Brendan Gaughan (High Sierra Photo)

It's no secret that Craftsman Truck Series driver Brendan Gaughan likes to have fun. Lesser known is Gaughan's continued work for charity organizations. But on the evening of August 2nd Gaughan will combine the two when he joins Ken Schrader and friends for the annual "M&M's Night of Stars".

The annual event, run at the I-55 Raceway Park in Pevely, Mo, has Gaughan joining with other NASCAR stars to help raise funds for charity. Those already inked on to the deal include Rick Crawford and the majority of the Wallace family - namely Rusty and his son Stephen as well as Kenny. Also participating will be Matt Kenseth, David Reutimann and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

"Kenny Schrader asked me to show up to the deal he does in Pevely every year. I looked at the list and Rick Crawford's going and Ken Schrader and the Wallace family, who hail from Missouri," Gaughan offered on his role in the "M&M's Night of Stars". "It's cool. I've done some dirt racing in my day. I'm going into my closet and I'm gonna grab my old off-road dirt helmet. I'm gonna go play in the mud with Schrader and those guys."

The event will feature not only the celebrity race with some of NASCAR's biggest names but also an autograph session (5 to 7 pm day of the event) as well as winged sprint cars and UMP Late Models.

"The 'M&M's Night of Stars' has really become an event that the fans and the drivers both really enjoy and look forward to every year," Schrader said. "I always promise the drivers who come to Pevely that we will have a great time - and this year won't be any different."

It's the fun factor that Schrader spoke about that draws Gaughan to the "M&M's Night of Stars".

"People forget that racing is supposed to be fun," Gaughan says. "I think a lot of people forget except Ken Schrader. He races anything he can get his hands on and when you get to go to something like this and just have fun, well there's nothing better.

"There's no pressure. It's just drive a car with a bunch of friends and put on a good show for fans and that's the best way to be."

Reserved tickets for the "M&M's Night of Stars" are $30 in advance of the August 2nd event and can be obtained by calling the track at 636-479-3219. More info on the event can be found at www.i55raceway.com.