Richmond County Schools kindergarten through eighth graders took an early Christmas present home with them when they were dismissed for Christmas break last week, via the Rockingham Speedway and Owner Andy Hillenburg.

A free pass to the Polar Bear 150 was distributed to each student in these grades for the New Year’s Day event slated to feature up to 99 cars at the start of the race.

Tickets are $15 apiece in advance and $20 at the gate for general admission, with children 12 and under costing $5, and children three and under getting in for free.

“This is part of our effort to let people know about the racetrack and the fact that we’ve got some great racing going on out here,” Hillenburg said. “We hope the kids will come, and bring their parents.”

Richmond County Chamber of Commerce President Emily Tucker pointed out the Rockingham Speedway was awarded the chamber’s Business of the Year Award in 2009.

“I think it’s a great effort,” Tucker said, saying she’d discussed the possibility of the ticket giveaway with track ownership and management. “It’s a great way to get the kids involved with racing, and a great way to get the parents involved.”

Tucker said the Polar Bear 150 is a big-draw event that will start up to 99 cars, ensuring some three- and four-wide situations, and exciting racing.

“It’s one of the funnest races I’ve ever seen,” she said.

Last year, Tucker said she worked at the will-call window at the racetrack during the Polar Bear 150, and asked many people where they came from, how did they hear about the race and if they’d like to upgrade to a luxury suite.

“One man told me, ‘It wouldn’t be the Polar Bear race if you weren’t sitting out in the cold,’” Tucker recalled.

“But, hopefully, they’ll have beautiful weather and the race will be great.”

In addition to the Polar Bear 150, there are passes for three other events being marketed in a four-race season pass for 2010 at the Rockingham Speedway.

The Top Rock Club season tickets are $150 apiece, and include reserved, top row seating at the start-finish line for either the 2010 or 2011 Polar Bear 150, the Carolina 200 in May and the American 200 in October.

Along with reserved seating, each season ticket carries a VIP parking pass, a pit pass, your own specialize Top Rock Club membership card, a 10 percent discount at the track’s souveneir stand and a discounted price on any additional speedway and Little Rock events.

“This is something great to do right here in Rockingham, and we all know that people are always looking for something to do here,” Tucker said.

“It’s a great value, and it encourages folks to get involved with the racing that is going on right in our backyard.

“It also makes a great Christmas present, if there’s anybody out there still on the lookout for last-––minute gift ideas.”

Ellen Geanes, who helps with marketing at the speedway, explained the ticket giveaway is a way to connect with the community and make it a part of the racetrack.

“He (Hillenburg) did this because he really wanted to give something back to the kids in the community, and give them something to get involved with,” Geanes said Monday.

“One of our goals is to work with the county schools to get the kids out to the races.”

In addition to the free tickets for county elementary and middle school students, artwork created by students of Richmond Senior High School will be on display for occupants of the luxury suites at the race, Geanes said.

“Most likely, the high school students’ artwork will be displayed in the luxury suite lobby for them to view,” she said.

Contact reporter Phillip D. Brown at 997-3111, ext. 32 or via email at pbrown@yourdailyjournal.com.