Speedway News (1559)
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Public Officials, War Heroes Come Together to Kick Off 2013 Coca-Cola 600
Written by Steven B. Wilson
A United States senator, a lieutenant governor and a military hero will lead race fans in the commencement of the nation’s largest Memorial Day celebration as they serve as race officials for the 2013 Coca-Cola 600. Sgt. Aaron Causey will be Grand Marshal; U.S. Sen. Tim Scott will serve as Honorary Starter and Tennessee’s Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey will serve as Honorary Race Director for the 54th running of NASCAR’s only 600-mile race at the famed Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 26.
“It is our pleasure to welcome these distinguished elected officials, as well as a military hero to the 2013 Coca-Cola 600,” said Lauren C. Steele, senior vice president, corporate affairs, Coca-Cola Consolidated. “It is exciting to have these state leaders to recognize America’s servicemen and women at the largest Memorial Day celebration in the country. We are honored to have a true American hero announce those famous words: ‘Gentlemen, Start Your Engines!’”
As race officials, Scott and Ramsey will be honored at a pre-race event, attend the official drivers meeting, address the crowd of more than 140,000 fans, participate in the pre-race spectacular and present the trophy to the winning driver in Victory Lane. As Grand Marshal, Causey will give the race command, while Scott will wave the green flag over the 43-car field to start NASCAR’s most challenging race. As Honorary Race Director, Ramsey will ride in an official pace car.
Causey graduated from EOD school at Eglin Air Force Base in August 2001 and was then stationed in Aviano, Italy. He served in Iraq in 2004 along with many other international missions during his years in Aviano. In 2006, he left the Air Force to continue working in EOD, transferring to the Army. He deployed to Iraq 2006-08 out of Fort Stewart, Ga., then was stationed in Mannheim, Germany 2008-10. Later in 2010, he was stationed at Fort Drum, NY and deployed to Afghanistan in March 2011. On Sept. 7, 2011, he was performing dismounted operations in an attempt to disarm a suspected IED when one detonated under him. He ultimately lost both legs above the knees, two fingers, suffered broken arms and hand injuries, shrapnel wounds over most of his upper body, loss of tissue, and multiple other serious injuries. He lives with his wife of three years, Kat. After recovery is complete, they intend to stay in the DC-metro area and build a new life together.
Scott is a U.S. senator representing the great state of South Carolina. His goal is simple: to positively affect the lives of the American people. That path has taken him from a successful small businessman, to being elected to Charleston County Council, the South Carolina State House, the U.S. House of Representatives, and now the U.S Senate.
Ramsey is serving his fourth term as Lt. Governor of Tennessee. A small businessman himself, he has become a leading voice for economic growth in his state and region. He and his wife, Sindy, live in Blountville.
Continuing its tradition as the biggest Memorial Day Weekend celebration in America, the Coca-Cola 600 pre-race show will pay tribute to veterans and active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The Welcome Home Our Troops Coca-Cola 600 pre-race show will also include a performance of “I Will Give My All” by country music artist Jamie Tate and the 82nd Airborne All-American Chorus, a bagpipe performance of “Amazing Grace” by the Charlotte Fire Department Pipe Band and “Taps” played by a Fort Bragg bugler. There will also be a 21-gun salute from the Fort Bragg Firing Squad.
Coca-Cola has been involved with stock car racing for more than 50 years and has been the official sparkling beverage of NASCAR since 1998. Through its partnerships with International Speedway Corporation, Speedway Motorsports, Inc. and Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Coca-Cola refreshes racing fans at the majority of NASCAR-sanctioned tracks. A signature part of the brand’s NASCAR association is the Coca-Cola Racing Family – a group of top drivers that include Greg Biffle, Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano, Ryan Newman, Danica Patrick and Tony Stewart. The company also maintains relationships with Dale Jarrett, Bobby Labonte, Kyle Petty and Elliott Sadler. Coca-Cola Racing Family members make appearances and are featured in advertising, promotions and packaging.
CMS PR
Jeff Gordon and Drive to End Hunger teams with MIS and Quicken Loans for a month-long food drive
Written by Steven B. Wilson
The speeds are sure to be fast and the action non-stop on June 16 when the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series rolls into Michigan International Speedway for the Quicken Loans 400.
But on Thursday the excitement will be high for a different reason at Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan. Gleaners welcomes 70 volunteers from Quicken Loans and MIS to help kick off its virtual food drive program that allows Michiganders to contribute with a simple click of the mouse. The food drive will begin on Thursday, May 16 and end at midnight on Thursday, June 13.
