After the dust settled on the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season, Comcast SportsNet host, David Kaplan, emerged victorious in his season-long NASCAR pick ‘em bet with Chicagoland Speedway president, Scott Paddock.
As part of their weekly segment onChicago Tribune Live, Paddock and Kaplan attempted to predict the winner of each of the 36 Sprint Cup races throughout the season. Kaplan opened the first half of the season on a hot streak and was able to keep Paddock at bay in the second half for the win.
Kaplan’s initial reward was supposed to be a trip to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series awards banquet in Las Vegas, but due to a scheduling conflict the terms of the bet changed. Chicagoland Speedway’s R.A.C.E. Foundation will now award $2,500 to the National Fragile X Foundation, the charity of Kaplan’s choice, in lieu of the trip.
“After back-to-back wins in 2011 and 2012, I can’t wait to go for the three-peat next year,” said Kaplan. “We have a great time with this bet and I’m thrilled that at the end of the day it can lead to a generous donation for the National Fragile X Foundation. I’m looking forward to next year if Scott is up for another beating in 2013!”
Paddock’s confidence hasn’t wavered, and he is more than ready for next year’s bet.
“It’s probably a good thing Kaplan can’t come to Vegas, because after this display I’d be shocked if he hadn’t used up all of his luck for the year,” said Paddock. “More importantly, Fragile X will receive a charitable donation to assist the wonderful research they conduct throughout the year which is certainly a win.”
As an additional element of the bet, NASCAR fans also competed against Kaplan and Paddock each week for their shot at a trip to Vegas for the 2012 NASCAR Awards Banquet. Lifelong NASCAR fans, Bob and Linda Brown of Washington, Ill., were the lucky winners and will be attending the banquet in Sin City on Nov. 30.
“This is awesome! I have been a NASCAR fan since the 1960’s and this is my first chance to go to the banquet,” said Bob Brown. “Between my tux and Linda’s dress this is going to be sort of like an ‘adult prom’ for us, we are so excited!”
Chicagoland Speedway PR
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