse, Jr.’s spotter). “So, oh yeah has there been a lot of trash-talking. I would wreck any of them for the win, though. They might have me beat on speed, but they can’t win if they are in the grass.”

But who is the biggest trash-talker of them all?

“I would say TJ Majors, Dale Earnhardt, Jr.’s spotter,” said Tyler Green (Aric Almirola’s spotter). “He won last weekend at Talladega so he thinks he’s high-hog. But, today we came out here to practice and proved him wrong. There are a couple guys faster than him, so we will just have to see how it works out on May 19.”

If you have any doubt that this rental kart race isn’t a big deal to these spotters, think again. They take their bragging rights seriously.

“It will definitely be an extra boost of confidence going into the Coca-Cola 600 to take this trophy up to the spotter’s stand,” said Derek Kneeland (Kyle Larson’s spotter). “Plus, Larson will probably be pretty mad at me if I don’t at least contend for the win. He will probably fire me.”
Fans can see who takes home the Valvoline Little 600 Spotters’ Race trophy and the coveted bragging rights on Tuesday, May 19 when the spotters go head-to-head in an eight-lap Heat Race and 10-lap Feature Race in GoPro Motorplex’s rental karts.

Valvoline Little 600 Spotters’ Race Entry List:
TJ Majors (No. 88), Brett Griffin (No. 15), Eddie D'Hondt (No. 24), Kevin Hamlin (No. 5), Tab Boyd (No. 22), Tim Fedewa (No. 4), Jason Reiner (No. 25), Brandon Benesch (No. 10), Lorin Ranier (No. 1), Derek Kneeland (No. 42), Tony Raines (No. 9), Roman Pemberton (No. 55), Freddie Kraft (No. 6), Mike Herman, Jr. (No. 17), Rocky Ryan (No. 51), David Keith (No. 38), Doug Campbell, (No. 7), Chris Monez (No. 9), Billy O'dea (No. 3) and Tyler Green (No. 43).
The Valvoline Little 600, May 19
WHEN: Tuesday, May 19, 3-9 p.m. Rain or shine!
Event Schedule: (http://www.gopromotorplex.com/assets/Little600EventSchedule.pdf)

WHERE: GoPro Motorplex outdoor kart track, 130 Motorplex Drive Mooresville, NC

WHAT: A full-field of 20 NASCAR drivers will compete in GoPro Motorplex’s fleet of 55 mph, Arrive-and-Drive Rental Karts during a night of FREE entertainment for fans and fun for the drivers! With a family-friendly, casual atmosphere, trackside seating, delicious food and unprecedented access to drivers, it will feel like being in the infield at any major NASCAR race without the price! A proud part of the 600 Festival Association’s May event line-up.

FORMAT: Includes a fan-friendly race format, giving spectators the opportunity to watch their favorite drivers in several heat races that will set the starting grid for the final 15-lap event under the lights. NEW for 2015, the event will also include a 10-lap rental kart race, featuring the “eyes in the sky,” NASCAR drivers’ spotters! In addition, the IAME Mini Swift karting division of 8-12 year olds competing in their own karts will have a chance in the spotlight during the Future Stars 8-lap race.