Local nonprofits win during 500

Speedweeks at the Daytona International Speedway is a hectic scene: crowds of die-hard NASCAR fans pack the grandstands while race cars come roaring by with a deafening howl.

But amongst all those race fanatics are some hard-working volunteers from local charities and nonprofits who are at the track not to cheer on their favorite drivers, but to raise money for their organizations.

Races at the Speedway and other major events here are great opportunities for charitable groups to raise money, said Crystal Elkins, director of marketing for the United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties.