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Dirt will fly...body paint will be exchanged...and several local charities will get a boost when Oakshade Raceway hosts its annual "Celebrity Charity Race" this coming Saturday night.

Several members of the Northwest Ohio radio and television community, a nationally recognized recording artist, and other members of the Ohio racing community, will strap into real race cars to test their mettle against the track...and each other.

They will race in an effort to raise awareness and funds for a charity of their choice.

WNWO's Norm Van Ness will defend his 2010 Celeb Race title after last year's event was rained out and could not be rescheduled.  Norm will be competing on behalf of The Village House in Fremont, Ohio...a non-profit charity that caters to abused and needy children from all across northwest Ohio.

Other competitors include Clay Kirchenbauer from the band The Undeserving racing for Grace Community Church Thailand Orphanages.  Dustin Jarrett, track announcer for Tony Stewart's Eldora Speedway...competing for the Alzheimer's Association Research Center.  Sid Kelly, the 92.5 KISS FM "The Morning Rush" Host.  Dan “Links” Rice, host of Links Zone at Oakshade Raceway, racing for F.I.S.H. -- Friends In Service to Humanity of Wauseon.  And Scott Hammer, Oakshade Raceway's Announcer...competing on behalf of the American Diabetes Association.

Several other local celebs have been contacted...so the list could very well grow before the green flag drops on Saturday.

Previous editions of the race benefited the Susan G. Komen "Race for the Cure"...but in an effort to change things up this year a new format has been introduced.

All monies raised for the charities by the drivers and the track prior to the race will be pooled...and then divided amongst the local charities based on finishing positions, giving the drivers an extra incentive drive hard and win the race.

In addition to the charity race, Oakshade will be hosting a full racing program including Dirt Late Models, Sportsman, Bombers, Hornets and Sport Compacts.

Oakshade Raceway is located at 12985 CR 14-2 near Wauseon, Ohio.  Admission for persons 12 years old and up is just $12, kids 6 to 11 are $5 and kids 5 and under get in free.

Gates open at 4pm...and racing will begin at 7pm after practice sessions for the celebrities and the other competing divisions.

Who thinks Norm can pull off another victory this year???