Speedway Children’s Charities Founder Bruton Smith greets Carolina Panthers player Luke Kuechly.

Celebrity Chef Robert Irvine prepared a truly incredible menu for attendees.

The evening was a tribute to NASCAR Vice Chairman Mike Helton, who was introduced by Marcus Smith.

Moore performed his No. 1 hit songs including Small Town USA and If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away.

Photos by Daniel Coston Photography

One of the many highlights of the 39th annual Speedway Children's Charities Gala presented by Sonic Automotive at The Ritz-Carlton uptown was a tribute to NASCAR Vice Chairman Mike Helton, a longtime NASCAR executive who in 2000 succeeded Bill France Jr. and became the third president of NASCAR.

In addition to Helton, a star-studded group of headliners including country music star Justin Moore and world-class Chef Robert Irvine, added to the festivities. Moore performed his No. 1 hit songs including Small Town USA and If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away, while Irvine prepared a truly incredible menu for attendees. Irvine is known for hosting some of the Food Network's most popular shows including Restaurant: Impossible and for founding the military veteran-supporting Robert Irvine Foundation in 2015.

"The Speedway Children's Charities Gala gives us a chance to help children in the greater Charlotte community and to celebrate our motorsports industry," said Marcus Smith, the vice chairman of Speedway Children's Charities. "The gala also provides us with the perfect platform to salute the tireless efforts of Mike Helton, one of the most influential people in NASCAR. Mike's leadership has been invaluable, and having him join us for the gala is a real privilege.”

The gala serves as a marquee fundraiser for Speedway Children's Charities' Charlotte chapter, a far-reaching nonprofit which assists children in need throughout the Charlotte area. The black-tie event features many prominent dignitaries from the motorsports industry as well as the nonprofit sector throughout Charlotte, the home base of Speedway Children's Charities since its founding by Bruton Smith in 1982.

The 38th annual Speedway Children’s Charities Gala at the Ritz-Carlton honored 12-time NASCAR Cup Series champion team owner Rick Hendrick for his success on the track as well as his longtime support of Speedway Children’s Charities (SCC). The black tie event is a fundraiser for SCC, which was founded by Bruton Smith and funds thousands of organizations nationally that help children. His son, Marcus Smith, is president of the Charlotte Chapter, which last year gave out $952,000 to 98 deserving charities in the Charlotte region. Marcus led the tribute to Rick during the evening that also included libations from The Punch Room, dinner from celebrity chef Bruce Moffet, a live auction and a performance by the country band Midland.