If you're in the Charlotte area, you've seen the commercials all over the air.  We've been promoting the African Sporting Exposition very heavily the past few months and we're so excited that its finally here!  Last night's kick-off at the Hall of Fame was a blast!

The 2012 African Sporting Exposition (ASE) kicked off last night with an Africa Full Throttle reception at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Martin Truex, Jr. welcomed exhibitors and attendees as spokesman and ASE Ambassador.

Truex, driver of the No. 56 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota for Michael Waltrip Racing, is an avid outdoorsman and hunter, and shared his dream of an African hunting adventure. 

“I’ve had some great hunting and fishing experiences here in the states, from the east coast to Montana, but have always dreamed of hunting in Africa,” said Truex. “I'll be planning my first safari this year and hope to go before next January."

The evening was filled with music, great food, cocktails and spectacular people.  Delightful accents could be heard throughout the Hall from safari outfitters direct from the African continent. Purveyors of exclusive sporting equipment, and African Wildlife Artists mingled with local hunting enthusiasts and NASCAR fans.  

Among the guests and speakers were NASCAR legend, Dale Jarrett, NARA's Robert Merrill, the Carolina's SCI Chapter Vice President, Bob Gaskin, and CRVA's Director of Business Development, Tim Newman.

"We are thrilled that you chose Charlotte for this event for the second year in a row," Newman said addressing the guests. "When groups like yours visit our city, it's living proof that Charlotte's Got a Lot."

The ASE will be held at the Charlotte Convention Center Thursday, Friday and Saturday, but organizers felt the NASCAR Hall of Fame was fitting for the kick-off reception.

"If there are two groups that are passionate about their sport, it's Hunters and NASCAR enthusiasts," said Gray Thornton, ASE's Vice President. "It's an honor to be here at the Hall of Fame - a venue that's near and dear to NASCAR fans - and Charlotte as a whole," Thornton told last night's guests.

Thornton is also the President of the Wild Sheep Foundation and travels the world to promote the sport of hunting and importance of conservation. 

"This has proven to be the perfect city to raise awareness and educate people about conservation, hunting and photo safaris on the African Continent," Thornton said.  "These next couple of days, visitors will have the opportunity to talk one on one with native outfitters in a relaxed, non-intimidating environment and learn how to make their African dream come true."  

The African Sporting Exposition event and show hours are:

Charlotte Convention Center 
Expo hours: 

Thursday, January 26, 2012   4:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.

Friday, January 27, 2012             11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. 

Meet the Artist Cocktail Reception       5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Saturday, January 28, 2012              9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Daily expo admission is only $20 with multi-day passes available. Discount admission for active military and children under 12 are free.

As a very special incentive to attend the Expo, for every one-day pass purchased, show attendees will be entered into a door prize drawing for a Krieghoff Classic Big Five double rifle package in .470 Nitro Express caliber valued at more than $12,000 and two Land Rover of Charlotte Driving Experience packages at the Biltmore Hotel in Asheville, NC. Three-day pass purchasers receive four chances to win and full registration purchasers receive six chances in the double rifle and Land Rover drawings.

For more information on the January 26-28, 2012 African Sporting Exposition, the double rifle and Land Rover drawings, an exhibitor listing, and admission pricing visit http://www.africansportingexpo.com or email info(at)africansportingexpo(dot)com. Follow ASE on Facebook.com/AfricanSportingExpo.