“We take pride in giving back to the community and supporting those who may not be as fortunate,” MIS President Roger Curtis said. “Today will be special to join with Quicken Loans to volunteer at Gleaners and make a difference. Then to have Jeff Gordon in town to help us start a month-long virtual food drive and AARP make a matching contribution added to the excitement.”
Gordon, driver of the No. 24 Drive to End Hunger Chevrolet, will make a pit stop to help promote the Quicken Loans 400. But more importantly, he is in town to help wave the green flag on Gleaner’s virtual food drive to help feed the hungry in Southeastern Michigan.
"So much has been done to help the nearly nine million older Americans battling hunger, but so much more still needs to be done," said Gordon. “Thanks to Michigan International Speedway, this virtual food drive is another way to assist in that effort.”
The virtual food drive makes it easy for fans to join in the challenge and feed the hungry in Michigan. To donate, simply go towww.mispeedway.com/fooddrive and select the amount you would like to contribute.
Quicken Loans has been at the forefront to help revitalize downtown Detroit. In fact, Quicken Loans team members gave more than 10,000 hours of their time to volunteer with Gleaners food bank, and several other charities in 2012 alone.
MIS and Quicken Loans are two great Michigan-based companies that have taken leveraged the race weekend to make an impact that lasts the entire year. It was a natural connection to team up with Gordon and his support of Drive to End Hunger to help feed those in need in Southeast Michigan.
Additionally, AARP has agreed to match the first $10,000 donated through this virtual food drive – multiplying the impact of each individual donation.
While the economy shows signs of improvement, many of our most vulnerable still need help with the basics. Health care, loss or lack of a partner and unemployment are the top three reasons for hunger, making certain populations, namely seniors, particularly vulnerable.
It’s a slippery slope. When seniors skip meals to pay medical bills, they run the risk of needing more medical attention, as hungry seniors are more likely to be hospitalized and to have chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes than their well-nourished peers.
The number of older adults is projected to increase by 36% over the next decade and continue to rise in the following decade. In 2030 there will be 72.1 million older adults, almost twice as many as in 2008. Additionally, the senior population is becoming increasingly diverse. These changing demographics will have profound impacts on the demand for social services.
Founded in 1977, Gleaners is one of the oldest and largest food banks in the country. Today it distributes more than 46 million pounds of emergency food annually, equivalent to 100,000 meals per day. Headquartered in Detroit, Gleaners operates a total of five distribution centers in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Livingston and Monroe counties, which provide food to 558 partner soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters and other agencies throughout southeastern Michigan. Of every dollar donated, Gleaners uses 93 cents for food and food programs. One dollar provides three meals for a hungry neighbor. Learn more atwww.gcfb.org.
MIS PR
“Watkins Glen International” Authors Present Work at International Motor Racing Research Center
Written by Steven B. Wilson
Watkins Glen International” by Michael Argetsinger and Bill Green will be a topic of conversation on Saturday, May 18 at the International Motor Racing Research Center at 610 S. Decatur Street, Watkins Glen. Track President Michael Printup will be on hand to introduce the duo responsible for the Arcadia Publishing book that begins with the race through the streets on Oct. 2, 1948 and continues through present day at The Glen.
The 127-page pictorial format book, includes more than 200 photos capturing this history of Watkins Glen International and is the second in Arcadia’s series of books featuring tracks that host NASCAR. “Watkins Glen International” will be on sale at IMRRC and both authors will be on hand to sign copies.
Beginning at 1 p.m., the presentation is part of the ongoing Center Conversations speaker series and is free of charge. This presentation also features Philippe Defechereux and Clark Lance, discussing “Watkins Glen, The Street Years 1948-1952, Glory, Drama and the Birth of American Road Racing.”
If Watkins Glen International fans are unable to make it to Saturday’s program, “Watkins Glen International” is available for purchase in The Shop at 2 North Franklin Street. Open from Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., fans are encouraged to pick up their copy while in town at anytime.
