NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Three-time world champion Antron Brown will face off against Papa John’s Pizza founder, "Papa" John Schnatter, during the Papa John’s Charity Challenge this weekend at the Fiztgerald USA NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals.

The ‘pizza maker versus the drag racers’ duel will benefit the Infinite Hero Foundation, a nonprofit that promotes awareness and provides resources to returning military heroes and their families. 

On Saturday afternoon, Brown will line up next to Schnatter and his prized 1971 gold Camaro Z28, the same car he sold when he was 21 years old to start the very first Papa John’s Pizza and save his father’s tavern from bankruptcy. 

The 2018 Charity Challenge series, contested by both Brown and Leah Pritchett, began in March in Gainesville, Fla. Since that time, four Charity Challenge events have been raced, with Schnatter leading the DSR stars three-to-one. While bragging rights are on the line for Brown, Pritchett, and Schnatter, the real winner is the Infinite Hero Foundation (IHF) which has been awarded a $20,000 donation check at the conclusion of each matchup. So far $80,000 has been raised through the 2018 Charity Challenge series, with the $100,000 milestone achievement occurring this weekend at Bristol Dragway. 

Brown, will hit the track versus Schnatter at 3:25 p.m. on Saturday, June 16, with the check presentation immediately following. Military hero and IHF spokesperson Gary Linfoot will accept the check on behalf of the Infinite Hero Foundation. Linfoot, who recently observed the ten-year anniversary of his paralyzing helicopter crash, has a long history with IHF, having received an exoskeleton on behalf of the organization. The exoskeleton allows Linfoot the ability to walk and stand. It was at the 2015 NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals where with the help of his exoskeleton, Linfoot stood for the national anthem for the first time since his horrific accident.

Although Pritchett will not be taking part in this weekend's Challenge, she will again be wheeling the Papa John's Top Fueler in NHRA Mello Yello competition,