Saturday, Aug. 25, 2007

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Prendeville drives to charity poker win

By Sarah Polson

Andrew Prendeville sped to victory Wednesday during a Speedway Children's Charities Poker tournament at the Jackson Rancheria Casino and Hotel.

Prendeville, an Indy Pro Series driver, took on IndyCar Series driver Tony Kanaan, team owner Michael Andretti and Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series driver Scott Pruett and members of the media to benefit Speedway Children's Charities.

"It was a fun day," Prendeville said in Auto Racing Daily. "I was an underdog because no one really knew who I was at the table. It was intimidating sitting next to Michael Andretti, but I got lucky and was able to win. It's great that Jackson Rancheria is giving this money to the charity."

During the 90-minute Texas Hold'em tournament, the nine players were given $10,000 in chips to start. Play eventually came down to Prendeville, Andretti and Mark Demsky, a sports reporter and anchor at KTXL-TV.

Andretti went out in third, leaving Prendeville to battle Demsky in heads-up play.

"We all had fun, but I really wanted to win," Andretti said, but he did also set a specific goal for the game.

"The most important thing is that I wanted to beat Tony [Kanann], and I was able to do that," he said.

Demsky wasn't so fortunate against Prendeville. Prendeville's flush took Demsky out, giving him the win and a $10,000 check from the casino to give to qualified youth organizations in Sonoma County through Speedway Children's Charities.

Speedway Children's Charities awards grants to qualified nonprofit organizations throughout the country that directly benefit children in need. From mentoring programs to camps for special needs children, the organization helps those projects that strive to ensure children's needs are met regardless of illness, social environment or disability.

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• NASCAR Drivers, Fans Hold'em for Charity
• NASCAR Drivers Rev Up for Charity Poker Tournament

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