Located in the Finger Lake Region of New York, Watkins Glen International is the premier road racing facility in the United States. Tickets for all 2013 events at The Glen are available now by calling 866.461.RACE. Gift certificates, licensed merchandise, Thunder Road Tours and tickets are available for purchase at The Shop, located in downtown Watkins Glen at 2 North Franklin Street and online at www.TheGlen.com. The Shop is open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
WGI PR
Charlotte Motor Speedway Prepares Fans for Race Week Traffic
Written by Steven B. Wilson
In preparation for the 10 Greatest Day in Racing at Charlotte Motor Speedway May 17-26, speedway officials are making sure race fans and area residents are fully equipped to handle race day traffic by providing safe and efficient travel routes and information.
With help from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and the City of Concord, Charlotte Motor Speedway is working to ease travel for fans heading to and from the races. Here are tips from Charlotte Motor Speedway and NCDOT:
Best Routes
For motorists traveling from South Carolina:
Take I-77 North to the I-485 outer loop (Exit 1B) to U.S. 29 North (Exit 32) or N.C. 49 North (Exit 33).
For motorists traveling from west of Charlotte:
Take I-85 North to I-485 (Exit 48) to U.S. 29 North (Exit 32) or N.C. 49 (Exit 33). An alternate route is I-85 North to Poplar Tent Road (Exit 52) to Pitts School Road to U.S. 29 South. Through traffic should remain in the left two lanes of I-85 North to avoid delays near Exit 49.
For motorists traveling from east of Charlotte:
Take the I-485 outer loop to U.S. 29 North (Exit 32) or N.C. 49 North (Exit 33).
For motorists traveling from north of Charlotte:
Take I-85 South to Poplar Tent Road (Exit 52) to Pitts School Road to U.S. 29 South.
Officials recommend motorists take the I-485 outer loop to N.C. 49 North, which is usually less congested than other suggested routes.
Commuters that use I-85 can expect delays beginning on Friday afternoon, May 17, and continuing Saturday May 18 as fans make their way to the speedway for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. The following week, increased traffic is expected around the speedway May 23-26. Commuters should plan to adjust driving time, if possible, or use an alternate route.
Best Travel Times on Race Days
- It is best to arrive at Charlotte Motor Speedway before 5 p.m. on May 17 for the North Carolina Education Lottery 200 and again by 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 23 during LiftMaster Pole Night to avoid commuter traffic.
- The Sprint All-Star Race on May 18 and Coca-Cola 600 on May 26 are both evening races, but fans are encouraged to arrive early to avoid Concord Mills mall congestion. Parking lots open at 7 a.m.
Post-Race Traffic Patterns for the Sprint All-Star Race and Coca-Cola 600
NCDOT will utilize counter flow patterns after the Sprint All-Star Race and Coca-Cola 600.
- Traffic exiting from Entrance P onto Morehead Road will counter flow with three eastbound lanes being utilized until Highway 49 in Harrisburg, N.C.
- Those exiting from Entrance O onto Morehead Road will counter flow four lanes westbound out until Highway 29. All lanes will be directed to turn left towards Charlotte.
- Bruton Smith Boulevard will counter flow using three lanes from Entrance Y until Interstate 85.
- Highway 29 will counter flow using three lanes until Pitt School Road in Concord.
- West Morehead Road/Mallard Creek Church Road will counter flow until Salem Church Road.
Post-Race Traffic Patterns for HISTORY 300
NCDOT will only utilize the counter flow patterns for the HISTORY 300 on May 25 if needed. Traffic leaving Concord Mills mall around 5 p.m. may not be able to connect to hotels, restaurants and businesses to the East of the Interstate 85 bridge.
NCDOT will utilize overhead message signs and portable message signs to alert motorists of problem areas and suggested alternate routes around incidents and congestion. The Department advises motorists to check for real time traffic information by calling 511 or by signing up for updates on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ncdot_charlotte.
Traffic maps are posted on Charlotte Motor Speedway's website at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/fans/maps/.
CMS PR
Dover International Speedway hosts team testing for 11 NASCAR teams in preparation for May 31-June 2, 2013 race weekend
Written by Steven B. Wilson
Dover International Speedway hosted its first team testing session of the year on May 14, with six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams and five NASCAR Nationwide Series teams turning laps at the Monster Mile today in preparation for the May 31-June 2, 2013 tripleheader weekend.
The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams testing included Tony Stewart, Danica Patrick and Ryan Newman, all of Stewart-Haas Racing; Jamie McMurray and Juan Pablo Montoya of Earnhardt Ganassi Racing; and Germain Racing’s Casey Mears. NASCAR Nationwide Series teams on track included Austin and Ty Dillon, plus Brian Scott, all of Richard Childress Racing; and Sam Hornish Jr. and Ryan Blaney, both of Penske Racing.
