Statesville, N.C. (June 6, 2011) - David Gilliland is no stranger to racing on dirt, so it's a bit surprising that this year will be his first competing in the Prelude to the Dream, held at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio, this Wednesday evening.  Gilliland, who has been attempting to race in this event for several years, will pilot the Tim Logan-owned, No. 34 Gander Mountain dirt late model in the annual event to raise money for charity.  Gilliland will be on Team Atlanta and compete to raise money for Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. The event will be televised live on HBO pay-per-view.

"This race is almost like qualifying for the Daytona 500 or the Indianapolis 500," said Gilliland.  "You have to earn some stripes before you can get in, but I'm really excited to be able to make my debut this year. I can't wait to get out there, race against my colleagues and raise money for charity.  I am proud to be a part of this event and help raise money for our team."

The 2011 Prelude to the Dream highlights where many of today's top drivers came from.  Gilliland will compete against stars from the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series and IZOD IndyCar Series.  All will race on the famed Eldora Speedway in a dirt late model stock car. The drivers do not compete for points and winnings, but for charity.  The race's pay-per-view proceeds will benefit children's hospitals: Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Children's Medical Center Dallas, Levine Children's Hospital and St. Louis Children's Hospital. Gilliland will represent Team Atlanta.

"I've been knocking on the door to get into this race for a while," continued Gilliland. "This year, there was an opening and Tim (Logan) called and said he had a brand new car for me to take and race.  It's nice to be able take a day off and race late models again, especially since it's for a good cause."

The first time Gilliland was ever behind the wheel of a racecar was in a dirt car.   In just his first year, he won 14 of the 15 heat races and nine of the 15 feature events at Perris Auto Speedway in California.  Gilliland is no stranger to dirt late models, owning and racing one at The Dirt Track at Charlotte Motor Speedway just last year.

Fans are encouraged to order The Prelude to the Dream to be aired live, commercial-free on HBO Pay-Per-View on Wednesday, June 8, at 8 p.m. ET. You can visit www.preludetothedream.org for more information.