Reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick will make an appearance at the Speedway Children's Charities "Champions Breakfast" on the morning of Friday, July 17 to kickoff NASCAR race weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

Emceed by NBC Host Krista Voda, the breakfast will run from 8-10 a.m. in the hospitality area behind the main grandstands, where Harvick will answer questions from retired veteran pit road reporter Dick Berggren, who currently sits on the SCC Board and is president of the North East Motor Sports Museum project.

"When you think of a champion, you think of Kevin Harvick, who is at the top of his game and one of the most influential drivers in the sport today," said Cheryl LaPrade, director of the New Hampshire Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities. "To have a driver like Kevin take part in this is so amazing because, yes, he is a driver, but he's first and foremost a father, and that is truly inspirational."

July NASCAR race weekend will feature five races over the weekend. Scheduled races include the NASCAR Modified All-Star Shootout and NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Granite State 100 on July 17; the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour New England 100 and NASCAR Xfinity Series Lakes Region 200 on July 18; and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series New Hampshire 301 on July 19.

The "Champions Breakfast" will have a full breakfast, with all proceeds directly benefitting the Children's Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD) and David's House, a home away from home and a critical resource for families of children being treated at CHaD.

Harvick should provide unique perspective on the weekend to come at NHMS. Harvick has one win in 28 career Cup starts at the Magic Mile, but will likely be a heavy favorite when the series returns in July. Harvick has 10 top-10s in 11 starts this season, including eight top-fives - six runner-ups and two wins.

Here's your chance to get close to a NASCAR champion while helping children in need across New England. Tickets are $40 each and are available online at www.newhamsphire.speedwaycharities.org or www.racing2victory.org or by calling 603-653-3487.