The test was the first opportunity for these drivers to try out the all-new Generation 6 car at Dover. The results so far, McMurray said, have been fast, as expected.
“Everywhere we’ve been with this car it’s been quite a bit faster than the car that we had last year,” he said. “Normally at a test you can run faster than you can at the race. The track is clean, there’s not a lot of rubber on it, so yeah, our speeds today have been quite a bit quicker than what we ran in race trip last year. It’s got a lot of grip and the track is really fast.”
Montoya added that being able to turn a few laps in the Gen 6 at Dover should help when he returns in a few weeks to race in the June 2, 2013 “FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks” NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.
“You look at the big things that you can do for race weekend,” he said of testing. “When you come here for race weekend, you pretty much know what you’re going to run. Usually, the window you have to work with is very small, unless you have testing. Then you have data and telemetry in the cars, and a lot more stuff to work with in testing.”
All the drivers on site will return for a second day of testing on May 15, with Blaney and Hornish Jr. sticking around for an extra day on May 16.
Dover Motorsports PR
Experience the Thrill of Atlanta Motor Speedway with Special Offer from Richard Petty Driving Experience
Written by Steven B. Wilson
Fans looking to get out of the grandstands and truly experience the raw speed and power of a 600-horsepower NASCAR race car on Atlanta Motor Speedway’s 1.54-mile surface can do so this summer with a special offer from Richard Petty Driving Experience (RPDE).
Beginning now, RPDE will offer high-speed three-lap Race Rides for $59 ($109 value) with each ticket purchased to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AdvoCare 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sunday, Sept. 1. This discount, a $50 discount over the regular rate, is also available to customers that have already purchased AdvoCare 500 tickets.
Race Rides purchased through this special offer will take place on Thursday, Aug. 29 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Fans will ride shotgun for three thrilling laps in a 600-horsepower NASCAR race car as they experience Atlanta Motor Speedway first-hand leading into the AdvoCare 500 race weekend.
Those looking to purchase this discounted Race Ride will need to obtain a voucher number through the AMS Ticket Office prior to purchasing their rides from RPDE.
Richard Petty Driving Experience offers real-life NASCAR racing thrills, putting customers as close to being in the race as they will ever get. Programs include eight to 50-lap driving experiences where participants have the chance to climb behind the wheel and experience the feel of a 600-horsepower stock car. Riding shotgun with one of RPDE’s professional driving instructors for three high-speed laps is also an option.
Couple the hands-on experience of riding shotgun in a 600-horsepower stock car with the high-banks and lightning-quick speeds of the 1.54-mile Atlanta Motor Speedway, where many of racing’s greatest moments have taken place, and it is easy to see why this deal is a must for the racing fan looking to get as close as they can, right inside a NASCAR stock car!
To reserve this special Race Ride promotion, call the Atlanta Motor Speedway Ticket Office at (877) 9-AMS-TIX. To learn more about Richard Petty Driving Experience drive and ride programs visit www.drivepetty.com or call 1 (800) 237-3889.
AMS PR
Michigan National Guard sponsors NCWTS race at MIS
Written by Steven B. Wilson
The Michigan National Guard is proud to announce the continuation of its partnership with Michigan International Speedway to include the sponsorship of the August 2013 truck race, the Michigan National Guard 200.
“We are excited to announce the Michigan National Guard as sponsor of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at MIS in August,” track President Roger Curtis said. “It provides a great opportunity for the Michigan National Guard to spread its message and communicate with its target audience. We look forward to continuing our long-term support of the military.”
While the Michigan National Guard has always had a presence at the races, this marks the first time the organization has sponsored a race.
As the title sponsor, it allows the Michigan National Guard the opportunity to market its brand to its target audience through television, radio and print mediums on a state and nationwide basis. It also gives the organization access to a tremendous social media network already built by MIS and NASCAR.
“Our partnership with Michigan International Speedway connects many of our troops to a sport they really enjoy while also providing us a venue to show the public what the Michigan National Guard is all about,” said Maj. Gen. Gregory Vadnais, Michigan adjutant general. “Michigan is the automotive capital of the world and it only makes sense that our Guard members are at the forefront of such a spectacular event.”
The partnership will allow the Michigan National Guard to connect with the citizens of Michigan and potential recruits through NASCAR. The two share the same values of teamwork and competing to be the best, making for a natural partnership.
