All News // Maria Larkin Wins 2010 Celebrity Poker Tournament
One of the most recognizable icons on the Las Vegas strip and one of the most recognizable names in NASCAR® history joined together to present the “Dale Earnhardt Foundation Celebrity Poker Tournament.” The event, which raised thousands of dollars for the Dale Earnhardt Foundation, took place on Thursday, February 25 prior to the annual Shelby American Sprint Cup NASCAR race at the Las Vegas Speedway.
Grand prize winner Maria Larkin won $2500.00 cash, a Dale Earnhardt Jacket, and a one year VIP membership to iRacing.com. After the event, Maria donated $500.00 of her winnings back to the Dale Earnhardt Foundation.
The 2nd place winner was James Sturm, who took home $1000.00 cash, a Dale Earnhardt/Elvis Presley diecast car, and a 3 month membership to iRacing.com. The 3rd place winner was Bill DuBosh, who won $500.00 cash, a Dale Earnhardt/Elvis Presley diecast car, and a 3 month membership to iRacing.com. Additional prizes included autographed items from Kerry Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kasey Kahne, Hermie Sadler, Jeff Burton, Clint Boyer, Martin Truex, Jr., Marcos Ambrose, and David Reutimann.
NASCAR fans supported the foundation event on Thursday, February 25 in the Stratosphere Theater of the Stars Showroom. Kerry Earnhardt, eldest son of NASCAR racing legend and seven-time champion Dale Earnhardt, hosted the tournament. Nationwide driver and TV personality Kenny Wallace served as the Master of Ceremonies. Kirk Shelmerdine, a former crew chief of Dale Earnhardt’s race team, also attended the event. Other drivers appearing were Casey Mears, Matt Crafton, Regan Smith, Aric Almirola, Eric McClure, Todd Bodine, Scott Lagasse Jr., Andy Ponstein, Danny Efland, and many others including car owner Tommy Baldwin. The $150 entry fees into the tournament were donated to the Dale Earnhardt Foundation.
“We are proud to partner with the foundation to continue the legacy of Dale Earnhardt and look forward to additional opportunities to work together in the future” said Frank Riolo, CEO of American Casino & Entertainment Properties, parent company of Stratosphere Hotel.
According to Teresa Earnhardt, "Dale would be honored to know that so many drivers and fans have come forward to participate in this exciting fundraising event that will serve to benefit his designated charitable programs."
