More than 1,300 race fans, from 30 states and Canada, helped raise over $171,000 to benefit the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) Foundation at the 23rd Annual Race Fever.  Race Fever was held Friday evening, April 25,  in the Speed Channel Dome at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame. The event was hosted by racing legend Darrell Waltrip, former Auburn basketball coach Sonny Smith, and media personality Mike "The Bagman" Bagley.

A total of 16 Sprint Cup and Nationwide drivers made appearances at Race Fever—many repeat attendees including Kyle Petty, Bobby Labonte, Kurt Busch, David Ragan,  Joe Nemechek, Marcos Ambrose, A.J. Allmendinger, Brian Vickers, Paul Menard, Kevin Lepage, Travis Kvapil, David Gilliland, Scott Wimmer, Kelly Bires, Brad Coleman and Cale Gale.

NASCAR's ultimate party with a purpose was started back in 1985 by late NASCAR chairman, 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 nor does it receive tuition from their students. Proceeds from the event benefit many classroom and dormitory needs of AIDB's students and clients.

"This is a great event for an even greater cause," said Jessica Parker, AIDB Assistant Director for Annual Giving. "Through the unrestricted funds raised at this event, we are able to provide valuable programs and resources to the thousands of children and adults served through our five campuses and nine regional centers.

"The words of Helen Keller, 'Alone we can so little, together we can do so much,' were never as evident as they were tonight. We are so grateful for the support of our sponsors and extend our thanks to the drivers who take time out of their hectic schedules to attend Race Fever."

Co-hosts Darrell Waltrip, Alabama Auctioneer's Association Hall of Fame auctioneer Wayne Thorn and long-time AIDB supporter Steve Barkdoll had race fans on the edge of their seats during the live auction. The Driver Introduction Handshake for Sunday's Aaron's 499 race was the evening's highest selling item going for $5,700 followed closely by a 2008 Kawasaki Prairie 360 2x4 donated by Talladega Cycle Sales selling for $5,400.  Other items included several 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.

Race Fever is the largest source of unrestricted funds for the AIDB Foundation, the private fundraising arm of AIDB. Through five campuses in Talladega and nine regional centers throughout Alabama, AIDB serves more than 13,500 children and adults who are deaf, blind and multidisabled each year.