( CNN ) -- NASCAR driver Carl Edwards is currently at the top of the Sprint Cup leader board , but another driver is leading the pack in charitable endeavors -- two time champion Tony Stewart . Stewart was once named `` Most Caring Athlete '' by USA Weekend , and he is living up to the title . For the past seven years , he 's made good use of his day job as a fundraising vehicle . Every summer Stewart calls on some of his friends -- who happen to be the best of the best in motorsports -- to race on the dirt and under the lights for the Prelude to the Dream at Eldora Speedway . NASCAR has roots in this track and in dirt racing . While the history in the dirt is exciting , the drivers know there is much more to gain here . `` The question why am I racing this race as opposed to other dirt races is because of the charities involved and to support Tony Stewart and his foundation , '' says NASCAR driver Brian Vickers . Fellow driver Kyle Busch says it 's a date that 's always penciled into his schedule . `` It 's neat to have the opportunity , and [ he is ] thankful we can come out here for a good cause , '' he said . Stewart and his pals divide into four teams and race for the win in honor of four children 's hospitals . This year , the superstars of NASCAR , NHRA , USAC and IndyCar raced to raise money for Children 's Healthcare of Atlanta , Levine Children 's Hospital of Charlotte , Medical Center Dallas and St. Louis Children 's Hospital . While each hospital will receive a portion of the proceeds , the team with the highest points wins the highest percentage . Money is raised through ticket sales and pay-per-view purchases . The event has earned a total of $ 3 million in its first six years . `` You know it 's kind of a dual purpose for us . It 's something the drivers look forward to every year , but it 's more than just us having fun ... We wan na have a good time , but knowing there 's a bigger purpose . And there are all of these children 's charities that we 're able to help . That 's really what makes it worth while in the end , '' Stewart says . Five time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson says he 's proud of Stewart 's charitable efforts and that racing for these hospitals really hits home for him . `` This can really reach out and touch so many people through the hospitals . It 's brilliant . It really works well , and it has made an impact on a hospital very close to my home , the Levine Children 's Hospital in Charlotte . So it 's great to see this working its way back to the area where I 'm from and helping so many kids , '' Johnson said . Ryan Newman races for Stewart 's NASCAR team , Stewart-Haas Racing , and is an eager participant . `` I 'm not a golfer , but I do love to come race a race car for charity . I 'm proud to be a part of it and honored to be a guest here as a racer . '' These drivers , who are usually rivals on the track , come together to raise money for these children . They also agree that Stewart sets a grand example in generosity . Carl Edwards says Stewart is a role model he looks up to and that he 's shown him how to give . `` Hopefully people watching will realize that there are places in your community ... that you can give to . And we 're doing a big thing here , but any little bit anywhere helps , '' Edwards said . When asked if he accepts the title of role model in his charitable efforts , Stewart humbly answered that he hopes he 's been one . He credits his parents for never letting him forget the people who 've helped him along the way and says he feels good about being able to give back . But he 's quick to share the credit for Prelude 's success . `` I ca n't take all the credit . There are 25 guys that come here , that help make this event so successful . And they 're donating their time . We try to pay for the fuel for their planes , they never let us do that . They want the proceeds to go to these kids . `` So it should n't be just about me being the guy that makes this work . It 's always the staff.. the whole group that makes it all work . Everybody should have a piece of the credit , '' he said . Clint Bowyer won this year 's race with Team St. Louis finishing first in the team competition . But Stewart 's efforts continue year-round through his foundation . He started the Tony Stewart Foundation in 2004 to focus on the health of children , the welfare of animals and the future of injured drivers .
Stewart invites 25 of the best drivers in motorsports to compete for charity . Proceeds go to four children 's hospitals across the country . Prelude to the Dream has raised $ 3 million in the past six years .