The Michigan National Guard will also continue to partner with Michigan International Speedway for race activities at all of the events held at MIS in 2013.
MIS continues its long-time support of military initiatives through various ticket programs and support throughout the year.
MIS PR
It’s difficult to overstate just how big the 10 Greatest Days in Racing are at Charlotte Motor Speedway, with fans from around the globe tuning in to watch NASCAR’s best battle for up to $2 million at the Sprint All-Star Race and endure the season’s toughest test of man and machine at the Coca-Cola 600.
“In the next two weeks, hundreds of thousands of fans will attend race events at the speedway, enjoy Food Lion Speed Street and visit area race shops and the NASCAR Hall of Fame,” said Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway. “The motorsports month of May brings a worldwide spotlight to Charlotte and a high-octane boost to tourism that may be unmatched anywhere in the country.”
Dedicated fans from all 50 states and as far away as Queensland, Australia will travel to the heart of NASCAR country to take in all the excitement of back-to-back weekends at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Millions more will tune in as NASCAR is broadcast worldwide to more than 150 countries and in more than 20 different languages. In 2012, the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race was the most-viewed telecast on SPEED. The following week on FOX, the Coca-Cola 600 won the night on primetime broadcast television amongst all viewers, kids 2-17 and males 18-34. In total, May races at Charlotte Motor Speedway drew more than 15 million domestic viewers in 2012.
Approximately 5,000 people work at the speedway during each NASCAR event weekend. In addition, with fans camping or staying in local hotels, eating at local restaurants and visiting area attractions like the team race shops and NASCAR Hall of Fame, the economic impact to the region has been estimated at $250 million to $275 million.
But the impact isn’t just felt on race weekends. In 2012, more than 150 community groups and nonprofits partnered with Charlotte Motor Speedway to assist in race operations, earning more than $600,000 for their respective groups throughout the year. During NASCAR event weekends last year, Speedway Children’s Charities also generated funding to support 36 local nonprofit and charity groups.
CMS PR
Looking for a Volunteer Opportunity? Check out The Glen this Summer
Written by Steven B. Wilson
The unique venue that is Watkins Glen International and the variety of events hosted provides non-profit groups and organizations the chance to volunteer at any of the 2013 events, including Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen (June 28-30). The Glen is in need of groups interested in volunteering their time fulfilling diverse roles during an event weekend this summer.
Additional volunteer opportunities exist for Finger Lakes Wine Festival presented by Yancey’s Fancy (July 12-14), Cheez-It™ 355 at The Glen (August 8-11), Glenora Wine Cellars U.S. Vintage Grand Prix presented by Welliver (September 6-8) and the recently announced Glentoberfest on October 26. Volunteer opportunities include: assisting with food and beverage service, parking attendants, retail sales, guest services, grounds keeping, worker registration, grandstand ushers and ticketing.
Watkins Glen International donates to the non-profit group or organization in acknowledgement for volunteering their time and energy to making The Glen great. If your non-profit group or organization is interested in volunteering during any or all of the 2013 event weekends, please send your application, available online here, via email to Marianne Shoemaker at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by mail to WGI Guest Services, 2790 County Route 16, Watkins Glen, NY 14891.
Located in the Finger Lake Region of New York, Watkins Glen International is the premier road racing facility in the United States. Tickets for all 2013 events at The Glen are available now by calling 866.461.RACE. Gift certificates, licensed merchandise, Thunder Road Tours and tickets are available for purchase at The Shop, located in downtown Watkins Glen at 2 North Franklin Street and online at www.TheGlen.com. The Shop is open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
WGI PR
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Appearance Highlights "No. 88 Package" for July 6 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race
Written by Steven B. Wilson
Daytona International Speedway will offer a special ticket package for the upcoming NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event on Saturday night, July 6 at the “World Center of Racing” that includes a question and answer session with No. 88 National Guard driver Dale Earnhardt Jr.
The No. 88 Package, available starting at $88 per ticket for adults and $35 for children 12 and under, includes:
· A grandstand ticket to the 160-lap, 400-mile NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Saturday, July 6 at Daytona International Speedway
· 15-minute question-and-answer session with Dale Earnhardt Jr. inside an air-conditioned tent in the frontstretch hospitality village
· $10 in Daytona Dollars that can be used for food and non-alcoholic beverages at any Daytona International Speedway concession stand
· Special Daytona International Speedway giveaways
Tickets for No. 88 Package are available at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/88 or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.
DIS PR
