In 2021, The NASCAR Foundation’s Betty Jane France Memorial High Speed Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament traditionally held in Daytona Beach during Daytona Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth will transition to a virtual partnership with World Poker Tour®. The high stakes evening, hosted online on January 13, will feature NASCAR Cup Series champions Brad Keselowski, Kyle Busch and Martin Truex, Jr., professional poker stars Maria Ho and Phil Hellmuth, and actor Michael Rooker, among other celebrities and participants.
The final table will be streamed at a later date to be determined, with Maria Ho serving as host and commentator. A silent auction and donation drive will round out the event’s programming.
“This year has certainly presented its challenges,” stated The NASCAR Foundation Chairman Mike Helton. “But it has also created new opportunities and we are very excited to host our first virtual poker tournament allowing greater participation as we raise funds to help the children in our racing communities.”
Utilizing the World Poker Tour’s online sweepstakes-based poker platform, ClubWPT™, the tournament will allow for two playing styles to happen simultaneously – Sit and Go tables and Multi-Tables. The final table will feature six players including two NASCAR Cup Series drivers, one professional poker player, one celebrity and two participants. Participating NASCAR Cup Series drivers will have a chance to earn funds for their charities with the first place finishing driver receiving a $25,000 donation, the second place finishing driver a $15,000 donation and the third place finishing driver a $10,000 donation.
“The World Poker Tour looks forward to extending its online poker partnerships on ClubWPT with The NASCAR Foundation for this event,” said Adam Pliska, CEO of the World Poker Tour. “Philanthropy is top of mind at the WPT®, and the WPT Foundation along with its $27 million raised since 2012, is partnering with The NASCAR Foundation to raise awareness for a great cause and provide a safe environment to play.”
Proceeds from the tournament benefit The NASCAR Foundation’s Speediatrics Children’s Fund, a program that aims to provide health care resources and wellness programs for children.
For more details on sponsorship opportunities and participation, please visit NASCARfoundation.org/poker.
NASCAR PR
