Speedway Children's Charities raises more than $3.1 million in record-breaking year

LOUDON, NH - SEPTEMBER 23: Carl Edwards, driver of the #19 Comcast Business Toyota, poses with the Coors Light Pole Award and his donation to Speedway Children's Charities after winning the Coors Light Pole Award Six-Pack Challenge after qualifying for the pole position for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bad Boy Off Road 300 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on September 23, 2016 in Loudon, New Hampshire. (Photo by Chris Trotman/NASCAR via Getty Images)

Speedway Children's Charities officials announced Tuesday they raised more than $3.1 million for children across the country this year.

The nonprofit organization will distribute $3,101,207.63 in grants to a record 448 charitable organizations and 800,000 children thanks to fundraising efforts at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Kentucky Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Sonoma Raceway and Texas Motor Speedway.

That total is an increase of more than $200,000 from last year's mark.

Since 1982, Speedway Children's Charities have raised nearly $49 million.

The grant money was raised by the Speedway Motorsports Inc. tracks through fundraisers, including clay shoots, track events, holiday light displays, auctions for unique race experiences and more.

"Our impact is felt throughout the nation and none of it would be possible without the invaluable support of race fans and the tireless work from our volunteers who have helped make Speedway Children's Charities into what it is today," said Maj. Gen. Chuck Swannack, executive director of Speedway Children's Charities.

"On behalf of everyone at Speedway Children's Charities, I give sincere thanks to our many sponsors, donors and volunteers. Through everyone's gracious assistance, Speedway Children's Charities will help make the holiday season and beyond brighter for children in need."