RANGELEY – Some of the best NASCAR racers in the Northeast plan to participate in the 10th annual Busch Sport Scene snowmobile ride for charity on Jan. 31, including this year’s champion, Matt Kobyluck, the first native American driver, said organizer George Campbell.

The event has raised nearly $100,000 for charities including the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Maine Special Olympics, the Travis Roy Foundation, Rangeley Snowmobile Club, the Busch Sport Scene scholarship fund and others.

NASCAR racers and those who follow the races are together during race season but nobody sees each other during the winter, Campbell said.

“Half the people don’t ride snow machines but the ride started as a way for everyone to get together in the middle of winter,” he said.

But no one is excluded.

“It’s a great chance for the race fans to come and meet the NASCAR racers, including Kobyluck,” he said.

“Matt is a true champion, he and his Mohegan Sun team worked so hard over the years and really earned their honors this year,” Campbell said. “I cannot think of a better person to represent this series now. He is one of the most respected drivers on the tour and has become one of the most popular among the fans as well. This will be a great opportunity for race fans in northern New England to meet Matt and see what a great person he is.”

This year’s event also includes NASCAR Camping World Series drivers and team members. During the day a snowmobile poker run to five checkpoints will be followed by an evening meal, auction and entertainment.

“It just grows and grows each year. It’s a festive night with an auction and comedians,” said Evelyn McAllister of the Rangeley Chamber of Commerce.

Riding a snowmobile is option; each checkpoint is accessible by car so that anyone can participate, Campbell said. The ride can be as quick as two hours or longer if participants want to take longer trails. A group ride begins at 11 a.m. or participants can ride any time during the day.

After the ride, everyone meets back at the Club House for dinner and choosing raffle winners. An auction featuring sports items such as racing tickets and signed memorabilia as well as several non-sport items is also held, Campbell said.

Patriot items including an NFL football signed by Teddy Bruschi and several Red Sox-signed items will go on the auction block as well as NASCAR items signed by Kevin Harvick, Joey Logano and Martin Truex.

Comedians Larry Myles and Rob Steen will perform after the auction.

“We have some great plans for this year’s event, including several special guests and terrific auction items. All proceeds go directly to some great charities,” Campbell said.

Representatives from the charities are there so that people can choose which charity they want their payment for an auction item to go to, he said.

Tickets for the event can be purchased for $10 in advance at the Club House, Rangeley chamber or from Busch Sport Scene. Tickets are $15 the day of the event. The $15 ride ticket includes admission to the evening entertainment.

For more information or directions, call the Rangeley Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-MT-LAKES, Busch Sport Scene at 224-2060 or www.neracing.com