DAVIDSON, N.C. — The return of the Epson Classic to the heart of NASCAR country has created a unique event to kickoff the tournament’s 10th anniversary, as current Epson Tour players will pair with past drivers and current television talent in the first-ever River Run Shootout on Monday at River Run Country Club.
“Being back in Charlotte after a one-year hiatus and having a great opportunity to combine the Epson Tour and NASCAR is really a great jumpstart to the week,” said Mike Nichols, the Chief Business Officer of the Epson Tour. “We are pleased to welcome NASCAR legends and outstanding television personalities to the Epson Classic, pairing them with future LPGA Tour stars.”
Representing the “Team NASCAR on Fox” will be two-time Daytona 500 winner Michael Waltrip and 1988 Talladega winner Phil Parsons. Joining them will be Epson Tour players Shannon Fish (Spring, Texas) and Desiree Dubreuil (Santa Ana, California), both University of Texas alumnae.
Squaring off for “Team NASCAR on NBC” will be Steve Letarte, former Hendrick Motorsports crew chief for Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon, along with Rick Allen, the lead announcer for NASCAR on NBC broadcasts. They will be paired with Laura Wearn (Charlotte, N.C.) and Bertine Strauss(Pretoria, South Africa), respectively.
“Getting to play with these talented potential future stars of the LPGA is such an honor,” Waltrip said. “We are all super competitive and want to be better golfers. Playing alongside these ladies, in their element, will give us the opportunity to watch closely and learn. They have so much to look forward to on the course, and we have a lot of fun in our careers and so much to look back on. I can’t wait to share stories and compare thoughts on our respective sports.”
The nine hole scramble will begin at 4 p.m. off the No. 1 tee. Spectators are invited to follow the match. There is no admission charge for the event.
The Epson Classic will be held from May 17-19 at River Run Country Club in Davidson. Visit www.epsonclassic.com for more information.
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