More than 1,500 race fans, from 30 states and Canada helped to raise over $204,000 to benefit the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) Foundation. Race Fever was held Friday evening in the Speed Channel Dome at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame. The event was hosted by racing legend Darrell Waltrip, extraordinary basketball coach Sonny Smith, and media personality Matt Yoccum.

A total of 23 Nextel Cup and Busch drivers made appearances at Race Fever. Many of the drivers are repeat attendees. Some of this year's attendees include Jon Wood, Kyle Petty, Sterling Marlin, Bobby Labonte, Joe Nemechek, Marcos Ambrose, A.J. Allmendinger, Brian Vickers, Robby Gordon, Bobby Allison, Paul Menard, and Reed Sorenson—and many, more!

Started in 1985 by NASCAR founder Bill France Jr., Race Fever is a dinner and auction held the Friday night before the spring Talladega race weekend. At Race Fever, NASCAR fans have the opportunity to meet with and have autograph sessions with drivers and their teams. Race Fever is necessary because AIDB receives no county or city tax revenue and doesn't receive tuition from their students. Proceeds from the event benefit many classroom and dormitory needs of AIDB's students and clients.

The words of Helen Keller have never rung so true…"Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much". This was very evident at this year's RACE FEVER with the over 1,500 attendance," said Jessica Parker, Assistant Director for Annual Giving, for AIDB. "We truly appreciate the support of our sponsors and extend our thanks to the drivers who take time out of their hectic schedules to attend Race Fever. This is a great event for an even greater cause. Through the unrestricted funds raised at this event, we are able to provide valuable programs and resources to the over 12,500 children and adults served through our five campuses and nine regional centers." 

Co-hosts Darrell Waltrip and auctioneer Phil Barkdoll had race fans on the edge of their seats during the live auction. The top selling item at the live auction was the "Golden Fiddle" donated by Southern rock legend Charlie Daniels; the fiddle sold for $11,000. Many of the items in the live auction are VIP packages for the Aaron's 312 race and Aaron's 499 race including; driver introductions, Victory Lane experiences and a National Anthem Ceremony ride for the Aaron's 499.